Green Around the Gills

Global News Update: “Frankenfish Hit Shelves”/“Biotech Cheers”/“AK Senators Oppose GM Salmon”/“Begich Alarmed by FDA Report”

Here's the latest Global News Update in the 'Salmon Wars' raging against filthy feedlots in Canada, Chile, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, United States and Australia.

Download articles in full online here - scroll down to end for Global News Archive since July!

“Don’t eat farmed organic salmon this Christmas!” (Salmon Farms Ireland, 24 December)

“Ready to eat - the first GM fish for the dinner table: US decision after 17-year battle over fast-growing salmon could pave way for same step in Britain” (The Independent, 24 December)

“Super-salmon that are genetically modified to grow twice as fast a step closer to our dining table” (The Daily Telegraph, 24 December)

“Genetically modified 'Frankenfish' set to hit shelves after FDA finds salmon that grows twice as fast as normal poses no threat to human health” (The Daily Mail, 23 December)

 “Super salmon shares to leap” (Sunday Times, 23 December)

“Salmon giant caught on European competition hook as deal nets 36% of Scottish production” (Sunday Herald, 23 December)

“Salmon Sales Exceed £22 Million” (Hamilton Advertiser, 23 December)

 “Sea lice debate turns directly confrontational” (For Argyll, 23 December)

“Trout Unlimited wary of genetically engineered salmon” (The Spokesman Review, 23 December)

 “Biotech cheers U.S. GMO salmon study” (UPI, 22 December)

“FDA Misses the Boat in Signaling Approval of Genetically-Engineered Salmon” (National Geographic, 22 December)

“Frankenfish salmon not harmful per FDA/GMO salmon egg sales plan alarms environmentalists ” (The Examiner, 22 December)

“AK senators oppose genetically-modified salmon” (Anchorage Daily News, 22 December)

“Begich Alarmed by FDA Report on Frankenfish: Calls on Alaskans to Make Public Their Opposition to GE Salmon” (Political News, 22 December)

“Genetically altered salmon are safe, FDA says” (The Washington Post, 22 December)

 “Transgenic fish wins US regulatory backing: A fast-growing salmon moves closer to approval after a fishy delay” (Nature, 22 December)

“Alaska Delegation Fillets GM Salmon Report” (KTUU News, 21 December)

“Anti- salmon farm environmentalist punished” (Fish Farming Xpert/Norwegian Fish Farmer, 21 December)

“Bankruptcy now ‘highly unlikely’ for AquaBounty” (Intrafish, 20 December)

 

Download articles in full online here

 

Including in The Daily Mail (23 December):

 Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska: "This is especially troubling as the agency is ignoring the opposition by salmon and fishing groups, as well as more than 300 environmental, consumer and health organizations"

From Political News (22 December):

“Sen. Mark Begich, Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans and Fisheries, blasted the announcement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its draft report finding that genetically engineered salmon holds “no significant impact” on the environment or public health.

“The notion that consuming Frankenfish is safe for the public and our oceans is a joke,” Begich said. “I will fight tooth and nail with my Alaska colleagues to make sure consumers have a clear choice when it comes to wild and sustainable versus lab-grown science projects.”

From KTUU News (21 December):

“Rep. Don Young said he hoped to pass labeling requirements meant to keep the modified fish off the market.  “In the 113th Congress, I plan to reintroduce legislation that will at a bare minimum require genetically engineered salmon to be labeled to ensure that the public knows what they are purchasing at the grocery store and feeding to their families,” Young said.

 

From The Washington Post (22 December):

“You keep those damn fish out of my waters. It will ruin what I think is one of the finest products in the world,” Young said in an interview, saying he fears that the spread of fish farms could eventually contaminate the wild salmon industry in Alaska. He wants to force delays in any FDA approval.  “If I can keep this up long enough, I can break that company,” he said, referring to AquaBounty, “and I admit that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Watch a video on GE salmon via CBC News online via GMO salmon egg sales plan alarms environmentalists

 

From George Leonard writing in National Geographic (22 December):

“Given FDA’s action yesterday and NOAA’s failure to prohibit GE fish in its aquaculture policy, the time has come for Congress to intervene. Congress should work to pass Senator Mark Begich’s PEGASUS Act or similar legislation that requires FDA to take the environmental risks seriously before approving GE fish.  If Congress doesn’t act soon, the nation’s ocean may suffer from FDA’s efforts to chart a course for GE salmon.”

