Ottawa has approved a fish transfer licence application by a small aquaculture operation in the controversial Discovery Islands, where salmon farmers have been told to cease operations.
The licence extension and transfer permit issued to Yellow Island Aquaculture is “in the interest of ocean science” said Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray, in a statement.
Yellow Island Aquaculture Ltd. is a small, fully-integrated Pacific salmon hatchery and farm located on Quadra Island, which is part of the Discovery Islands, east of Campbell River on Vancouver Island.
In her statement, Minister Murray said; “The Yellow Island site supports a multi-year research program that has studied the effects of prebiotics and probiotics on Chinook salmon since 2018. The information collected here will contribute to improved understanding of salmon immunity.
“The scientists conducting the study requested a transfer of 3,000 Chinook salmon smolts from their hatchery to their Discovery Islands facility for an additional two months, to ensure they have consistent, reliable data for this year of their study. After carefully reviewing their application, and given the time-limited nature of the request, I have granted the licence extension and transfer permit, in the interest of ocean science.”
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