After recent media statements from anti-aquaculture campaigners that posed a link between wild salmon returns and closed farm sites, the BC Salmon Farmers Association released recent data showing that there’s no relationship between wild salmon returns and active salmon farms.
According to the trade body, “recent statements issued to Vancouver media from anti-salmon farming campaigners are contrary to data and evidence.”
The BC Salmon Farmers Association says that Bob Chamberlin, a campaigner who has been outspoken against salmon farming in British Columbia for many years, “stepped over the line with his latest inaccurate statements to media.”
“In his eagerness to ride the wave of good news about the potential strong returns of many species of Pacific salmon returning to rivers in BC this year, Mr Chamberlin has severely misrepresented historical data and relied on speculation to try and prove his unwavering belief that there is a relationship between wild salmon returns and salmon farms,” says Ruth Salmon, interim executive director at the BC Salmon Farmers Association.
In several appearances on Vancouver radio, newspapers and television news, Mr Chamberlin speculated this week that the closure of some salmon farms in the Broughton Archipelago area in 2020 will result in a strong return of pink salmon returning to the Ahta river this year to spawn. His press release claimed that this is “compelling evidence” that salmon farms are a “primary cause” of declines in wild salmon.
“However, the facts are there is no causative link, let alone a correlation, related to salmon farm activity and salmon returns,” says Ruth Salmon. “Pink salmon returns are very volatile, so much so that one can cherry-pick a single river in any year and make up a story to support their belief.”
The trade organisation, which represents over 70 businesses involved in British Columbia’s fish value chain, released recent data on the Ahta river, pink salmon and local aquaculture operations.
“For many years, we’ve frustratingly been witness to anti-salmon farming campaigners going to media early with speculation and anecdotes to influence negative headlines about salmon farming in British Columbia,” adds Ruth Salmon. “The facts – that never receive the same exposure from media as the criticisms – have not once supported these allegations.”