New study shows increased pathogens near B.C. open-net salmon farms

A recent study conducted by the Pacific Salmon Foundation and three northern Vancouver Island First Nations has revealed troubling findings about the presence of harmful pathogens near active open-net salmon farms. The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports, utilized environmental DNA analysis to identify elevated levels of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that pose a threat to wild salmon populations.

Researchers collected water samples from areas surrounding the Broughton Archipelago near north Vancouver Island, comparing samples taken near active and inactive open-net salmon farms. The study indicated that water collected near active farms contained four times more pathogens harmful to wild salmon than samples from inactive farms. Emiliano Di Cicco, a researcher with the foundation, emphasized the importance of this discovery, stating that salmon farms can amplify pathogens that can negatively impact wild salmon in the region.

The Pacific Salmon Foundation advocates for the relocation of open-net salmon farms to closed containment systems to protect wild fish from the harmful effects of farm waste. Di Cicco highlighted the significance of addressing this risk factor, noting that while various factors such as climate change impact salmon populations, the removal of open-net salmon farms presents a more feasible solution.

The contentious issue of open-net salmon farming has sparked debate in coastal B.C. communities, with some First Nations groups and environmental organizations expressing concerns about the transmission of diseases to wild salmon. The federal government has announced plans to phase out open-net salmon farms in the province by 2029.

However, the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association has strongly criticized the recent study, claiming that the results overstate the risk posed by pathogens from salmon farms to wild salmon. Gary Marty, an independent senior fish pathology consultant, dismissed the findings, stating that disease is prevalent in all animal populations and suggesting that wild salmon populations near farms do not exhibit significant differences in trends compared to those in unaffected areas.

Despite opposition from industry representatives, hereditary chief Ernest Alfred of the Namgis First Nation, part of the Broughton Aquaculture Transition Initiative, stands by the research findings. Alfred noted that salmon populations have shown signs of recovery since the closure of most open-net salmon farms in the Broughton archipelago two years ago. He emphasized the importance of protecting wild salmon for indigenous communities, reaffirming their commitment to collecting data and advocating for the health of salmon populations.

In conclusion, the study’s findings underscore the need for continued research and proactive measures to safeguard wild salmon from the potential risks associated with open-net salmon farming. The ongoing debate surrounding this issue highlights the importance of balancing economic interests with environmental conservation to ensure the long-term sustainability of salmon populations in coastal B.C.