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Placentia Bay. (Photo: Carlb)
Conservation group declines Grieg’s salmon project
CANADA
Wednesday, October 26, 2016, 23:00 (GMT + 9)
The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) has filed an application for judicial review in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, seeking an environmental impact statement (EIS) for a Placentia Bay aquaculture project.
The project, proposed by Grieg NL Seafarms Ltd., would be the largest salmon aquaculture project in Canadian history. In July, the firm was given ministerial permission to proceed without completing an EIS, which would identify the risks of development, propose ways to monitor, and mitigate threats to wild Atlantic salmon and the environment.
Documents obtained by the ASF through access to information show the decision to release this project goes against officials in the provincial Environmental Assessment Division which recommended an EIS be completed.
According to the entity, the documents acknowledge "extensive public concerns" and potential for "several serious consequences." This includes reducing wild Atlantic salmon populations in nearby rivers, transfer of disease and parasites to other species, and damage to the local tourism economy.
ASF adds that the records also state the project has many unproven components, and little is known about baseline conditions in Placentia Bay.
"We're asking for the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to reconsider and order Grieg to prepare a comprehensive EIS," said ASF President Bill Taylor. "This will ensure the facts are carefully considered, and would avoid a court case."
"ASF is simply asking for Newfoundland's Environmental Assessment Act to be properly applied," Taylor claimed.
On the other hand, the conservation organisation highlights in its realease on the Placentia Bay aquaculture project assessment that the Minister of Environment and Climate Change argues impacts will be addressed through existing regulations.
However, a study commissioned by ASF that compares aquaculture regulations in Newfoundland and Labrador to an international standard found the province does a poor job protecting wild Atlantic salmon.
ASF stressed that recent genetic research conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada found 17 of 18 rivers surveyed on the south coast of Newfoundland showed evidence of escaped farm salmon breeding with wild fish, which, according to the entity, is further proof that current regulations are inadequate.
Related articles:
- Minister rejects appeal of Grieg’s salmon farm project
- ASF appeals decision over Grieg's salmon farm environmental assessment
- Grieg project raises concern due to wild salmon potential harm
- Grieg's salmon farm proposal stirs concerns and complaints
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