New research raises serious concerns about the risks open-net pen salmon farms pose to wild Pacific salmon. A study found viral heart disease on 5 of 7 salmon farms examined in B.C.’s Broughton Archipelago. Researchers also found evidence that the virus can spread into surrounding waters, even when farmed salmon show no signs of disease. Wild salmon shouldn’t have to bear the risks of open-net pen farming. Protecting wild fish means getting these farms out of B.C.’s waters. Read more from the Pacific Salmon Foundation at the link in bio. #PacificSalmon #WildSalmon #WildFirst

New research finds viral heart disease is more widespread on B.C.’s open-net pen salmon farms than previously reported. Wild salmon shouldn’t bear the risks of open-net pen farming. It’s time to get these farms out of B.C.’s waters. wildfirst.ca/study-finds-vir…

It’s the end of the line for open-net pen farmed salmon. Learn more about some of the top reasons chefs are dropping open-net pen farmed salmon from their menus: offthetable.ca/ #OffTheTable

16 days. That’s how long a feedlot needs to meet its “containment” requirements each month. For the rest of the month, salmon are exposed to viruses, bacteria, and sea lice. “Containment” should mean protection from these risks, every single day.

The Sámi Parliament Council is urging Norway to stop expanding open-pen fish farming, citing threats to wild salmon. From Norway to B.C., Indigenous voices are standing up for wild salmon. It’s time to get open-net fish farms out of the ocean. Read more: wildfirst.ca/sami-parliament…

ICYMI: The Hupačasath First Nation has served an eviction notice to a Cermaq hatchery. “Cermaq does not have social licence to operate in Hupačasath territory. They do not have our consent to rear invasive fish that threaten wild salmon stocks in our territory.” Hear more from Hereditary Chief Alton Watts: wildfirst.ca/hupacasath-nati…

What does "semi-closed" fish farm containment mean? ❌ It doesn’t eliminate viruses, bacteria, or parasites.  Semi-closed containment systems do not eliminate the risk to wild salmon and BC ecosystems.

Hupačasath Hereditary Chief Alton Watts has served Cermaq an eviction notice, calling for its Port Alberni hatchery to shut down by year’s end amid concerns about wild salmon health. Wild salmon can’t afford more risks. Ottawa: keep your 2029 promise. Finish the job.

Here’s the worst idea we’ve heard in a while. A so-called “Marine Donut” is being promoted as a solution, but it is not a true closed-containment system. It still releases untreated liquid effluent into the ocean, putting wild salmon migratory routes in places like the Discovery Islands at continued risk. Even the company behind the system says the best economic use is for post-smolt production, which means fish would still need to be moved into open-net pens to grow to market size. That is not a transition. It is a rebrand. Wild salmon need real protection, and that means real closed containment, not more costly half-measures dressed up as progress. oceansupercluster.ca/project…

DFO’s proposed levels of closed containment for fish farms would still allow viruses, bacteria, waste and sea lice to move from farmed salmon to wild Pacific salmon. When the goal is to protect wild salmon, the standard should be clear: containment must actually contain the risks.

For over 30 years, open net pen fish farms have put wild Pacific salmon at risk. Multiple species are now in critical decline. Banning open net pen fish farms by 2029 is an essential step in protecting wild Pacific salmon, for today and for generations to come.

How are pathogens contributing to salmon mortality in the ocean? PSF researcher Dr. Emiliano Di Cicco is investigating Tenacibaculum, a bacteria that can cause disease in wild fish — and higher levels are often found around open-net fish farms. Read more from @PSF: wildfirst.ca/research-invest…

For First Nations across B.C., wild salmon are food security, culture and tradition. Unfortunately, salmon populations are in decline. We can’t control every threat facing salmon, but we can control the choices we make. Ending open-net pen farming is one important step toward giving wild salmon a chance to recover. wildfirst.ca/declining-wild-…