441-01244 (Fisheries)

The Government of Canada recognizes that wild Pacific salmon are an iconic species and of great importance to the people and communities of British Columbia, and in particular, to Indigenous peoples, both culturally and economically. Wild Pacific salmon are facing historic threats from a variety of stressors.

Given the unprecedented threats that wild Pacific salmon are facing, we must take action to conserve and protect them.  Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is working with the Province of British Columbia and Indigenous communities to create a responsible plan to transition from open net-pen salmon farming in coastal British Columbia waters by 2025.

The Government is committed to ensuring aquaculture activities are undertaken in a manner that is environmentally responsible, sustainable, and minimizes impacts on wild salmon and other fish stocks along our coasts. DFO works closely with provincial and territorial partners, and in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, to create and maintain an effective and responsible regulatory framework for aquaculture in Canada.

DFO continues to conduct research on disease pathogens, including the occurrence of Piscine Orthoreovirus (PRV) in wild populations of Pacific salmon, and in 2019 initiated a project to examine the occurrence of PRV in juvenile salmon at commercial and freshwater enhancement hatcheries in British Columbia prior to transfer to the marine environment. 

The Government previously undertook engagement in 2020 and 2021 and collected views on transitioning the salmon aquaculture sector in British Columbia, and on July 29, 2022, DFO released a discussion framework which outlines a proposed vision for transitioning from open net-pen salmon aquaculture in British Columbia. The transition plan will ensure that finfish aquaculture in British Columbia is conducted in a manner that reduces or eliminates interactions with wild Pacific salmon.

The framework has guided engagement with the Government of British Columbia, First Nations, industry, local governments, stakeholders, and British Columbians. Once a transition plan is finalized and published later this year, DFO will continue to collaborate and engage with partners and stakeholders on its implementation. DFO believes that this work will drive Canada toward technological innovation, and place us at the forefront of modern, sustainable aquaculture.

Growing a sustainable blue economy that creates jobs in coastal communities while ensuring oceans remain healthy is a priority for the Government of Canada. It is important to understand how a transition from open-net pen salmon aquaculture in British Columbia can support these goals.