Wild salmon stocks need protection

Simon Fraser University professor Rick Routledge and biologist Alexander Morton have reported that sockeye smolts from Rivers Inlet have tested positive for the European strain of Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA ) as identified by Dr. Fred Kibenge of the ISA reference laboratory at the Atlantic Veterinary College in P.E.I. Fish farm protesters said it’s time for the federal department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to take action.

“The top priority of DFO should be the protection of wild salmon as per their own Wild Salmon Policy,” said Chief Bob Chamberlin, vice-president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC). “DFO cannot ignore the fact that the only possible source of the European strain of ISA is Atlantic salmon fish farms. DFO cannot continue to be blinded by their insidious relationship with the fish farm industry. We, as Indigenous peoples, British Columbians and Canadians must act now because we cannot afford to allow ISA to take away our children’s birthright.”
Chief Jonathan Kruger of the Penticton Indian Band expressed concerns stating “The Penticton Indian Band has devoted considerable time and significant resources to revive the wild salmon runs in our territory. As a community, we have relied on wild salmon since time immemorial and it is deeply disturbing to hear the horrific news that this deadly virus ISA has been found in wild salmon.”

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of UBCIC, said “What we fear is that the Harper government will protect third-party interests at the expense of biodiversity and the constitutionally protected rights of Indigenous peoples. As such, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs will continue to fully support any and all Indigenous communities who choose to pursue all available steps to ensure that their rights are recognized, respected and protected.”