 

From The Independent (24 December):

“The verdict clears one of the last remaining hurdles for GM salmon to be lawfully sold and eaten in the US and will put pressure on salmon producers in Britain and Europe to follow suit.  Successive chief scientists to the UK Government, as well as science institutions such as the Royal Society, have endorsed the concept of GM technology as a tool for increasing food production in the 21st Century, but consumer opposition has so far blocked the approval of GM food for the dinner table. 

Several government bodies including the advisory committees on the release of GM organisms and on novel foods and processes would have to review the technology before it was approved in the UK.  Supporters of the technology believe the GM salmon will make it not only easier and cheaper to produce farmed salmon, but that it could also be better for the environment because they can be grown on land-based fish farms.”

 

Support the boycott of farmed salmon online here

Download articles in full online here

 

Watch video reports online here!

 ====================================================================

 Global News Archive:

Global News Updates include the 'Salmon Wars' raging against filthy feedlots in Canada, Chile, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, United States and Australia:

22 December - “Apocalypse Here”/“GE Salmon Approval”/“Sea Lice Levels Up”/“Greens Slam New Farms”- online here

20 December - “Farm Cesspit”/“Sea Lice Levels High”/“ISA Confirmed”/“Urgent Review on West Coast”/“Protest March” - online here

17 December - “Boycott Urged”/“Gathering Ireland”/“Senseless Destruction”/“AGD Alert”/“Sea of Protest”/“Filthy Fish Farms OUT!” - online here

12 December - Global News Update: “Feck Off to Fish Farms”/“GM Salmon May Sink”/“ISA Allegations”/“Seal-Shooting Salmon Farmers”/“Opposition Mounts” – online here

 21 November - “Showdown Looming”/“Fish Farm Fight”/“A Difficult 2013 Forecast”/“Devastating Impact” – online here

13 November - “Suffocating the Sounds”/“Skye Waters Against”/“Lice Death Claims”/“Battle Norwegian Fish Farms” – online here

 7 November - “Flesh-Eating Lice”/“Chlamydia & Gill Disease”/“Strong Opposition”/“Risky Salmon Farms”/“Scotland’s Salmon Wars” - online here

2 November - “Flying the Flag”/”Cohen Report”/“Curb Fish Farm Impact”/“Loggerheads” - online here

1 November - “Justice Cohen Gets Tough”/“Freeze On Farms”/“Cross-Appeal Vs Cermaq” - online here

31 October - “Watch Live”/“Cohen Report Tracker”/“Flying the Flag”/“Report Released Today” -  online here

30 October - “Here Comes Cohen!”/“Probe Shows Need for Reform”/“Uncalled-for Attack”/“Respected Scientist” - online here 

28 October - “Deadline Looms”/“Mystery Illness”/“Mass Sickness”/“Not Defamatory Enough” - online here

23 October - “Halt Fish Farm Growth”/“Disease Hits Cermaq”/“Like  Cancer”/“Is Truth a Tactic?”- online here

18 October - “Teen Fights Salmon Farms”/“Lawsuit Threat”/“Cermaq Appeal”/”Health Indicators Worsen” – online here

15 October - “Sicko Salmon”/“Farms & Disease”/“PR Disaster”/“Passionate Pleas” –  online here 

3 October - “Salmonella Outbreak”/Activist Wins”/“Boaties Protest”/“Lynch Mob” - online here

28 September - “Judgment Day”/“Salmon Sludge Fouls Hearing”/“Students Oppose Farms” - online here

 24 September - “Flotilla Protest”/“Shooting Seals Row”/“Farm Not Welcome” - online here 

11 September - “Dirty Secrets”/“FishyLeaks: Toxic Toilets”/“Disease Risk” - online here

29 August - “Virus Trackers”/“Compensation Culture”/“Say No to 9 New Salmon Farms” - online here

8 August - “Legal Strategy”/“Wave of Controversy”/“IHN Virus” - online here

3 August - “Fatal Virus Detected in BC”/“Fish Farm Quarantined” - online here

31 July - “IHN Virus Spreads”/“Norway’s Olympic Mascot”/”Playing With Fire” - online here

20 July - “Norwegian Fish Farm Virus Found in BC”/”ISA Confirmed”/“A Fishy Tale” - online here

17 July - “FishyLeaks”/“ISA in BC”/“Scotland’s Secrets” - online here

13 July - “Aquaculture PR Wars”/“Beware Mother Nature”/“Trouble Brewing” - online here

11 July - "Salmon Wars Are Here"/"Smoking Gun"/"Canada disease cleanup"  - online here

9 July - "Killer Panda"/"Quarantined Salmon to be Destroyed"/"PR War Waged" - online here!

 

