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In 2006, Deconstructing Dinner aired an episode on salmon farming off the coast of B.C. Three years later, public opposition to this type of aquaculture is going strong. Catherine Stewart of the Living Oceans Society believes this opposition has been pivotal in keeping growth of the industry at bay.

With proposals currently before the province to triple production at some facilities, the potential expansion of salmon farming is shaping up to be a big election issue. In this episode, Deconstructing Dinner explores expansion plans at one hatchery owned by Marine Harvest Canada -- the largest aquaculture company in B.C.

This broadcast will also discuss the infectious salmon anemia (ISA) outbreak in Chile that has caused massive restructuring in that country's salmon farming industry. This month, the virus appeared in Scotland's farmed fish. Will B.C. be hit next?

Guests

Catherine Stewart, salmon farming campaign manager, Living Oceans Society (Vancouver, BC) -- Living Oceans Society is Canada's largest organization focused exclusively on marine conservation issues. It is based in Sointula, a small fishing village on the central coast of British Columbia. Prior to her role with Living Oceans, Catherine worked with Greenpeace for seventeen years, holding the positions of regional director and oceans and forests campaigner.

Clare Backman, environmental compliance and community relations, Marine Harvest Canada (Campbell River, BC) -- Marine Harvest is one of the world's largest aquaculture companies and is based in Norway. It's Canadian division is the largest aquaculture company operating in British Columbia. With 75 farm licenses, the company produces more than half (55%) of all the farmed salmon in B.C.

Barb Addison, manager, Big Tree Creek Hatchery, Marine Harvest Canada (Sayward, BC) -- Big Tree Creek is one of five hatcheries currently being managed by the company. It's in the process of a $3-million expansion.

Other Voices

Jay Ritchlin, director of marine and freshwater conservation, David Suzuki Foundation (Vancouver, BC)

Ian Roberts, communications, Marine Harvest Canada (Campbell River, BC)

Bill Harrower, manager of regional operations for aquaculture development, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (Courtenay, BC)

Related Tyee stories:

• Two Towns, One Choice
  How salmon farming resuscitated a coastal nation and why another said no. First in a series.
• Push North for Fish Farms Blocked
  Gitxsan Nation thwarts planned 'critical mass' of farms. A Tyee Special Report.
• Fish Farm Committee Nails It
  Lice harm is real. But Campbell won't act.