The removal of salmon farms in the Discovery Islands at the north end of Vancouver Island have significantly reduced numbers of sea lice infecting juvenile wild salmon. Meanwhile in Clayoquot Sound, Cermaq plans to apply around 1 million litres of pesticide to control sea lice infestations on salmon farming operations in Ahousaht territory.Photo: Alexandra Morton @alexmorton4salmon
“Following Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan’s December 17, 2020 decision to prohibit restocking of 19 fish farms in the Discovery Islands, this spring’s out-migration of juvenile salmon are the first to swim through a fish farm-free Okisollo Channel in over 25 years and we’re seeing extraordinary results. The number of sea lice infecting juvenile wild salmon in Okisollo Channel has declined by 95% between 2020 and 2021. We are beyond excited to report that most of the young salmon look pristine, with iridescent scales untouched by sea lice!”
Project crew: Tavish Campbell, Deirdre Leowinata, Farlyn Campbell, Jody Eriksson, and Alexandra Morton.
