It was just one sentence about removing open-net fish farms from B.C. waters by 2025.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote it in the Dec. 13 to Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan.

But that one promise provided a long-awaited positive sign for independent biologist Alexandra Morton, and Skwah First Nation elder Eddie Gardner, who have both been fighting for years to see open-net fish farms moved off the migratory routes of Fraser River wild salmon runs.

The PM91裸聊视频檚 letter pledges to: 91裸聊视频淲ork with the province of British Columbia and Indigenous communities to create a responsible plan to transition from open net-pen salmon farming in coastal British Columbia waters by 2025, and begin work to introduce Canada91裸聊视频檚 first-ever Aquaculture Act.91裸聊视频�

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 very encouraging news,91裸聊视频� Gardner said in a phone interview, adding he91裸聊视频檒l be firing off a letter of congratulations and thanks to the PM, for following up on a campaign promise, as well as to the Province of B.C. and the new Fisheries Minister.

91裸聊视频淭his will go a long way toward international efforts to restore our wild salmon and to preserve them for the wild salmon economy, and the biodiversity upon which we all depend,91裸聊视频� Gardner said.

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As one of the founders of the Wild Salmon Defenders Alliance, Gardner has lobbied government, business and the public for years, holding rallies at big box stores to reinforce the idea that open-net fish farming needs to be shifted away from the ocean.

Morton reacted on Twitter with: 91裸聊视频淲ell, finally a glimmer of hope,91裸聊视频� and although she envisions a lot of work ahead with the new minister, the PM91裸聊视频檚 words constitute a 91裸聊视频減ath91裸聊视频� to be followed.

An aquaculture representative weighed in as well.

91裸聊视频淭he Canadian seafood farmers look forward to working with Minister Jordan under her new mandate from the Prime Minister,91裸聊视频� said Tim Kennedy, president of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance.

The 91裸聊视频楬igh Level Panel91裸聊视频� for a Sustainable Oceans Economy, to which Canada91裸聊视频檚 PM is a signatory, has posited that 91裸聊视频渢he largest potential carbon reduction gains for food production91裸聊视频� are in the sustainable expansion of marine aquaculture, he said.

91裸聊视频淥ur sector is a carbon and sustainable food solution. We are also a great opportunity for Canada91裸聊视频檚 Indigenous peoples and reconciliation and for good jobs in rural and coastal communities,91裸聊视频� Kennedy said.

Aquaculture will figure prominently in the global 91裸聊视频榖lue economy91裸聊视频� down the road.

91裸聊视频淭he announcement of Canada91裸聊视频檚 first Oceans Strategy is very important and seafood farming will play a critical role,91裸聊视频� Kennedy noted. 91裸聊视频淲e look forward to discussions with partners in B.C. to develop a responsible plan for the future of salmon farming in the province.91裸聊视频�

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jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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