6 July - "CFIA quarantines fish farm"/"Parasite found in Norwegian-owned salmon" - online here!

4 July - "Parasite-ridden salmon sold in BC stores"/"95% of BC salmon is BAP certified" - online here!

Global News Update: “Apocalypse Here”/“GE Salmon Approval”/“Sea Lice Levels Up”/“Greens Slam New Farms”

Here's the latest Global News Update in the 'Salmon Wars' raging against filthy feedlots in Canada, Chile, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, United States and Australia.

Download articles in full via a PDF online here - scroll down to end for Global News Archive since July!

“Engineered Fish Moves a Step Closer to Approval” (New York Times, 22 December)

“Feds can't convince Murkowski that so-called Frankenfish are just dandy” (Alaska Dispatch, 21 December)
“The apocalypse is here: FDA clears way for fast-growing GM monster salmon” (Grist, 21 December)

“Obama Administration Snubs Risks, Moves Forward With GE Salmon Approval” (Center for Food Safety, 21 December)

“CU Says FDA Assessment of GE Salmon Is Flawed and Inadequate” (Consumers Union, 21 December)

““Fatally flawed” FDA assessment to unleash genetically engineered salmon” (Friends of the Earth, 21 December)

“FDA says fast-growing salmon would not harm nature” (Associated Press/KOMO News, 21 December)

“Sea lice levels in Norwegian wild stocks appear to be up, say researchers” (Undercurrent News, 21 December)

“Fish farming raise tourism fears” (3 News, 21 December)

“'Yes' to salmon farms : Decision prompts regret and anger” (Nelson Mail, 21 December)

“Cheap salmon popular” (Timaru Herald, 21 December)

“Guest Editorial by Alexandra Morton: The only thing we have is each other” (South Coast Today, 20 December)

“Galway TD adds to concerns over proposed salmon farm off Inis Oirr” (Galway Bay FM, 20 December)

“Mesh pens don't overcrowd salmon: MUN researcher” (CBC News, 20 December)

“Victorious salmon-farming critic censured by judge/Salmon farm critic gets costly rebuke” (CBC News/Times Colonist, 20 December)

“Salmon-farming critic censured for conduct: Wins case but suffers financial rebuke” (The Province, 20 December)

“Don Staniford fined over conduct in court” (Undercurrent News, 20 December)

“Greens slam new King Salmon farms” (MSN New Zealand, 20 December)

“NZ King Salmon deplores expansion ruling” (Undercurrent News, 20 December)

 “Fish farm site changes would help fishermen” (The Oban Times, 20 December)

 “Loch Etive fish farm plan sparks row” (The Oban Times, 20 December)

 “Seafood entrepreneur: Farming salmon differently” (Undercurrent News, 20 December)

 “Salmon stocks vital to B.C.” (The Whistler Question, 20 December)

 “Most people prefer conventionally farmed salmon” (Fish Farming Xpert/Norwegian Fish Farmer, 20 December)

 “FFAW weighs in on second ISA case on South Coast” (VOCM, 19 December)

 “Here we go again” (Atlantic Salmon Federation” (Atlantic Salmon Federation, 19 December)

 

“Approval of fish farms in Nova Scotia triggers excitement” (Fish Farming Xpert/Norwegian Fish Farmer, 19 December)

“Industry fighting back” (Fish Farming Xpert/Norwegian Fish Farmer, 19 December)

 “Can helper species combat sea lice at salmon farms?” (Seafood Business, December)

“MSPs tour Marine Harvest operations” (The Oban Times, 22 November)

 

Support the boycott of farmed salmon online here

 

Download articles in full via a PDF online here 

 

Watch video reports online here!

