Take this quiz and see how your knowledge stacks up against the misinformation spread by activists and the politicians echoing them during the 2025 federal election.
By SeaWestNews
As political parties debate climate action, affordability, Indigenous reconciliation, and food security, few sectors sit at the intersection of these issues like salmon farming. Despite being one of the most regulated, Indigenous-partnered, and climate-smart food systems in Canada, ocean-based salmon farming in BC continues to be targeted by misinformation and political pressure by those who know the least about how it actually works.
So, we’re flipping the script.
Take this quiz and see how your knowledge stacks up against the false rhetoric from activists and their political allies.
Because before we vote next week on Canada’s future, it’s time to hold politicians accountable and arm ourselves with the facts about a BC industry that feeds millions, sustains Indigenous partnerships, powers coastal communities, and holds a $1.4 billion promise for our Blue Economy.
1. What percentage of BC’s farm-raised salmon is produced in partnership with local First Nations?
A) 35%
B) 62%
C) 89%
D) 100%
Every farmed salmon in BC is raised in agreement with Rights Holder First Nations. These partnerships include co-management, Guardian Watchmen programs, and Indigenous-led marine stewardship, supporting economic reconciliation and community development. Salmon farming in BC directly and indirectly employs about 700 Indigenous people and provides $120 million in total annual direct and indirect economic benefits to First Nations, with $42 million going directly to Indigenous communities.
2. How much ocean space do salmon farms occupy on the BC coast?
A) 10%
B) Less than 0.05%
C) 5%
D) 1%
The actual provincial footprint of ocean-based salmon farms is smaller than Stanley Park, accounting for less than 0.05% of BC’s marine space — yet they supply hundreds of millions of healthy meals annually and drive significant economic activity. Salmon farming contributes approximately $1.5 to $1.6 billion annually to British Columbia’s economy, making it the province’s top seafood and agri-food export.
3. Which animal protein has the lowest carbon footprint per kilo of edible meat?
A) Beef
B) Chicken
C) Pork
D) Farmed salmon
B.C. salmon farmers emit only 2.2 kilograms of carbon dioxide for every kilogram of edible fish produced. That is less than half of any animal raised on land, including 5.1 kilograms of CO2 per kilogram of chicken, 6.4 kilograms for pork, and 37.2 kilograms for beef. They are among the most climate-efficient animal protein producers in the world, helping BC reduce its overall greenhouse gas emissions from food production. Salmon farmers like Mowi, Grieg Seafood and others have been ranked as the top animal protein producer by the Coller FAIRR Protein Producer Index – the most detailed assessment of the world’s largest meat, dairy and aquaculture companies.
4. What is the most common reason wild salmon populations are in decline?
A) Salmon farming
B) Sea lice from farms
C) Predation by seals
D) Climate change and habitat loss
Scientific consensus is clear: climate change, overfishing, habitat loss, and warming oceans—not salmon farms—are driving wild salmon declines. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) studies consistently show that disease risk from farms is “minimal,” at just 0–1% annually. A recent 40-year analysis by fisheries experts concluded that removing salmon farms won’t improve wild salmon productivity and only distracts from the real threats. In fact, responsible aquaculture can ease pressure on wild stocks, they said.
5. What’s the escape rate of farm-raised Atlantic salmon in BC in recent years and its impact?
A) Thousands every year
B) Just a handful (e.g., 12 per year average)
C) Hundreds every month
D) One major escape every year
Escape numbers from BC salmon farms have dropped 97% since 2010, averaging just 12 escaped fish per year recently. This sharp decline demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices, minimizing potential impacts on wild populations through enhanced net pen technology and rigorous operational standards. BC’s salmon farmers target zero fish escapes and continually improve practices. Millions of Atlantic salmon have also been intentionally released into B.C. rivers and lakes, beginning more than a century ago and dozens of attempts were made to establish viable Atlantic salmon populations on the West Coast. All the documented experiments concluded that no spawning populations had survived because farmed Atlantic salmon are poor colonisers when competing with wild Pacific salmon.
6. When it comes to converting feed into food, how does salmon farming stack up against land-based livestock?
A) Less efficient than pork
B) About the same as beef
C) Slightly better than chicken
D) The most efficient of all
Salmon farming is the most feed-efficient major animal protein, with a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of just 1.2:1, meaning it takes just 1.2 kilograms of feed to produce 1 kilogram of salmon. This is a far lower FCR than chicken (1.6 to 2:1), pigs (3 to 5:1), or cattle (6 to 10:1). This also means less land, water, and energy are needed to produce a kilo of food. Modern salmon feeds have evolved to be far more sustainable, now relying on less than 15% fishmeal and oil—mostly from trimmings, not wild fish. The rest includes plant proteins, algae oils, and even insect meal. Precision feeding, probiotics, and enzyme additives further cut waste. By combining efficiency with innovation, salmon farming offers a low-impact, high-nutrition food source that helps reduce pressure on wild fisheries and the planet.
