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Canada Announces Ban on Conventional Salmon Farming in BC by 2029
The Canadian government has confirmed that conventional salmon farming will be banned in British Columbia starting at the end of June 2029. The industry is expected to transition exclusively to closed containment systems, a move aimed at protecting the province's wild Pacific salmon. This decision and its timeline have been met with significant concern from the nation’s salmon sector.
Tim Kennedy, president and chief executive of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA), criticized the transition plan as irresponsible, arguing that it threatens 5,000 highly paid and skilled jobs in coastal British Columbia. He also deemed the plan unrealistic, citing logistical impossibilities in transitioning the sector by 2029, and unreasonable, pointing to a lack of scientific basis for the decision. Kennedy warned that the plan is unachievable, as it could destroy economic value, innovation pathways, jobs, and high-quality Canadian food production.
Brian Kingzett, executive director of the BC Salmon Farmers’ Association, echoed these concerns, stating that the focus on unproven technology jeopardizes the sector’s ability to fulfill agreements with rights-holder First Nations and will cause further harm to local communities.
In response to the announcement, Grieg Seafood has decided to suspend any investments in BC and will await the draft transition plan, expected at the end of July, to determine further actions.
Federal Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier, while announcing the plan, stated that existing BC marine farm licenses would be renewed for the next five years under stricter conditions. These conditions include improved management of sea lice on farmed fish, robust industry reporting requirements, and additional monitoring of marine mammal interactions. Starting July 1, only closed containment systems, whether marine or land-based, will be considered for new salmon aquaculture licenses.
“The government is firmly committed to taking concrete steps to protect wild Pacific salmon. Today, I’m announcing the essence of a responsible, realistic, and achievable transition that ensures the protection of wild species, food security, and the vital economic development of British Columbia’s First Nations, coastal communities, and others, as we work towards a final transition plan by 2025,” said Lebouthillier.
Taleeb Noormohamed, MP for Vancouver Granville, added, “Ending open net aquaculture is a transformative shift that will make Canada a world leader in sustainable aquaculture production and preserve BC’s pristine coast and fragile ecosystem for generations to come.”
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