Little Hawk
Active Member
January 26, 2009
Att: Department of Fisheries and Oceans;
Dear Honorable Premier Gordon Campbell:
We are requesting that if B.C. is still importing live farm salmon products (all species) (broodstock, milt and eggs) that the border be closed immediately to protect BC from the spread of Infectious Salmon Anemia.
On January 12, 2009, the fish farm industry publication Intrafish posted an article asking “How long can B.C. avoid ISA?” ISA (Infectious Salmon Anemia) is a virus that has spread to every major salmon farming region in the world except B.C. Intrafish states that it is only a matter of time before ISA arrives in B.C.; and the literature reveals B.C. salmon farmers are engaging in activities considered responsible for the spread of ISA across the North Atlantic and into the south Pacific. The literature also suggests the virus can adapt and spread to negatively impact Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, herring and halibut.
Specifically the following activities in B.C. are known to aggravate and spread ISA
1.) importing of live embryos and broodstock from ISA infected regions
2.) increasing the number of farm salmon and the number of farm sites
3.) allowing movement of personnel from ISA infected areas
4.) placing farms where wild fish are exposed and become carriers
Given that ISA, like the flu-virus, mutates and spreads readily, we the undersigned believe the introduction of ISA to the North Pacific would have catastrophic consequences for the health of wild and farmed salmonids compromising the integrity of coastal economies and ecosystems and should be avoided at all costs.
Background
Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA) is a foreign disease of Atlantic salmon. It is an orthomyxovirus very similar to the flu family capable of mutating and evolving rapidly by recombination of genetic elements (USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services). ISA is spread via water, mucus, feces, waste, sea lice, fish farm staff, equipment and movement of farm salmon. There is no cure and no region, once infected, has achieved lasting ISA – free status. The only tools that slow the spread of ISA are: restriction of the movement of fish and eggs from ISA positive areas, sanitation, lowered farm fish density, surveillance, containment, disinfection, fallowing, containment of blood and farm water and eradication of the diseased population.
ISA can infect coho, chinook, rainbow trout, herring, halibut and other Pacific species. While Oncorhynchus spp. are relatively more resistant than Atlantic salmon, there is recognized potential for ISA to adapt to Oncorhynchus spp. ISA can replicate in Oncorhynchus spp. and therefore spread via these species. ISA has been identified in freshwater.
ISA infected fish are contagious weeks before they show visual signs of infection. Chilean ISA virus belongs to the EU genotype. There are no natural hosts or reservoirs for ISA in Chile. The close relationship between contemporary ISA virus strains from farmed Atlantic salmon in Chile and Norway suggests recent transmission from Norway to Chile via embryos. In Chile the virus has infected large areas; in response they are demanding lower farm salmon density and larger distances between the farms.
“Far from coming under control the virus continuously eludes preventative measures, passing through the safety net of the most stringent control measures in the world” (The Fish Site Jan 2009). http://www.thefishsite.com/articles/598/the-global-spread-of-infectious-salmon-anaemia Clearly screening imports is not working.
We respectfully request that B.C. immediately prohibit the importation of live farm salmon material (all species) (broodstock, milt and eggs) to protect BC from the spread of Infectious Salmon Anemia. We request that you, the Province of BC and DFO respond to this request as soon as possible
With Urgency,
David Suzuki, David Suzuki Foundation
Chief Bob Chamberlin, Kwicksutaineuk/Ah-kwa-mish First Nation
Chief David Walkem, Cook’s Ferry Indian Band
Chief Fred Sampson, Siska Indian Band
Hereditary Chief Robert Mountain, Mamalilikulla
Andrea Sanborn, U’mista Cultural Centre
John Caton, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Larry Dill, Simon Fraser University
Richard Routledge, Simon Fraser University
Don McQueen, Emeritus Research Professor, York University, Adjunct Professor Simon Fraser University
Craig Murray, Nimmo Bay Lodge
John and Evelyn Dawson, Early Spring Fishing Ltd.