7. Why can’t we simply move all salmon farms onto land in British Columbia?
A) There isn’t enough demand for farmed salmon in BC
B) Land-based farms would produce salmon that are unsafe to eat
C) Land-based farming is extremely costly, uses far more energy and freshwater
D) Most coastal communities have banned land-based aquaculture projects
Global fisheries and climate experts warn that shifting all salmon farming to land is impractical, irresponsible, and environmentally damaging. A government report estimates it would take $1.8–$2.2 billion in capital to replace current ocean-based production in BC with land-based tanks. Raising BC salmon on land is also about 12 times more expensive and would generate an additional 22.9 million kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions annually — the same energy use as a city like North Vancouver (population 52,200). Additionally, coastal communities that currently rely on aquaculture jobs and Indigenous partnerships would be left behind, since land-based farms would be built closer to urban markets, not where the ocean economy thrives. The takeaway: land-based farming isn’t the sustainable solution it’s often made out to be.
8. What measures are in place to support fish health and welfare on BC salmon farms?
A) Fish are given antibiotics daily to prevent disease
B) Farms rely entirely on natural selection without monitoring
C) Veterinarians oversee care and innovations help reduce stress and improve welfare
D) Fish are only monitored during harvest season
Fish health and welfare are central to BC salmon farming. Every farmed salmon population is monitored by licensed veterinarians, with treatments, vaccinations, and inspections guided by science and government regulation. Farms use advanced technology like underwater cameras, oxygenation systems, and AI-powered feeding to respond to fish behavior in real time and reduce stress. A key welfare metric is the fish-to-water ratio — in BC’s ocean farms, this is typically 2% fish to 98% water, ensuring plenty of space for natural movement and schooling behavior. In land-based systems, this ratio is much tighter, which can increase stress and the risk of disease without careful control. Additionally, non-chemical sea lice treatments such as freshwater baths, hydrolicers, and pressurized water systems help minimize parasite stress without compromising fish welfare or ocean health. This holistic, technology-driven approach makes BC salmon farming a global leader in humane aquaculture.
9. How are salmon farms in BC regulated?
A) It’s self-regulated by companies and only lightly monitored
B) It follows one federal licensing framework with no outside review
C) It is governed by dozens of regulations and agencies
D) It is regulated only at the provincial level
BC’s salmon farming sector is one of the most heavily regulated food production systems in the country. It is subject to oversight from multiple government bodies including, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Transport Canada, and more. Farms are inspected through random government audits, unannounced site visits, and third-party certification schemes. These inspections assess fish health, veterinary treatments, antibiotic use, benthic impacts, and operational compliance. The farming operations are also reviewed by Indigenous partners, ensuring cultural and ecological standards are respected. This multi-layered approach means BC salmon farms are not only monitored but are triple audited in many cases.
10. If salmon farming is allowed to grow responsibly in BC, what does it promise
A) Higher salmon prices
B) Fewer jobs in coastal communities
C) Significant investment in sustainable technology and practices
D) Increased reliance on wild fish feed
BC’s salmon farmers have committed to directly investing $1.4 billion investment in in innovation, new technology and infrastructure, to boost Canada’s leadership position in sustainable ocean food systems. This bold plan in partnership with First Nations would support nearly 10,000 new jobs, generate $44 billion in cumulative economic activity by 2050. However, much of this plan is now on hold due to the federal government’s activist-induced move to shut down ocean salmon farms in BC, placing 4,700 jobs and over $1.2 billion in annual economic activity at risk. Salmon farming, done responsibly, isn’t just about food — it’s about economic resilience, innovation, and global leadership in sustainable aquaculture.
Did you get it right?
The Correct Answers:
1 – D; 2 – B; 3 – D; 4 – D; 5 – B; 6 – D; 7 – C; 8 – C; 9 – C; 10 – C;
How Did You Score?
0–2 correct – Hooked on Myths
You’ve taken the bait, but it’s not too late! There’s a lot more to salmon farming than the headlines. Scroll back up and dive into the facts.
3–5 correct – Room to Grow
You’re asking great questions and that’s the first step. With a bit more knowledge, you’ll be navigating the waters like a pro.
6–8 correct – Aquaculture Aware
You’ve got a solid grasp of the facts. With just a little more digging, you’ll be leading the conversation on sustainable seafood.
9–10 correct – BC Salmon Farming Wizard
You’re a powerhouse of insight. Whether it’s science, sustainability, or coastal economics you know what’s real and what’s just noise when it comes to salmon farming in BC.