 ====================================================================

 Global News Archive:

Global News Updates include the 'Salmon Wars' raging against filthy feedlots in Canada, Chile, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, United States and Australia:

22 December - “Apocalypse Here”/“GE Salmon Approval”/“Sea Lice Levels Up”/“Greens Slam New Farms”- online here

20 December - “Farm Cesspit”/“Sea Lice Levels High”/“ISA Confirmed”/“Urgent Review on West Coast”/“Protest March” - online here

17 December - “Boycott Urged”/“Gathering Ireland”/“Senseless Destruction”/“AGD Alert”/“Sea of Protest”/“Filthy Fish Farms OUT!” - online here

12 December - Global News Update: “Feck Off to Fish Farms”/“GM Salmon May Sink”/“ISA Allegations”/“Seal-Shooting Salmon Farmers”/“Opposition Mounts” – online here

 21 November - “Showdown Looming”/“Fish Farm Fight”/“A Difficult 2013 Forecast”/“Devastating Impact” – online here

13 November - “Suffocating the Sounds”/“Skye Waters Against”/“Lice Death Claims”/“Battle Norwegian Fish Farms” – online here

 7 November - “Flesh-Eating Lice”/“Chlamydia & Gill Disease”/“Strong Opposition”/“Risky Salmon Farms”/“Scotland’s Salmon Wars” - online here

2 November - “Flying the Flag”/”Cohen Report”/“Curb Fish Farm Impact”/“Loggerheads” - online here

1 November - “Justice Cohen Gets Tough”/“Freeze On Farms”/“Cross-Appeal Vs Cermaq” - online here

31 October - “Watch Live”/“Cohen Report Tracker”/“Flying the Flag”/“Report Released Today” -  online here

30 October - “Here Comes Cohen!”/“Probe Shows Need for Reform”/“Uncalled-for Attack”/“Respected Scientist” - online here 

28 October - “Deadline Looms”/“Mystery Illness”/“Mass Sickness”/“Not Defamatory Enough” - online here

23 October - “Halt Fish Farm Growth”/“Disease Hits Cermaq”/“Like  Cancer”/“Is Truth a Tactic?”- online here

18 October - “Teen Fights Salmon Farms”/“Lawsuit Threat”/“Cermaq Appeal”/”Health Indicators Worsen” – online here

15 October - “Sicko Salmon”/“Farms & Disease”/“PR Disaster”/“Passionate Pleas” –  online here 

3 October - “Salmonella Outbreak”/Activist Wins”/“Boaties Protest”/“Lynch Mob” - online here

28 September - “Judgment Day”/“Salmon Sludge Fouls Hearing”/“Students Oppose Farms” - online here

 24 September - “Flotilla Protest”/“Shooting Seals Row”/“Farm Not Welcome” - online here 

11 September - “Dirty Secrets”/“FishyLeaks: Toxic Toilets”/“Disease Risk” - online here

29 August - “Virus Trackers”/“Compensation Culture”/“Say No to 9 New Salmon Farms” - online here

8 August - “Legal Strategy”/“Wave of Controversy”/“IHN Virus” - online here

3 August - “Fatal Virus Detected in BC”/“Fish Farm Quarantined” - online here

31 July - “IHN Virus Spreads”/“Norway’s Olympic Mascot”/”Playing With Fire” - online here

20 July - “Norwegian Fish Farm Virus Found in BC”/”ISA Confirmed”/“A Fishy Tale” - online here

17 July - “FishyLeaks”/“ISA in BC”/“Scotland’s Secrets” - online here

13 July - “Aquaculture PR Wars”/“Beware Mother Nature”/“Trouble Brewing” - online here

11 July - "Salmon Wars Are Here"/"Smoking Gun"/"Canada disease cleanup"  - online here

9 July - "Killer Panda"/"Quarantined Salmon to be Destroyed"/"PR War Waged" - online here!

 

6 July - "CFIA quarantines fish farm"/"Parasite found in Norwegian-owned salmon" - online here!

4 July - "Parasite-ridden salmon sold in BC stores"/"95% of BC salmon is BAP certified" - online here!

Global News Update: “Farm Cesspit”/“Sea Lice Levels High”/“ISA Confirmed”/“Urgent Review on West Coast”/“Protest March”

Here's the latest Global News Update in the 'Salmon Wars' raging against filthy feedlots in Canada, Chile, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, United States and Australia.