Kevin Smith, Maple Leaf Charters
John Reid, Knight Inlet Lodge
Andrea Kavanagh,, Pew Environment Group
Ruby Berry, Georgia Strait Alliance
Ian McAllister, Pacific Wild
Don Staniford, Pure Salmon Campaign
Mike Willie, Councilor, Tsawataineuk First Nation
Catherine Stewart, Living Oceans Society
Corey Peet, David Suzuki Society
Geoff Senichenko, Wilderness Committee
Jeff Jones, LLB Port McNeill, BC
Kathleen Cooper, RN CHN, Sointula
Steve Strand PhD.
Malcolm James, Sto:lo Education Centre, Chilliwack BC
Gay Kelly, Sto:lo Education Centre, Chilliwack, BC
Sam Archie, Sto:lo Nation
Gloria Beshara, Chilliwack Senior Secondary, Chilliwack, BC
Kurt Beardslee, Wild Fish Conservancy
Lindsey Pattison, Tide Rip Tours
Robert Field, Artist – Sointula
Donna and Bill Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching
Craig Orr, Watershed Watch
Jackie Hildering, Earthling Enterprises
Neil Frazer, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Bob Rezansoff, B.C. Vessel Owners Assoc.
Brendan Connors, Simon Fraser University
Barb Horricks and Nick Orton, Sointula Wild Seafoods & Smokehouse
Rick Snowdon, Spirit of the West Adventures
Ann Prendergast, Commercial salmon gillnetter
Richard B. Michelson, Island Fishing Ltd
Wendy Thompson, Pearse Island BC
Jeremy Brown, Bellingham, WA USA
Bill Herbert, Pearse Island, BC
Clayton Lloyd-Jones, Terrace, BC
Warren Bailey MD, Qualicum Beach BC
David Upper, Bowser, BC
Ana Santos, Squamish Streamkeeper, BC
Lester Quitzau, Pender Island, BC
Cheryl Morrison
Elizabeth Borek, Victoria, BC
Steph Davis, Victoria, BC
Howard Garret, Orca Network, WA, USA
Mae Moore, Pender Island, BC
Barbara Watson, Mariner
Anissa Reed, Ocean Aura Design Inc.
Ken Cochrane, Penticton fly-fishers, ex-Kingcome Inlet fishing lodge operator
Fritzi Olsen, Florida, USA
Martha Reynolds, Toronto, ON
Norma Koning, The Netherlands
Terry Anderson, Wild Salmon Alliance
Barb, Dennis Beattie, Coquitlam, BC
Dan Schubart, Port Alberni, BC
Anna Roberts, Russell ON
April Johnston, North Vancouver, BC
Bonnie and Jim Hines, Bellingham, WA USA
Neil Remmem, Halfmoon Bay, BC
Bruce Kay, Whistler, BC
George Stonehouse, Hornby Isle Salmon Enhancement Society BC
Harold Tinling, Nanaimo BC
Burk and L. Quintrell, Quathiaski Cove, BC
Leanna Boyer, Mayne Island, BC
Mark Lauckner, Mayne Island, BC
Diana Manson, Manons Landing, BC
Edwards Kathryn Lightheart, Nanaimo, BC
Dr. Jaya Chauchan, Edmonton, AB
Norma Clark, Victoria BC
Susan Clark, Victoria BC
Jennifer Clark, Victoria BC
Mathieu Marleau, Orleans
Jeremie Lamadeleine, Ottawa. ON
Tom Major, Delta, BC
Diane Kkastel, Wheaton, Il
Susan Pond, Vancouver, BC
Stephen Pond, Emeritus Earth and Ocean Sciences UBC
Denise Carefoot, Vancouver, BC
Robyn Heaslip, Vancouver, BC
Ben Keoughan, Sechelt, BC
Rich & Feryll Blanc, High Rock Fisheries Alitak Bay AK
Heidi Soltau, Area A Director, Regional District Mt. Waddington
Kim Itkonen, San Diego, CA, USA
Jim Bradshaw, Blue Mountain Kanaka Creek Conservation Group, Maple Ridge BC
Kathy Horst, Kamloops, BC
Andrew Bateman, Cambridge University, UK
Stan Hislop, Abbotsford, BC
Kathleen Martin, Victoria BC
Mark Holland, BC Hydro BC
Granville Airton, Courtney, BC
Gary Thomas, Streamkeepers, Tofno, BC
Claudia Maas, Mainland Enhancement of Salmonid Species, Echo Bay, BC
Donna Ziner, Courtney, BC
Carol Harris, Sherbrooke Quebec
Jan Padgett, Powell River, BC
Emanuel and Catherina Meyer, Cumberland BC
