Federal Government’s Discovery Islands Decision Forces Hatchery Closure
October 26, 2021
Mowi Canada West has made the difficult decision to temporarily cease operations at its Dalrymple salmon hatchery near Sayward, British Columbia. This operational decision is a direct result of the Liberal Government’s decision on December 17th 2020 to cancel salmon farming licenses in the Discovery Islands.
The former federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Bernadette Jordan, stated that her decision only impacts the Discovery Islands. However, her decision to remove 30% of Mowi’s production has forced the company to reduce its hatcheries by one. Dalrymple hatchery – one of three owned and operated by Mowi – will be closed in May 2022, with a plan to restart when production requirements allow. This decision will impact 17 employees.
“The decision of the former Minister continues to challenge our company and has lasting implications. It is clearly evident her decision is far reaching, incredibly damaging to the communities where we operate and could have been mitigated had the Ministry engaged with our company to fully understand the impact on coastal communities who depend on this sector,” says Dean Dobrinsky, spokesperson for Mowi Canada West.
“Our heart goes out to those employees who built their career with Mowi and whose families relied on this hatchery for their livelihood. We look forward to reopening the facility when production needs require it.”
Mowi will look for opportunities within the organization for the affected employees and for now will rely on the continued production at its Big Tree Creek and Ocean Falls hatcheries for smolt supply.
Mowi Canada West and other affected companies in British Columbia are currently in Federal court for a Judicial Review of the decision made by Bernadette Jordan, regarding licenses for salmon farms in the Discovery Islands area. Mowi Canada West is asking the courts to find the decision unreasonable and to set them aside.
About Mowi Canada West:
Mowi Canada West operates salmon farms and processing plants on British Columbia ’s Central Coast, Vancouver Island and in Surrey where more than 4 00 people raise 3 0,000 tonnes of sustainable Atlantic salmon each year. Mowi Canada West is part of the Mowi ASA group, the world’s largest producer of Atlantic salmon.
Further information at mowicanadawest.ca
Media Contact:
Dean Dobrinsky
Mowi Canada West
Dean.Dobrinsky@mowi.com
250 830 4527