Download articles in full via a PDF online here - scroll down to end for Global News Archive since July!

“Salmon critic must pay for ‘cruelly and publicly’ mocking court, witnesses” (Intrafish, 20 December)

“Fears salmon farm could create 'cesspit'” (TV New Zealand, 20 December)

“Salmon farm decision 'opens coastline for marine farm development'” (Voxy, 20 December)

“King Salmon draft decision concerns EDS” (Environmental Defense Society, 20 December)

“Malrborough Sounds fish farms approved” (Marlborough Express, 20 December)

“Consent declined for five salmon farms” (3 News New Zealand, 20 December)

“New case of ISA at aquaculture site confirmed” (FIS, 20 December)

“Judge penalizes fish-farm foe who won defamation case” (The Province/The Canadian Press, 19 December)

“No legal-fee reprieve for victorious salmon-farming critic censured by judge/Victorious salmon-farming critic censured by judge will get no legal-fee reprieve” (Global News/The Canadian Press, 19 December)

“The cost of defending freedom of speech” (Green Around the Gills, 19 December)

“New case of infectious salmon anemia confirmed to be at Pot Harbour site” (The Telegram, 19 December)

“Aquaculture raises job hopes but spawns environmental outcry in N.S.” (CTV News/The Canadian Press, 19 December)

“Another outbreak of infectious salmon anemia confirmed ” (CBC News, 19 December)

“Salmon Anaemia Cases Not Related” (VOCM, 19 December)

“Call for urgent review of fish farming on west coast” (The Press & Journal, 19 December)

 “Stock exchange looks into Marine Harvest insider trade” (Undercurrent News, 19 December)

 “Is the White House Interfering With a Scientific Review?  Leaks suggest politics is blocking genetically modified salmon” (Slate, 19 December)

 “Adboard Supports Leona Plaisier’s Petition Stop Further Salmon Farming In The Marlborough Sounds” (Scoop, 19 December)

 “King Salmon to offer farm tours” (Marlborough Express, 19 December)

 “Russian blasts salmon promotion” (Views & News From Norway, 19 December)

 “Protest march in Carrigaline” (No Salmon Farms At Sea, 19 December)

 “44 sea lice per salmon at Marine Harvest Ireland farm” (Undercurrent News, 18 December)

 “Boycott Irish Organic Farmed Salmon” (Salmon Farms Ireland, 18 December)

“Lice-Infested Irish Salmon (Continued)!” (FishyLeaks, 18 December)

 “Financial institutions restrict loans to salmon firms” (FIS, 18 December)

 “New case of infectious salmon anemia at south coast aquaculture site confirmed” (Gulf News/The Telegram, 18 December)

 “Outbreak of salmon virus confirmed at fish farm in southern Newfoundland” (The Canadian Press, 18 December)

 “Two Cooke salmon farms approved in Jordan Bay” (South Coast Today, 18 December)

 “Fish farm sites worry lobster fishermen” (The Chronicle Herald, 18 December)

“Belliveau's salmon farm approval draws criticism” (South Coast Today, 18 December)

 “Jordan Bay fish farms approved by province” (The Coastguard, 18 December)

 “Nova Scotia approves two open-net fish farming pens for Shelburne County” (The Canadian Press/Times Colonist, 18 December)

 “King Salmon decision due later this week” (Marlborough Express, 18 December)

 “Farm worried by expansion” (Timaru Herald, 18 December)

“Save Seil Sound campaigners respond to evidence given to Holyrood Committee” (For Argyll, 18 December)

 “Third Aquachile ‘Verlasso’ salmon farm certified” (Undercurrent News, 18 December)

“Protests over Irish fish farm proposals” (World Fishing & Aquaculture, 18 December)

“Sea lice levels high in local fish farms – reports show breaches of sea lice levels in Donegal” (Donegal Democrat, 17 December)

“Fish farm proposals - Coveney has to listen to objections” (The Irish Examiner, 17 December)

“Could Scottish salmon farming be transformed by moving to dry land?” (The Guardian, 17 December)

“Marine Harvest, Morpol: UK likely to be competition focus on ‘deal made in heaven’” (Undercurrent News, 17 December)

 “Smoked salmon from Chile recalled over listeria” (The Oregonian, 17 December)

 “Dr. Roderick O’Sullivan: Speaker at the Carrigaline Protest at the Irish Fisheries Minister’s office” (You Tube, 16 December)

 “NGO calls for Christmas boycott on Irish farmed salmon” (Undercurrent News, 13 December)

 

“Salmonella Salmon by the firm Foppen fooling around with the health of their customers” (Flickr, 2 November)

 

Download articles in full via a PDF online here

 

Watch video reports online here!

