In response to Grant Warkentin’s Nov. 9, 2012 letter in the Campbell River Mirror, regarding the Estuary Protection Group’s letter to Christy Clark, published in the C.R. Mirror Nov. 7, our Cohen Commission Report facts are taken directly from the wording of recommendations 15 and 18 on siting of net-pen fish farms, not myth, false or distortion.
If Grant of Mainstream Canada has a problem with the recommendations, I suggest he take it up with Judge Cohen.
Found at link http://www.cohencommission.ca/en/FinalReport/ pg. 17-26, In addition to the need for continuing research, Judge Cohen also said:
“I accept the evidence that the state of scientific research about sockeye–fish farm interactions is not sufficiently developed to rule out diseases on salmon farms as contributing to the decline of Fraser River sockeye and posing future risks.” pg 20.
“I therefore conclude that the potential harm posed to Fraser River sockeye salmon from salmon farms is serious or irreversible. Disease transfer occurs between wild and farmed fish, and I am satisfied that salmon farms along the sockeye migration route have the potential to introduce exotic diseases and to exacerbate endemic diseases that could have a negative impact on Fraser River sockeye.” pg 22
“In my view, the risk of serious harm that salmon farms pose to Fraser River sockeye along their entire migration route – not just 1 km from the mouth of the river – needs to be considered and reflected in siting criteria.” pg. 22
“In summary, I have concluded that net-pen salmon farming in the Discovery Islands poses a risk of serious harm to Fraser River sockeye through the transfer of diseases and pathogens.” pg.25
For the above reasons, The C.R. Estuary Protection Group have asked Premier Clark to follow Judge Cohen’s recommendations on siting of net-pen farms in the Discovery Islands.
Leona Adams
Campbell River