On December 20th, DFO Minister Bernadette Jordan announced the decision to remove fish farms from the Discovery Islands. On January 18th the fish farm companies applied to Federal Court seeking a judicial review to over turn her decision. They claimed if they had more time to consult First Nations they would be able to come to an agreement to continue operations. Disregarding the fact the Minister completed a months-long “nation-to-nation” consultation process with seven First Nations that hold title in the area.
On January 22nd, BC’s First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) issued a statement denouncing Mowi, Cermaq and Grieg’s application to overturn the Minister's decision.
Excerpt:
"The FNLC welcomed the December 2020 decision from Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, as it is an important acknowledgement of the impacts open net pen fish farms have on wild salmon beyond their site.
The FNLC calls for the decision to be upheld. It is clear that the majority of First Nations in BC oppose open net pen fish farming due to the detrimental effects it has on wild salmon: the 102 First Nations that support the removal of fish farms from the ocean are supportive of Minister Jordan’s decision.”
This is an historic first, that First Nation leaders are stepping up and standing beside a Minister’s decision. As Alexandra Morton said, that’s the way it should be.
Read the full statement below. Visit Alexandra's FB for more news and updates on this story.