 ====================================================================

 Global News Archive:

News updates are now archived and available in full – online here!

Global News Updates include the 'Salmon Wars' raging against filthy feedlots in Canada, Chile, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, United States and Australia:

17 December - “Boycott Urged”/“Gathering Ireland”/“Senseless Destruction”/“AGD Alert”/“Sea of Protest”/“Filthy Fish Farms OUT!” - online here

12 December - “Feck Off to Fish Farms”/“GM Salmon May Sink”/“ISA Allegations”/“Seal-Shooting Salmon Farmers”/“Opposition Mounts” – online here

 21 November - “Showdown Looming”/“Fish Farm Fight”/“A Difficult 2013 Forecast”/“Devastating Impact” – online here

13 November - “Suffocating the Sounds”/“Skye Waters Against”/“Lice Death Claims”/“Battle Norwegian Fish Farms” – online here

 7 November - “Flesh-Eating Lice”/“Chlamydia & Gill Disease”/“Strong Opposition”/“Risky Salmon Farms”/“Scotland’s Salmon Wars” - online here

2 November - “Flying the Flag”/”Cohen Report”/“Curb Fish Farm Impact”/“Loggerheads” - online here

1 November - “Justice Cohen Gets Tough”/“Freeze On Farms”/“Cross-Appeal Vs Cermaq” - online here

31 October - “Watch Live”/“Cohen Report Tracker”/“Flying the Flag”/“Report Released Today” -  online here

30 October - “Here Comes Cohen!”/“Probe Shows Need for Reform”/“Uncalled-for Attack”/“Respected Scientist” - online here 

28 October - “Deadline Looms”/“Mystery Illness”/“Mass Sickness”/“Not Defamatory Enough” - online here

23 October - “Halt Fish Farm Growth”/“Disease Hits Cermaq”/“Like  Cancer”/“Is Truth a Tactic?”- online here

18 October - “Teen Fights Salmon Farms”/“Lawsuit Threat”/“Cermaq Appeal”/”Health Indicators Worsen” – online here

15 October - “Sicko Salmon”/“Farms & Disease”/“PR Disaster”/“Passionate Pleas” –  online here 

3 October - “Salmonella Outbreak”/Activist Wins”/“Boaties Protest”/“Lynch Mob” - online here

28 September - “Judgment Day”/“Salmon Sludge Fouls Hearing”/“Students Oppose Farms” - online here

 24 September - “Flotilla Protest”/“Shooting Seals Row”/“Farm Not Welcome” - online here 

11 September - “Dirty Secrets”/“FishyLeaks: Toxic Toilets”/“Disease Risk” - online here

29 August - “Virus Trackers”/“Compensation Culture”/“Say No to 9 New Salmon Farms” - online here

8 August - “Legal Strategy”/“Wave of Controversy”/“IHN Virus” - online here

3 August - “Fatal Virus Detected in BC”/“Fish Farm Quarantined” - online here

31 July - “IHN Virus Spreads”/“Norway’s Olympic Mascot”/”Playing With Fire” - online here

20 July - “Norwegian Fish Farm Virus Found in BC”/”ISA Confirmed”/“A Fishy Tale” - online here

17 July - “FishyLeaks”/“ISA in BC”/“Scotland’s Secrets” - online here

13 July - “Aquaculture PR Wars”/“Beware Mother Nature”/“Trouble Brewing” - online here

11 July - "Salmon Wars Are Here"/"Smoking Gun"/"Canada disease cleanup"  - online here

9 July - "Killer Panda"/"Quarantined Salmon to be Destroyed"/"PR War Waged" - online here!

 

6 July - "CFIA quarantines fish farm"/"Parasite found in Norwegian-owned salmon" - online here!

4 July - "Parasite-ridden salmon sold in BC stores"/"95% of BC salmon is BAP certified" - online here!

 

The Cost of Defending Freedom of Speech!

