The department subsequently ordered nine individual risk assessments, completed by the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat, that concluded the pathogen transmission from Atlantic salmon farms did indeed pose “minimal risk” to the Fraser River sockeye population.
The department recommended that the minister reissue new licences until June 2024, in part because industry across B.C. would view the outcome of the Discovery Islands decision as “an indicator of future direction under the transition plan.”Article content Murray’s office said on Tuesday that they are responding to concerns from First Nations and industry by extending the consultation period for six months. A recommendation that was expected to go to cabinet in June will now be pushed back until the fall.Article content
Sources in Ottawa suggest that some of Murray’s cabinet colleagues are already asking her why she plans to kill so many jobs. “Ministers won’t break publicly but there are a number who are really scratching their heads at this,” said one well-connected Liberal. An Atlantic salmon is seen during a Department of Fisheries and Oceans fish health audit at the Okisollo fish farm near Campbell River, B.C.There is considerable support in some First Nations communities for shutting down an industry they believe puts wild salmon populations at risk.
Former Reform Party leader Preston Manning once said that environmental protection now takes precedence over economic development, after decades of the environment being relegated in any assessment of industrial projects.