Today is the one year anniversary of the report of Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River. The government has done virtually nothing to address the many critical issues that the Commission uncovered: 2,145 exhibits. 892 public submissions. 179 witnesses. 26 million dollars. The Commission took all the information and testimony, and then released 75 strong recommendations on October 31st, 2012.But the government is not acting.
There is no single factor that was deemed responsible for the decline in wild salmon. But some things are certain. Worldwide, where salmon are farmed in open net-pens, wild salmon decline and become diseased. This was one critical area the Commission found. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans continues to both promote and regulate the salmon farming industry. Justice Cohen recommended DFO separate these conflicting mandates and end its responsibility to promote farmed salmon. Do you think the government responded? Nope. Everything stayed the same.
Justice Cohen called for a freeze on fish farm expansion in the Discovery Islands, along an important salmon migratory route, and removal of farms if impacts aren’t addressed by 2020. Was anything done? Nope.
Was there action on the other 73 recommendations? Nope. This must change if we want to rebuild wild Pacific salmon runs, so this iconic fish can survive for generations to come.
It’s time for action!
Maybe you would like to write a letter, to help raise awareness, show we care. Here’s a link of contact addresses to make it easy.
And here is a Suzuki site with plenty of talking points, or you can simply copy my letter Iin italics above). It would be great if you could take a few moments to sign on.
Thanks for all you do and Happy Hallowe’en!
Jill Schroder is the author of BECOMING: Journeying Toward Authenticity. BECOMING is an invitation for self-reflection, and to mine our memorable moments for insights, meaning, and growth. Check the website for a sample chapter, or see the reviews to get a flavor for the volume. Follow me on Twitter, let’s be friends on Facebook 