 

Justice Adair today (19 December) ruled on the issue of costs in the ongoing legal battle between Don Staniford and the Norwegian-owned multinational giant Cermaq - read the Judgment in full online here

 The Canadian Press/Vancouver Sun (19 December) reported:

Global News/The Canadian Press (19 December) reported: 

 

"The defence of free speech is sadly not free but it is a price worth paying," said Don Staniford in a statement.  "The costs of this SLAPP suit are a drop in the ocean to a multi-million dollar multinational giant.  Mainstream's parent company Cermaq made over $240 million profit and had an operating revenue of over $2 billion in 2011.  Mainstream, meanwhile, has almost 3 000 employees and a total operating revenue of NOK 3.6 billion ($634 million) in 2011."

"Thanks to my lawyer David Sutherland in fighting the good fight and taking on the evil Corporation in the shadowy guise of Cermaq," continued Staniford.  "It's been an honour to stand together alongside David in the fight against Goliath.  Win, lose or draw – the defence of truth and fair comment is a fight worth fighting (and we all know that David wins in the end)!"

   

 "A big thanks to all my supporters including West Coast Environmental Law, the general public who raised $50,000 via Go Fund Me, and Norwegian fishermen who donated $10,000 to fight this Norwegian Government-owned giant.  Whatever the costs involved, the battle against Norwegian-owned salmon farming companies spreading infectious diseases and killing wild fish continues all over the world.  How can you put a price on healthy wild salmon?"

 

"I look forward to coming back to Canada in March and first stop will be the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where Cermaq is recklessly expanding their disease-ridden operations at Plover Point in the Fortune Channel.  That a Norwegian-owned company is being permitted by the Canadian Government to spread infectious diseases, toxic chemicals and  waste pollution in one of the world's crown jewels is a costly mistake.  People need to make a choice between disease-ridden farmed salmon or healthy wild fish – and that means removing salmon feedlots from our global oceans."

Read more background on the lawsuit online here

Including:

Staniford files cross-appeal (31 October) - read online here

Mainstream Canada appeals (15 October) - read online here

Don Staniford Wins Lawsuit Vs. Cermaq (28 September) - read judgment online here

 

FishyLeaks: Lice-Infested Irish Salmon (Continued)!

Another leaked Government report reveals that Irish farmed salmon - including so-called 'organic' salmon farms - are breaching sea lice levels by over three times.  Marine Harvest's salmon farm in Lough Swilly is so infested with parasitic sea lice that there are over 44 sea lice per farmed salmon whilst Mannin Bay's 'organic' salmon are infested with over 15 sea lice per farmed salmon!

The latest data (November 2012) compiled by the Marine Institute reveals that Marine Harvest is breaching the sea lice protocol level (set at 2 ovigerous - pregnant female - lice per farmed salmon) for the FIFTH month running.  

Read November 2012 sea lice data in full online here

 

In October 2012 Marine Harvest’s feedlot in Lough Swilly was infested with 54 sea lice per fish – breaching the Irish Government’s protocol levels by almost five times along with Mannin Bay’s ‘organic’ salmon feedlot at Corhounagh.  In September 2012, Marine Harvest’s feedlot in Mulroy Bay was infested with 58 sea lice per farmed salmon with Lough Swilly infested with a staggering 71 sea lice per farmed salmon (both over five times the Government’s sea lice protocol level)!

 

"Lice-infested Irish farmed salmon - including 'organic' salmon - should be avoided like the plague," said Don Staniford of the Global Alliance Against Industrial Aquaculture (GAAIA) in a press release (18 December).  "The Irish Government should be controlling sea lice infestation on salmon farms not promoting even bigger feedlots such as the proposed 15,000 tonne farm in Galway Bay.  Join the boycott of farmed salmon and send a festive message to Marine Harvest that disease-ridden salmon does not belong on the Christmas menu."