Stella Dodge, North Vancouver, BC
Abby Schwarz, Langara College, Dept. Biology, Vancouver, BC
Judith Seedhouse, Burnaby, BC
Boudreau and Don Bourdeau, Cortes Island, BC
Bob Wyche, Gabriola Island, BC
Nic Dedeluk, Alert Bay, BC
Brian McKinlay, Silversides Fishing Adventures, Vancouver, BC
Tom Brown, PhD. Emeritus Simon Fraser University BC
Laurie Bloom, Sechelt, BC
Bruce Elkin, Victoria, BC
Doug Taylor, Qualicum Beach, BC
Greg Rebar, Fisheries Technician, Whistler, BC
Anne Mosness, Go Wild Campaign, WA, USA
Lorraine Wood, Native Food Fisher, Vavenby, BC
Michelle McEwan, Lethbridge, AB
Nicole Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching, BC
Judy Sturgis, Gardnerville, NV USA
Phil Magistro, Go Wild Expedition, CO USA
Apryle Craig, Go Wild Expedition CO, USA
Ivan Doumenc, Vancouver BC
Tawnya Bruce, Garibaldi Highlands, BC
Betty Nuse, Victoria, BC
To see the remainder of this list of signatories go to:
http://alexandramorton.typepad.com/
Att: Department of Fisheries and Oceans;
Dear Honorable Premier Gordon Campbell:
We are requesting that if B.C. is still importing live farm salmon products (all species) (broodstock, milt and eggs) that the border be closed immediately to protect BC from the spread of Infectious Salmon Anemia.
On January 12, 2009, the fish farm industry publication Intrafish posted an article asking “How long can B.C. avoid ISA?” ISA (Infectious Salmon Anemia) is a virus that has spread to every major salmon farming region in the world except B.C. Intrafish states that it is only a matter of time before ISA arrives in B.C.; and the literature reveals B.C. salmon farmers are engaging in activities considered responsible for the spread of ISA across the North Atlantic and into the south Pacific. The literature also suggests the virus can adapt and spread to negatively impact Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, herring and halibut.
Specifically the following activities in B.C. are known to aggravate and spread ISA
1.) importing of live embryos and broodstock from ISA infected regions
2.) increasing the number of farm salmon and the number of farm sites
3.) allowing movement of personnel from ISA infected areas
4.) placing farms where wild fish are exposed and become carriers
Given that ISA, like the flu-virus, mutates and spreads readily, we the undersigned believe the introduction of ISA to the North Pacific would have catastrophic consequences for the health of wild and farmed salmonids compromising the integrity of coastal economies and ecosystems and should be avoided at all costs.
Background
Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA) is a foreign disease of Atlantic salmon. It is an orthomyxovirus very similar to the flu family capable of mutating and evolving rapidly by recombination of genetic elements (USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services). ISA is spread via water, mucus, feces, waste, sea lice, fish farm staff, equipment and movement of farm salmon. There is no cure and no region, once infected, has achieved lasting ISA – free status. The only tools that slow the spread of ISA are: restriction of the movement of fish and eggs from ISA positive areas, sanitation, lowered farm fish density, surveillance, containment, disinfection, fallowing, containment of blood and farm water and eradication of the diseased population.
