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Canada to ban open-net pen salmon farming in British Columbia

Canada to ban open-net pen salmon farming in British Columbia

Environmentalists hail decision to end practice in five years but aquaculture industry warns of 6,000 jobs at risk

The Canadian government has announced a decision to ban open-net pen salmon farming in British Columbia coastal waters in five years!

Fish farms keep fishes in crowded conditions that can lead to stress, disease, and the spread of parasites, which farms combat by relying heavily on antibiotics. Open-net fish farms pose a major problem for wild fishes because they allow waste, disease, and chemicals to seep out into the surrounding ecosystem.

Polling shows a majority of residents in British Columbia support ending open-net salmon farming, as have 120 First Nations.

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Fines for illegal hunting and fishing more than double in B.C.

Fines for illegal hunting and fishing more than double in B.C. | CBC News

The Ministry of Forests says the new scale of fines effective Tuesday under the Wildlife Act ranges from $345 to $1,495, up from the current range of $115 to $575.

“Fines for illegal hunting and fishing in British Columbia are more than doubling as the province cracks down on offences against wildlife.”

“The ministry says in a news release the new penalties ‘better reflect the serious nature’ of wildlife offences and acknowledge the importance of wildlife to B.C.”

Jesse Zeman, Executive Director of the B.C. Wildlife Federation, says the organization “applauds tougher penalties.”

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Undisclosed coyote trapping in Stanley Park sparks public safety backlash

Undisclosed coyote trapping in Stanley Park sparks public safety backlash

Plan to reduce human-coyote conflict in Vancouver’s Stanley Park is under fire after critics say trapping could pose a threat to public safety.

An undisclosed research program to trap coyotes using drop nets, neck snares and leg-hold traps in Stanley Park poses a threat to public safety. 

“Aaron Hofman, director of advocacy and policy at the non-profit The Fur-Bearers, said that by failing to disclose the plan to the public, the City of Vancouver is putting workers, park-goers, pets and unhoused individuals at serious risk of injury.”

The Fur-Bearers are urging anyone concerned about this plan to contact the University of British Columbia and the City of Vancouver.

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