Subject: Recent news on PNW exotics
Date: Aug 11 13:45:10 1999
From: Li, Kevin - Kevin.Li at METROKC.GOV


FYI, in light of discussion on exotics..
Kevin Li
Seattle

Fisheries
99-32
August 4, 1999

Survey finds Atlantic salmon in Vancouver Island creek
VICTORIA - A provincial stream-monitoring survey has found what appear to be
42 juvenile Atlantic salmon of two age classes in Amor de Cosmos Creek on
northeastern Vancouver Island. The survey is part of the province's ongoing
efforts to monitor the potential effects of escaped farmed salmon on coastal
streams.

"Last week's finding will provide important clues about the behaviour of
escaped Atlantic salmon," said Fisheries Minister Dennis Streifel.
"Provincial biologists will continue to monitor Vancouver Island streams
over the next few months, and the information gathered will help us
formulate a long-term policy for escape prevention in salmon aquaculture."

Juvenile Atlantic salmon were found in the nearby Tsitika River in September
1998. In response to that finding, the provincial government increased its
efforts to monitor Vancouver Island streams for the presence of Atlantic
salmon adults and juveniles through its Atlantic salmon juvenile monitoring
program. The program, funded by the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund,
monitors rivers and streams in areas near salmon farms through snorkel
surveys and other methods to determine if escaped farmed Atlantic salmon are
successfully spawning.

The province also co-sponsors the Department of Fisheries and Ocean's
Atlantic salmon watch, a program that reports on sightings of Atlantic
salmon in the wild.

"Escaped farm salmon is one of many public concerns related to aquaculture,"
said Environment, Lands and Parks Minister Joan Sawicki. "Closed containment
technology would eliminate the risk of Atlantic salmon becoming established
in coastal streams, which is another reason I would want to move in that
direction as quickly as possible."

Government will analyse the results of the Amor de Cosmos Creek survey and
all other 1999 Vancouver Island stream surveys and issue a more
comprehensive report in the late fall.

- 30 -

Contact:

Eric Kristianson
A/Director of Communications
Ministry of Fisheries
(250) 356-5126


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