A B.C. Supreme Court judge ruled yesterday that fish farming will not be allowed to expand in B.C. waters until at least December.

Justice Christopher Hinkson made the ruling following a decision to give the federal government more time to take over the industry from the province. The transfer of power was supposed to happen next month, and instead has been postponed until December, 2010.

Last year, following an injunction led by biologist and salmon farm opponent Alexandra Morton, the B.C. Supreme Court ruled that the provincial government did not have the authority to regulate fish farms in its coastal waters.

Also yesterday, Target Corp., a U.S. discount department store chain announced it was eliminating farmed salmon from all of its fresh, frozen and smoked seafood sections. A store spokesperson said it wanted to source salmon "in a sustainable way that helps to preserve abundance, species health and doesn't harm local habitats." All Target-owned brands on salmon will be wild-caught Alaskan salmon.

Colleen Kimmett reports for The Tyee.