by David Wiwchar
Southern Region Reporter
Ha-shilth-sa Newspaper
February 26, 2004
Victoria - Alberni-Qualicum MLA Gillian Trumper says it is time for the salmon aquaculture industry to grow bigger and better, but not in the Alberni Inlet.
"Aquaculture is vital to the West Coast and it has become something many families depend on to survive," Trumper says. "There are parts of the West Coast that would be considered aquaculture communities, I am thankful for that. The downturn of the forest industry over the years has forced many people to look for other options - aquaculture has been at the top of that list," she said.
Trumper was commenting on a new report from Federal Aquaculture Commissioner Yves Bastien that calls for streamlining of aquaculture application processes to help expand the BC salmon farming industry. Trumper says, if implemented, the recommendations could go a long way in improving one of the most important industries in Alberni-Qualicum.
Although Trumper is in favour of increasing the numbers of fish farms along the "west coast", she does not believe the Alberni Inlet should be a focus for expansion.
"I have concerns (about the two fish farms currently located in the Alberni Inlet), but as long as they meet all the requirements and are not encroaching any streams, then I believe all the sites should be looked at very carefully, and make sure they follow all the rules and regulations and be monitored very carefully," said Trumper. "I certainly believe that in the Alberni Inlet they have to be looked at very carefully, and if they're not keeping up with regulations they'll have to be moved," she said.
"I would be very concerned of there were more fish farms going in the Alberni Inlet, and I believe they should be located out on the west coast wherever thoses sites are appropriate." However, Trumper admitted she had no idea where those sites could be. "If it's in a First Nations' territory, then that First Nation has to be involved," Trumper said, but would not go so far as to give First Nations a final say on whether or not a fish farm goes into their territory.
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