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Coast Salish Territory - The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs fully commends the Heiltsuk and Nuxalk Nation for taking a strong position of opposition against the construction of a huge Atlantic Salmon hatchery in their traditional territories. Omega Salmon is owned by Norwegian giant Pan Fish and have flagrantly ignored the statements made by First Nation leaders that occupy Ocean Falls rejecting the expansion and occupation of fish farms.

"The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs has always taken a zero tolerance approach to fish farming," stated Chief Stewart Phillip. The lifting of the moratorium on fish farms has opened the flood gates to the wanton destruction of our Wild Salmon fishery and other valuable marine life in their delicate indigenous ecosystem," continued Chief Phillip.

Sea lice, parasites, and detrimental impacts of large numbers of escaped Atlantic Salmon are directly responsible for jeopardizing seven unique runs of Wild Pink Salmon to the point of extinction this Spring. It has been recommended by Senior Scientists from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans that fish farms in the Broughton Archipelago be closed for a minimum of a six week span before the Pink Salmon enter the waters in mid April.

"This urgent need to shut down the Archipelago is only the first step to ensure the survival of our precious marine resources. There is no rightful place for any fish farming ventures in our Indigenous coastal waters. The evidence gathered so far has predicted fatal impacts to our First Nations people that traditionally harvested salmon and shell fish. This is totally unacceptable! This should be a wake up call to the Liberal Government that fish farming is an irresponsible practise that only serves to line the pockets of Pan Fish," concluded the President of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs.