Re: “I quote chapter and verse of the Cohen Commission scripture,” Nov. 16, Campbell River Mirror
While I am glad to see Ms. Adams providing sources for her anti-salmon farming claims, she also shows how easy it is to misquote “scripture.”
In constructing her sermon against aquaculture, which again ignores the “elephant in the room” of climate change identified by Justice Cohen, she has also ignored the context behind the “verses” she selects. In the same paragraphs she cherry-picks from, Justice Cohen makes it clear he is not suggesting salmon farms are doing harm, but that because of perceived risks, more research and a cautionary approach to future farm expansion is required:
“I accept the evidence that management practices taken within net pens are intended to reduce the risk of disease as much as possible and to keep both farmed and wild fish healthy. However, I cannot determine on the evidence before me whether those measures ensure that the risk of serious harm from disease and pathogen transfer is a minimal one. As described in the section above on the likelihood of harm, too little research has been done on the effects of salmon farms and related diseases and pathogens on Fraser River sockeye for me to reach a conclusion either way” (Cohen Commission Final Report, Volume 3, Chapter 2, Page 23).
“Data presented during this Inquiry did not show that salmon farms were having a significant negative impact on Fraser River sockeye. However, as noted above, the statistical power of the database (containing fish health data from 2004 to 2010) was too low to rule out significant negative impact. I accept the evidence of Dr. Korman and Dr. Dill that scientists need another 10 years of regulatory data (until at least mid-2020) before they can more confidently identify any relationships that may exist” (Cohen Commission Final Report, Volume 3, Chapter 2, Page 24).
But we could quote “scripture” at each other all day. I encourage readers to not take my word for it, or Ms. Adams, but to go online and read the recommendations for themselves if they are really interested. At 1,200 pages, the report is as long as a “holy book” but like any religion out there, it’s always best to read the source for yourself, lest ye be duped.
Grant Warkentin – Mainstream Canada
Communications Officer