Cermaq Canada is challenging in court DFO鈥檚 recent denial of two fish farm transfer and license extensions.

鈥淎fter much careful consideration, earlier this week Cermaq took further legal action to challenge the recent denial of Brent Island and Venture Point transfer applications and license extensions,鈥� reads a statement from David Kiemele, Managing Director for Cermaq Canada.

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Cermaq is concerned that it does not allow the 鈥渉umane grow out鈥� of the fishes鈥� life cycle, which will 鈥渉inder the delivery of shared value to rural, coastal communities,鈥� particularly due to the pandemic.

Last week DFO denied an application by Cermaq to restock and extend their licences.

鈥淎 number of the First Nations consulted continue to strongly oppose salmon aquaculture in this area, and expressed those views during the consultations, notably for reasons related to the conservation and protection of wild salmon stocks and for social and cultural reasons,鈥� read the response to the applications from Rebecca Reid, regional director for DFO鈥檚 Pacific Region.

Other First Nations groups, including the First Nations Wild Salmon Alliance called the DFO decision 鈥渧ery welcome.鈥�

However, Kiemele says it will have 鈥渓ong-reaching social and financial implications for employees and dozens of local, independent suppliers, contractors, businesses, and service providers.鈥�

Cermaq will be continuing to work with the We Wai Kum First Nation, and will not be commenting on the matter further since it is before the courts.

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marc.kitteringham@campbellrivermirror.com
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