Ottawa, Canada.- Scientific research plays an important role in informing our policy choices on sustainable aquaculture activities and management. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) released a science advisory report today on the assessment of the risk to Fraser River sockeye salmon due to Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHNV) transfer from Atlantic salmon farms located in the Discovery Islands area of British Columbia.
The report concludes that there are minimal risks to the wild Fraser River sockeye salmon populations due to the transfer of IHNV from Atlantic salmon farms in the Discovery Islands. Current fish health management practices such as vaccination and eradication of infected fish, help to minimize the risk. The advice in the report was developed by consensus.
This report is the first in a series that will assess the risk of pathogen transfer associated with aquaculture activities to wild fish and the environment in the Discovery Islands. All reports will be made available to the public. DFO carried out the analysis under the Aquaculture Science Environmental Risk Assessment Initiative. The request for Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat advice supports DFO’s role of managing aquaculture in BC and aligns with recommendations in the Cohen Commission Report on the risks to wild fish populations related to pathogen transfer from fish farms.
The peer review group was made up of 39 experts from various disciplines selected for their expertise and knowledge. The participants included scientific expertise from DFO, provinces, academia (Canada and International), Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders.
Quick Facts
– IHNV is native to the Pacific Ocean environment and while it occurs in wild salmon, farmed Atlantic salmon are more susceptible to the disease.
– The peer review process is intended to review and challenge the scientific information leading to objective consensus. – Science peer review processes are evidence-based, objective, impartial and respectful.
– The Aquaculture Science Environmental Risk Assessment Initiative synthesizes scientific knowledge and provides risk-based science advice to support science-based decision making on sustainable aquaculture.
Quote
“Our government is committed to sound science. We use scientific advice when making decisions affecting fish stocks and ecosystem management, and this risk assessment provides clear, scientific information to help us do that.”
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
Related Products
SAR2017/048 Advice from the assessment of the risk to Fraser River Sockeye Salmon due to Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHNV) transfer from Atlantic salmon farms in the Discovery Islands area, British Columbia
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/Publications/SAR-AS/2017/2017_048-eng.html
RES2017/071 (Chandler et al)
Oceanographic and environmental conditions in the Discovery Islands, British Columbia
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/Publications/ResDocs-DocRech/2017/2017_071-eng.html
RES2017/073 (Garver & Wade)
Characterization of Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHNV)
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/Publications/ResDocs-DocRech/2017/2017_073-eng.html
RES2017/072 (Wade)
British Columbia farmed Atlantic Salmon health management practices
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/Publications/ResDocs-DocRech/2017/2017_072-eng.html
RES2017/075 (Mimeault)
Assessment of the risk to Fraser River Sockeye Salmon due to Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHNV) transfer from Atlantic Salmon farms in the Discovery Islands, British Columbia
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/Publications/ResDocs-DocRech/2017/2017_075-eng.html
