May 29, 2007
VANCOUVER - The Special Legislative Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture's shellfish-aquaculture recommendations are welcome, but they don't go far enough to ensure protection of marine ecosystems, according to the David Suzuki Foundation.
"We're happy to see that the committee included some recommendations that were detailed in our 'Sustainable Shellfish' report, but there are some gaps," says Foundation marine conservation specialist Jay Ritchlin. "For instance, the report recommends that there be 'adequate buffers (between) residential/recreational properties and shellfish farms', but it doesn't mention the need to protect ecologically sensitive areas when siting shellfish farms."
In particular, the Foundation agrees with proposed regulations to prevent farming of new species until independent scientific studies show that impact on the marine environment would be minimal; rescind approved geoduck tenures until such studies have been done; increase enforcement to eliminate debris from operations; require an inventory of plastics and styrofoams used and reduce the use of these materials and other toxic products; and eliminate the use of underwater nets around suspended strings that alter, disrupt or destroy fish habitats.
"Many of these measures address the tensions between local residents and the garbage that arises from farming, but they do not go far enough to protect the natural environment," Ritchlin says. "For instance, no alien species should be introduced for aquaculture and the netting used on beaches should be limited."
With a boom expected in the B.C. shellfish aquaculture industry, the Foundation believes the report should have addressed some of the important issues outlined in "Sustainable Shellfish", including the recommendation that "shellfish aquaculture plans must place a high priority on the health of the surrounding ecosystem and, in the absence of scientific study results, be designed to minimize any known or potential impacts to that ecosystem."
To read all nine of the David Suzuki Foundation's shellfish recommendations, go to: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/files/Oceans/Shellfish_Summary.pdf.
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For information, contact:
Jay Ritchlin, marine conservation specialist, (604) 732-4228
Ian Hanington, Communications Specialist, (604) 732-4228, x 238