ISA can infect coho, chinook, rainbow trout, herring, halibut and other Pacific species. While Oncorhynchus spp. are relatively more resistant than Atlantic salmon, there is recognized potential for ISA to adapt to Oncorhynchus spp. ISA can replicate in Oncorhynchus spp. and therefore spread via these species. ISA has been identified in freshwater.
ISA infected fish are contagious weeks before they show visual signs of infection. Chilean ISA virus belongs to the EU genotype. There are no natural hosts or reservoirs for ISA in Chile. The close relationship between contemporary ISA virus strains from farmed Atlantic salmon in Chile and Norway suggests recent transmission from Norway to Chile via embryos. In Chile the virus has infected large areas; in response they are demanding lower farm salmon density and larger distances between the farms.
“Far from coming under control the virus continuously eludes preventative measures, passing through the safety net of the most stringent control measures in the world” (The Fish Site Jan 2009). http://www.thefishsite.com/articles/598/the-global-spread-of-infectious-salmon-anaemia Clearly screening imports is not working.
We respectfully request that B.C. immediately prohibit the importation of live farm salmon material (all species) (broodstock, milt and eggs) to protect BC from the spread of Infectious Salmon Anemia. We request that you, the Province of BC and DFO respond to this request as soon as possible
With Urgency,
David Suzuki, David Suzuki Foundation
Chief Bob Chamberlin, Kwicksutaineuk/Ah-kwa-mish First Nation
Chief David Walkem, Cook’s Ferry Indian Band
Chief Fred Sampson, Siska Indian Band
Hereditary Chief Robert Mountain, Mamalilikulla
Andrea Sanborn, U’mista Cultural Centre
John Caton, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Larry Dill, Simon Fraser University
Richard Routledge, Simon Fraser University
Don McQueen, Emeritus Research Professor, York University, Adjunct Professor Simon Fraser University
Craig Murray, Nimmo Bay Lodge
John and Evelyn Dawson, Early Spring Fishing Ltd.
Kevin Smith, Maple Leaf Charters
John Reid, Knight Inlet Lodge
Andrea Kavanagh,, Pew Environment Group
Ruby Berry, Georgia Strait Alliance
Ian McAllister, Pacific Wild
Don Staniford, Pure Salmon Campaign
Mike Willie, Councilor, Tsawataineuk First Nation
Catherine Stewart, Living Oceans Society
Corey Peet, David Suzuki Society
Geoff Senichenko, Wilderness Committee
Jeff Jones, LLB Port McNeill, BC
Kathleen Cooper, RN CHN, Sointula
Steve Strand PhD.
Malcolm James, Sto:lo Education Centre, Chilliwack BC
Gay Kelly, Sto:lo Education Centre, Chilliwack, BC
Sam Archie, Sto:lo Nation
Gloria Beshara, Chilliwack Senior Secondary, Chilliwack, BC
Kurt Beardslee, Wild Fish Conservancy
Lindsey Pattison, Tide Rip Tours
Robert Field, Artist – Sointula
Donna and Bill Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching
Craig Orr, Watershed Watch
Jackie Hildering, Earthling Enterprises
Neil Frazer, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Bob Rezansoff, B.C. Vessel Owners Assoc.
Brendan Connors, Simon Fraser University
Barb Horricks and Nick Orton, Sointula Wild Seafoods & Smokehouse
Rick Snowdon, Spirit of the West Adventures
Ann Prendergast, Commercial salmon gillnetter
Richard B. Michelson, Island Fishing Ltd
Wendy Thompson, Pearse Island BC
Jeremy Brown, Bellingham, WA USA
Bill Herbert, Pearse Island, BC
Clayton Lloyd-Jones, Terrace, BC
Warren Bailey MD, Qualicum Beach BC
David Upper, Bowser, BC
Ana Santos, Squamish Streamkeeper, BC
Lester Quitzau, Pender Island, BC
Cheryl Morrison
Elizabeth Borek, Victoria, BC
Steph Davis, Victoria, BC
Howard Garret, Orca Network, WA, USA
Mae Moore, Pender Island, BC
Barbara Watson, Mariner
Anissa Reed, Ocean Aura Design Inc.
