Save Wild Salmon in British Columbia

Open net-cage salmon farms continue to threaten the health of British Columbia's (B.C.) marine ecosystems and the survival of wild salmon. Regulations and enforcement can't fix a technology that is fundamentally flawed. The only way to protect ocean health and wild salmon from the devastating impacts of salmon farming, and to sustain salmon farm jobs in coastal communities, is to transition to closed containment systems.

B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell has voiced his support for just such a system, and in a recent media interview, said of implementing a commercial-scale closed containment project in the province: "We think that's actually a good idea." Join us in encouraging the Premier to act on this good idea.

B.C. has a tremendous opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable aquaculture technology. Now is the time to invest in innovations that will build new, greener jobs and an export industry that services the growing demand for sustainable products.

Tell Premier Gordon Campbell he's right -- closed containment is a good idea. Now he should be a leader and allocate the funds to develop this new technology.
I was very pleased to read of your support for closed containment salmon aquaculture (Westcoaster, May 11 2009). I fully agree with you that investing in closed containment pilot projects is "a good idea".

I am writing to ask you to contribute a minimum of 5 million dollars in your upcoming budget to a closed containment fund. Fostering the development of greener aquaculture systems will help protect the health of our oceans and wild salmon while creating jobs and new business opportunities in BC.

Now is the time to move forward in creating green solutions for B.C.'s economy and resources. Large and small restaurants and retailers are supporting more sustainable aquaculture practices and market demand is growing daily. I applaud you for recognizing the merit of this initiative -- and I'm not alone. The Pacific Salmon Forum, numerous Chambers of Commerce and local and Regional District governments and thousands of British Columbians have voiced their support for this same solution. I also fully support your view that we need to protect our wild salmon, first and foremost, but need to sustain jobs in coastal communities as well. Closed containment is the solution to both.

[Your comments]

Please do not delay any longer. Now is the time for the Province to demonstrate leadership in sustainable economic development. The B.C. coast is a global biodiversity treasure; it can also be at the forefront of aquaculture technology development. I look forward to watching your government's progress on this timely initiative.
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