Latest Updates
Clayoquot Salmon Roundtable’s Marine Risk Assessment Moving Forward
At just 1% of their historic abundance, wild Pacific Salmon are in a state of emergency. On the west coast of Vancouver Island, local salmon stocks have drastically declined in recent years.
Imperial Metals Renews Interest in Clayoquot Sound as Mount Polley Engineers Solely Held Accountable
Within Clayoquot Sound, Imperial Metals has pursued the development of a gold mine, called the Fandora project, within the unceded territory of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, as well as an open-pit copper mine on Catface Mountain in Ahousaht First Nation’s unceded territory. Both Nations have been adamant that mining will not be allowed in their territories.
Winter 2021 Newsletter is available now to read and share!
Here you will find the FOCS Winter 2021 – 2022 Newsletter to explore the major issues in Clayoquot Sound and beyond as well as getting a glimpse of the work we have been doing over the last several months, including updates on our campaigns.
B.C. Government Only Protecting 15% of Vital Ecosystems
Scientists estimate that 50% of Earth should be in protected areas and climate stabilization areas to maintain the planet’s climate regulating capacity to keep global temperatures from rising above the global target of 1.5 degree Celsius. At present, only 15% of the land area in B.C. is in protected areas.
Climate Action Requires Canada to Invest to Protect 30% Minimum of Land and Ocean by 2030
Scientists estimate that 50% of Earth should be in protected areas and climate stabilization areas by 2030
Salmon Farming Corporations Apply to Expand Despite Canada’s 2025 Plan for Removal
Salmon farming corporations have submitted 12 applications — including 5 from Cermaq in Clayoquot Sound — to increase production and profits.
Clayoquot Salmon Festival X The Festival of What Works
Salmon play an integral role for coastal livelihoods, cultures, and ecosystems on the west coast. And they lead incredible lives, starting in freshwater then migrating to the ocean. Celebrating the backbone of the west coast is what inspires Friends of Clayoquot Sound to organize the annual Clayoquot Salmon Festival based out of Tofino. With COVID remaining an issue, Friends of Clayoquot Sound are taking the 2021 Clayoquot Salmon Festival online once again. For a second year in a row, the...
Prime Minister’s Holiday in Tofino Demonstrates Structural Racism in Canada
Friends of Clayoquot Sound accompanied Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation members of the Masso family who gathered supporters to call on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take accountability for vacationing in Tofino within Tla-oqui-aht territory instead of attending the first ever Truth and Reconciliation Day. We supported 18 year old Tla-oqui-aht leader, Timmy Masso, in calling on Canada’s Prime Minister to apologize and take accountability for his holiday mistake. “Due to recent events...
Artistic Project Challenges a #MOVEFORTHETREES
As climate catastrophes continue around us, Old Growth Collective-Effort for Sustainability and Friends of Clayoquot Sound released an artistic project in solidarity with Fairy Creek Blockade and the Rainforest Flying Squad.
Clayoquot Sound Rallies to Oppose B.C. Government’s “Talk & Log” Conflict of Interest
Friends of Clayoquot Sound organized a rally to build and hold space in solidarity with forest defenders across Vancouver Island.
Canada Commits $2.3 Billion to 25% Protection by 2025: Funding for Indigenous Protected Areas is Necessary
The Government of Canada has committed to conserving 25% of lands and 25% of oceans in Canada by 2025. In the 2021 Federal Budget, Canada committed $2.3 billion to conserve up to 1 million square kilometers more land and inland waters -- including through Indigenous Protected Areas and national wildlife areas -- to achieve Canada’s target. If divided amongst the provinces and territories, BC’s portion of the funding would be between $200 and $300 million. Instead of subsidizing controversial...
Solutions Exist for Permanent Protection of Ancient Forests
What started as a fight to protect the Fairy Creek headwaters has expanded into a fight to protect the last 2.7% of old growth, with numerous active, mobile blockades preventing logging. By mid-June, with more than 200 people arrested within BC Premier Horgan’s own riding protecting the very trees Horgan had promised to, the government deferred some of the old growth logging areas, at the request of the Pacheedaht, Ditidaht and Huu-ay-aht First Nations. However, this deferral is only for 2000...
Collaborative DFO Study Confirms PRV Salmon Virus Spread From Salmon Farms
Piscine orthoreovirus (PRV) – which is associated with lethal kidney and liver damage in Chinook salmon – is continually being transmitted between open-net salmon farms and wild juvenile Chinook salmon in British Columbia waters, according to a new genomics analysis. The collaborative study from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the Strategic Salmon Health Initiative (SSHI) — a partnership between Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Genome BC and the Pacific Salmon Foundation —...
95% Reduction of Sea Lice on Wild Salmon Following Removal of Salmon Farms
“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...
Banking on a Better Future?
The big 5 Canadian banks have provided $700 BILLION in fossil fuel financing through loans and investments since 2016, while globally we are set to burn 50% more fossil fuels than is consistent with staying below 2 degrees warming. But our banks continue to finance fossil fuel expansion. Without enormous loans from banks, (as well as support from big insurance firms) the projects would not be possible. This is why we demand the banks divest from fossil fuels and stop enabling fossil fuel...
