On Jan. 29, in a landmark decision, the Federal Court of Appeal supported the ban of B.C.’s Discovery Islands salmon farms. By 2029, the Canadian government will close all open net salmon farms around the island. An appeal made by Mowi Canada West was dismissed by the Court, affirming a decision to not renew farming licenses in 2029. The closure of the farms has led to heated debates over sustainability versus economic benefit. According to B.C. Salmon Farmers Association there may be a 1.2 billion dollar loss in B.C. and they pointed out that approximately 4,000 families make a living from this industry.Â
However, research conducted by a group of scientists in 2025 showed a potential connection between the farms and an increase in lice amongst wild salmon populations. The farms operate on a major migration route for wild salmon, who come in contact with and may get parasites from the farmed salmon. And since 2020, as farms began to close, parasite numbers have decreased.Â
While First Nations Wild Salmon Alliance have said the closures spark concerns that this will infringe on Indigenous rights in B.C., over 120 First Nations across B.C. support phasing out open-net salmon farms in B.C.