Ken Cochrane, Penticton fly-fishers, ex-Kingcome Inlet fishing lodge operator
Fritzi Olsen, Florida, USA
Martha Reynolds, Toronto, ON
Norma Koning, The Netherlands
Terry Anderson, Wild Salmon Alliance
Barb, Dennis Beattie, Coquitlam, BC
Dan Schubart, Port Alberni, BC
Anna Roberts, Russell ON
April Johnston, North Vancouver, BC
Bonnie and Jim Hines, Bellingham, WA USA
Neil Remmem, Halfmoon Bay, BC
Bruce Kay, Whistler, BC
George Stonehouse, Hornby Isle Salmon Enhancement Society BC
Harold Tinling, Nanaimo BC
Burk and L. Quintrell, Quathiaski Cove, BC
Leanna Boyer, Mayne Island, BC
Mark Lauckner, Mayne Island, BC
Diana Manson, Manons Landing, BC
Edwards Kathryn Lightheart, Nanaimo, BC
Dr. Jaya Chauchan, Edmonton, AB
Norma Clark, Victoria BC
Susan Clark, Victoria BC
Jennifer Clark, Victoria BC
Mathieu Marleau, Orleans
Jeremie Lamadeleine, Ottawa. ON
Tom Major, Delta, BC
Diane Kkastel, Wheaton, Il
Susan Pond, Vancouver, BC
Stephen Pond, Emeritus Earth and Ocean Sciences UBC
Denise Carefoot, Vancouver, BC
Robyn Heaslip, Vancouver, BC
Ben Keoughan, Sechelt, BC
Rich & Feryll Blanc, High Rock Fisheries Alitak Bay AK
Heidi Soltau, Area A Director, Regional District Mt. Waddington
Kim Itkonen, San Diego, CA, USA
Jim Bradshaw, Blue Mountain Kanaka Creek Conservation Group, Maple Ridge BC
Kathy Horst, Kamloops, BC
Andrew Bateman, Cambridge University, UK
Stan Hislop, Abbotsford, BC
Kathleen Martin, Victoria BC
Mark Holland, BC Hydro BC
Granville Airton, Courtney, BC
Gary Thomas, Streamkeepers, Tofno, BC
Claudia Maas, Mainland Enhancement of Salmonid Species, Echo Bay, BC
Donna Ziner, Courtney, BC
Carol Harris, Sherbrooke Quebec
Jan Padgett, Powell River, BC
Emanuel and Catherina Meyer, Cumberland BC
Stella Dodge, North Vancouver, BC
Abby Schwarz, Langara College, Dept. Biology, Vancouver, BC
Judith Seedhouse, Burnaby, BC
Boudreau and Don Bourdeau, Cortes Island, BC
Bob Wyche, Gabriola Island, BC
Nic Dedeluk, Alert Bay, BC
Brian McKinlay, Silversides Fishing Adventures, Vancouver, BC
Tom Brown, PhD. Emeritus Simon Fraser University BC
Laurie Bloom, Sechelt, BC
Bruce Elkin, Victoria, BC
Doug Taylor, Qualicum Beach, BC
Greg Rebar, Fisheries Technician, Whistler, BC
Anne Mosness, Go Wild Campaign, WA, USA
Lorraine Wood, Native Food Fisher, Vavenby, BC
Michelle McEwan, Lethbridge, AB
Nicole Mackay, Mackay Whale Watching, BC
Judy Sturgis, Gardnerville, NV USA
Phil Magistro, Go Wild Expedition, CO USA
Apryle Craig, Go Wild Expedition CO, USA
Ivan Doumenc, Vancouver BC
Tawnya Bruce, Garibaldi Highlands, BC
Betty Nuse, Victoria, BC
To see the remainder of this list of signatories go to:
http://alexandramorton.typepad.com/
