The fish farm debate provides a tale of two towns

The Tyee has begun an examination of the fish farming issue on the north coast, the first installment providing an indepth look at two local communities that have seen different results from the path they've taken when it comes to the fishing industry.

From Lax Kw'alaams with it's all but abandoned cannery sitting on a dock, idle for large portions of the year down to Klemtu with it's burgeoning farmed salmon industry providing for jobs and economic development, the Tyee report looks at the issues in each community and where the future may lead.

The fish farming controversy once again reached the forefront of local issues with last weeks report from the BC legislature into the controversial industry. A report that recommended no further fish farm development north of Vancouver Island. It was a recommendation that has been heralded by many as a sage decision, including the Tyee's own Rafe Mair, who has long been a champion of the wild salmon and fierce opponent to the aquaculture industry along B. C.'s coastline.

Other's say that the efforts of companies like Marine Harvest are bringing jobs and self sufficiency to First nations villages, that are taking a dedicated effort to improving the lot of their people. The people of Klemut are quite happy with their relationship with the multi-national fish producer and must wonder if their concerns have been considered in full by the panel's recommendations.

The governemnt doesn't necessarilly have to accept the recommendations of it's own panel, one that featured a majority of opposition MLA's on the panel. It's unusual for a government to toss aside it's own research, but not unheard of. It surely will be an issue that remains with a high profile in B. C. for a whlie to come.

This first Tyee article provides a well done bit of background for those that are interested, well worth a read as it gives us a fair amount of information about an issue that most of us probably don't know that much about. You can read it by following the link below:

Two Towns, One Choice
Helen Polychronakos
The Tyee,
May 22, 2007