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For far too long, polarization has described the relationship between environmentalists and fishermen. When you see a story on the news, read an article in the paper, ask yourself if the story reflects what is happening in BC. Luckily for us, collaboration describes the relationship between reps from the Canadian Groundfish Research and Conservation Society , The Living Oceans Society and The David Suzuki Foundation. Since March 28, 2012, "the two groups have developed innovative measures to conserve corals, sponges and deep sea habitats." Bruce Turris of the CGRCS states; "It is important to address these habitat conservation issues because we recognize that our industry's future is reliant on a healthy ecosystem". For more information please check out the full media release:
My commitment to articles and information is to provide a balanced and informed perspective on issues. Life is not always black and white and at times requires us to do some more challenging thinking in how we live in the world. And yes, at other times life requires us to stomp and yell because we are all citizens of this earth. As in relationships, the greater the disconnect from what is around us, the greater the conflict/problems. Man cannot act apart from nature's systems without facing consequences.
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How many times have you been told or thought you must reduce your tuna intake because of mercury levels? I admit that when I see a news story or a dietician being interviewed on tv making this claim I cringe. Mostly because for at least 4 years now, the BC government has put out a Healthlink Webpage listing wild bc caught/processed albacore tuna as having no limits to portions all demographics of society can eat freely...including pregnant/nursing mothers!!
Were you aware that all seafood destined for bc/canadian consumption has mandatory testing systems in place? It is because of this testing that the BC government was able to look at long term studies of such testing to feel confident enough to make this information public. So why isn't this a brag-worthy news story about locally caught and bc processed albacore tuna? Local Tuna Fisherman Bruce Devereux of Estevan Tuna provides us with his high quality hook and line caught tuna which is also in bpa free cans processed by St Jean's Cannery in Nanaimo, BC. Without a doubt the single biggest issue to date with local BC seafood is the concern from the nuclear reactor incident in Fukushima Japan. Here is an article from the David Suzuki website which certainly helps me sift through the hype and non scientific information which can be found in abundance on the internet. Credible sources are important. Please read this article which I have also linked on our facebook page. It confirms that westcoast seafood is safe to eat, but consumers as always must be vigilant and informed. I know this article made me breathe easier. The struggle in understanding the farmed salmon vs wild salmon debate can be completely aggravating, and confusing. Again, credible sources are important. What is also important are regulations which govern international billion dollar companies seeking to put their salmon farms all along the coast of BC. I read an article recently on the CommonSenseCanadian about how the fish farm companies get up to $30/fish for entire culls of fish needing to be destroyed because of disease ruining the harvest. The CFIA sends a cheque because many fish farm companies "have difficulty getting insurance because they lose so many 'crops' to-wait for it disease"
If you want clear cut information with credible sources about fish farm industry, check out the website Farmed and Dangerous organized for the Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform (CAAR). The Living Oceans Society, The David Suzuki Foundation, The Georgia Strait Alliance and the T.Buck Suzuki Foundation are all part of this coallition. There is always some players in any industry who take responsibility towards improving the industry they are a part of. A variety of companies have moved or developed their fish farming programs into on land tanks. The Broughton Archipelago Monitoring Program (BAMP) involves 3 major fish farming companies, CAAR and researchers working collaboratively to study history of area in regards to sea lice factors/transmission to wild stocks. Another positive I have seen is the difference between farmed shellfish standards/practices from those of the fish farm industry. For a great example, check out the website for Sawmill Bay Shellfish Co. which does visit the Vancouver Farmers Market at times. |
Sea SenseConsumer friendly,common sensisicle information related to the BC fishing industry. Ron Gorman Jr. "goes fishing" for helpful info about fish farms, environmental issues, seafood prep & many interesting subjects surrounding all things "fishy!" Archives
November 2017
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