Eco-extremism rampant in BC’s salmon farming discourse
Misinformation campaigns about salmon farming seed mistrust in good government and undermine balanced policy that would benefit Canadians and the global community.
Commentary
By Cyrus Singh
An unhinged discourse that is both extremist and discriminatory is being perpetuated by environmental groups who misguide and misinform the public.
They manipulate public opinion and twist the truth through emotional pleas.
They purposefully undermine reconciliation and sacrifice the rights and title of First Nations with one aim: getting fish farms out of the water.
Canadians in rural communities be damned, food security be damned, affordable food be damned, jobs be damned, Canada be damned.
Most disturbing is their message to First Nations that have been stewards of their lands from time immemorial; nations that have adapted and regulate aquaculture in their territories as rights holders; nations that have suffered imposed social upheaval and poverty: we know better. Just like the Indian agents and colonizers of past, they know better.
One would think saving salmon would be the focus of these salmon NGOs, a mission on which they’ve spent millions of tax dollars. Instead, they run misinformation campaigns, seed mistrust in good government, and undermine balanced policy that would benefit Canadians and the global community. Sounds awfully familiar to the tactics utilized by cyber terrorists and bad actor states.
Sadly, this is home grown. Seeded and nurtured by American NGOs, Canada’s new insidious version of eco-terrorism is everywhere.
These environmental extremists no longer use explosives and other violent tactics; instead, they have weaponized social media, invading Facebook, TikTok, and other platforms, pouring money into misinformation campaigns that should be used for salmon restoration. They blow up phones with stale images, flashy clips, and influencers. Their latest crowning achievement is the indoctrination of unwitting celebrities who they’ve radicalized. Now we have William Shatner – a Canadian – and Leonardo DiCaprio blasting the aquaculture sector.
Canadians are now being forced to buy imported salmon from Chile and Norway because the country’s production can’t supply the domestic market. Ironically, this has created a larger carbon footprint globally, but who cares? Jet-setting celebrities certainly don’t. God knows these salmon NGO extremists don’t.
Perhaps they prefer that China maintain its dominance of the aquaculture sector with an astounding 30 per cent of all fish production, and 60 per cent of aquaculture.
I think most Canadians can agree regulation is not China’s strongest quality, unless related to human rights. Not to mention it’s the same Pacific Ocean we share.
Yet Canada, despite having the world’s largest coastlines, lags far behind in aquaculture, ranking only 20th globally.
If environmental extremists continue to control the airwaves, corrupting and drowning out balanced discourse, critical resource development in Canada will continue its downward spiral.
Countries like Norway and Iceland – which have embraced resource development in aquaculture-demonstrate the industry’s potential for economic growth and environmental responsibility.
Canadians should be disturbed by this; more importantly, they should be angry. At a time when necessities are unaffordable and food banks have lines around the block, sectors such as salmon farming provide First Nations and rural communities with rare well-paying, long- term, environmentally sustainable jobs.
Yes, that is right, you read that correctly: environmentally sustainable.
Farmed salmon “in the ocean” has the lowest carbon footprint, lowest feed conversion, and lowest impact on the environment compared with any other traditional protein.
Don’t believe me? I’m not surprised. They’ve done their job well.
Cyrus Singh is CEO of K’awat’si Economic Development LP and guides economic growth for Gwa’sala-‘ Nakwaxda’xw Nations through strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement. He has been recognized for expanding opportunities for the Nations and building prosperity with respect and meaning. This commentary was originally published in the Hill Times