News

October-November 2002

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

In mid-September the BC government announced the lifting of the seven year moratorium on the expansion of fish farms in BC and said it will provide millions of dollars of assistance to the industry for 'research'. This has led to a storm of protest.

Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, has announced that the UBCIC categorically rejects the government's move to lift the moratorium within First Nations territories.

"We have witnessed the negative impacts of the existing fish farms and the devastation those non-indigenous aquaculture operations inflict on our First Nations people, the marine environment, and the entire fishing industry," stated Chief Phillip.

Thousands upon thousands of escaped Atlantic salmon displace wild indigenous salmon from their traditional waters and spawning grounds, Chief Phillip said. "With the wild salmon fishery already in jeopardy, there is now an even greater potential for our wild stocks to be completely wiped out".

"These farmed fish are force fed drugs that poison and destroy local marine life. In addition, the outbreak of terminal disease within the farmed fish population is on the increase. Effluent from fish contaminates shellfish and wild stocks, and poses a great threat to the environment. The health of our First Nations people as well as the consumer public is at stake".

Chief Phillip has demanded a full review on the impacts of fish farming industry be undertaken in consultation with First Nations people. "We are not merely a 'stakeholder' with special interests. Fishing is and will continue to be an aboriginal right. As First Nations people, we will honor our responsibility to the fishery with an undeniable zero tolerance approach".

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs was established in 1969. www.ubcic.bc.ca.

PINK SALMON CRASHING

At press time there appears to have been a near-total collapse of pink salmon in BC's Broughton Archipelago, likely the result of the sea lice epidemic there last year.

Most of the runs "have resoundly crashed", says Alexandra Morton. The Ahta River run, for example, has dropped from 48,000 fish to just 220. Results from the Broughton rivers to date show a drop from 3.6 million fish in 2000 (the broodyear of these fish), down to 33,220 this year, a drop of over 99%!

Pinks are very susceptible to sea lice, but in a natural setting there would no adult infested salmon in the inlets at the time pink salmon smolts migrate to the sea. Unfortunately, it appears that fish farm net pens in these areas last year passed lethal levels of lice to the outflowing pink smolts.

It was Alexandra Morton's research last year, that showed pink salmon smolts were heavily infested with sea lice.

Morton says that in future, fish farms on the wild migration routes must be left fallow till the pinks have gone to sea, because, as she says, the pinks "cannot sustain another hit like this without going extinct".

FOREST RECREATION DISMANTLED

The BC government continues to move at a fast pace in their plan to dismantle and privatize the forest recreation system. Your help is needed now! Please visit the 'Take Action' section of www.earthcares.org/ and send a letter about this to members of the Legislature. Be sure to send a copy to the Premier (premier@gov.bc.ca) and Minister of Forests (mike.dejong.mla@leg.bc.ca).

NEW CAMPAIGNER

Christianne Wilhelmson is the Georgia Strait Alliance's new Clean Air & Water Coordinator. She'll be responsible for overseeing GSA's ToxicSmart program, along with other pollution-focused work, working out of GSA's new Vancouver office, in the Dominion Building on West Hastings: 604-633-0560, christianne@georgiastrait.org.

Christianne has a BA, BSc Honours in Biology & Environmental/Resource Sciences, and a MSc in Zoology (Ecology). She's currently studying for a Certificate of Public Relations.

'ESSENCE OF THE SEA'

Many of the ocean's treasures are hidden from view underwater or in remote areas, making it difficult to see the reality of this complex ecosystem. Therefore, Living Oceans Society is working with over 40 artists who are interested in creating a portal into the soul of the ocean. Artists and photographers have created artistic images that capture the richness of the ocean in 5 conservation hotspots identified in the group's Marine Protected Area campaign. Other artists have worked from underwater photography to create their interpretations. The artistic images will highlight the need for us to take steps to protect our ocean now for future generations.

Participating artists include Robert Bateman, Mark Hobson and Bill Helin. There will be a travelling art show and a variety of art products will be available. The art will sell through silent, on-line auction (www.livingoceans.org). The art will also be available for viewing in Vancouver, Victoria and Campbell River.

For more info contact Patrick Walshe at 250-973-6580, www.livingoceans.org.

CANOE MUSEUM WEBSITE

The Canadian Canoe Museum is announcing the birth of its totally upgraded, completely renovated new website. Visit www.canoemuseum.net for the latest information on exhibits, education programs, and a special section on canoeing heritage.

THWAYTES LANDING

Thwaytes Landing is one of the last remaining, residentially-zoned, large oceanfront properties remaining in BC's Lower Mainland. Located in Indian Arm, it is accessible only by water. Now this property is becoming the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD)'s newest park.

Both the GVRD and the District of North Vancouver have contributed $500,000 each, two-thirds of the $1.5 million purchase price.

Now it's up to The Land Conservancy of BC (TLC) and the Pacific Parklands Foundation to raise the remaining $500,000 by January 2004. Please make a donation to The Land Conservancy of BC to ensure that this wonderful property will be protected. All donors receive a Canadian tax receipt.

130 acres, with 1,100 meters of shoreline, and located mid-way up Indian Arm, it will be a great campsite in time. Currently there are no facilities. Until a management plan is completed, paddlers and boaters may use the rocky beach as a day-use rest area only. Avoid the cliffs and respect the caretaker's privacy by staying away from the dock and the other buildings. Build no fires and keep dogs leashed.

TLC The Land Conservancy of BC, Ph: 604-733-2313. Email: Vancouver@conservancy.bc.ca. Web: www.conservancy.bc.ca.

NEW COURSE FOR GUIDES

This year, a new, mandatory, core course was added to the Adventure Guide Certificate requirements for those pursuing a career in Guiding at community colleges. The course, "Natural History Interpretation In Canada", will help future guides expand their knowledge base of natural and cultural history in addition to their physical skillset.

The occupational standards and training for this course are co-ordinated by the Canadian Tourism Human Resources Council (CTHRC), in partnership with industry and educators.

Experienced outdoor guides wanting to improve their interpretation skills can pursue Interpretation Canada training modules or professional certification through CTHRC.

In BC, Bold Point Centre on Quadra Island offers EcoInterpreter training modules, based on CTHRC guide standards. For information on EcoInterpreter and Heritage Interpreter training opportunities, contact Rod Burns, at bph@connected.bc.ca or phone / fax: 250 285 2272.