GAAIA is now writing to the Irish Government, Marine Harvest and Mannin Bay Salmon asking why sea lice protocol levels are being flagrantly breached month after month - read GAAIA's letter (18 December) addressed to the Ireland's Fisheries Minister Simon Coveney online here

The Sunday Times Ireland reported (16 December):

"Gerry O’Donohue, of Mannin Bay Salmon, said sea lice were a problem for all fish farms. “We are very careful to ensure that we do everything possible to reduce the prevalence of sea lice in our salmon stocks.  “We have learnt how to deal with sea lice. When high levels of sea lice are detected, we harvest the fish, as we are an organic farm and do not use chemicals,” he said.

Marine Harvest Ireland said its Irish operations were audited 14 times a year by officials from the Marine Institute.  “We note that the control protocols in respect of sea lice operated by the Marine Institute on behalf of the state are more advanced than those operated in other jurisdictions, as the inspection regime is independent of the industry,” the company said.

“Data obtained as a result of inspections is published and treatment trigger levels are set at a low level. These controls are widely accepted as representing best practice internationally. Marine Harvest Ireland conforms fully with this leading pest control strategy.  “We implement tried-and- tested operational procedures to control sea lice. On occasion, given certain climatic conditions, lice can be more prevalent and this has occurred this year as the reports clearly illustrate.”

The Marine Institute declined to comment." 

 

The Irish Examiner reported (15 December):

"Marine Harvest last night defended the figures, saying sea lice control protocols in Ireland are “more advanced that those operated in other jurisdictions as the inspection regime is totally independent of the industry”.  “These controls are widely accepted as representing best practice internationally. Marine Harvest Ireland conforms fully with this leading pest-control strategy. Given certain climatic conditions, lice can be more prevalent and this has occurred this year”.

 “Best practice in fish farming is to optimise stock rotation and separation by having a greater number of sites. This is why we have applied for a licence application for Shot Head, to complement our existing facilities by enabling improved rotation of our fish stocks therefore implementing best practice with regard to lice control.”

 

The Donegal Democrat reported (17 December):

Read a year’s data on sea lice infestation on Irish salmon farms via:

- November 2012: online here

- October 2012: online here

- September 2012: online here

- August 2012: online here

- July 2012: online here

- June 2012: online here

- May 2012: online here

- April 2012: online here

- March 2012: online here

- February 2012: online here

- December 2011 to January 2012: online here

 

For more details see below and visit FishyLeaks

FishyLeaks, 11 December 2012

FishyLeaks today published leaked Government reports cataloguing sea lice infestation on Irish salmon farms.  The damming data reveals that Marine Harvest’s feedlot in Lough Swilly was infested with 54 sea lice per fish in October 2012 – breaching the Irish Government’s protocol levels by almost five times along with Mannin Bay’s ‘organic’ salmon feedlot at Corhounagh.  In September 2012, Marine Harvest’s feedlot in Mulroy Bay was infested with 58 sea lice per farmed salmon with Lough Swilly infested with a staggering 71 sea lice per farmed salmon (both over five times the Government’s sea lice protocol level)!

Read the leaked sea lice data online via FishyLeaks - including for October 2012:

 

And for September 2012:

 

“The public has a right to know that the Irish salmon farming industry is already being plagued by severe sea lice infestation,” said Don Staniford of the Global Alliance Against Industrial Aquaculture (GAAIA).  “It is a policy of reckless abandon for the Irish Government to be sponsoring a new 15,000 tonne feedlot in Galway Bay – the world’s largest salmon farm which would double salmon farming production in Ireland.  Sea lice infested Irish farmed salmon – including so-called ‘organic’ salmon - should be avoided like the plague.” 

 

 

The revelations come in the wake of a scientific paper published by the Royal Society in November which concluded that sea lice from salmon farms are killing wild salmon.  Minister of State with responsibility for Natural Resources Fergus O Dowd, TD, welcomed the report stating “from the results of this detailed study, it is crucial that sea lice levels are maintained below these protocol levels”.  However, the latest ‘National Survey of Sea Lice on Fish Farms in Ireland – 2011’ published in February 2012 revealed that 50% of Irish salmon farms breached sea lice levels in 2011 compared to 40% in 2010 and 24% in 2009. 

 

“The sea lice crisis is spiralling out of control,” continued Staniford.  “No wonder the Marine Institute is desperately trying to keep a lid on the can of worms that is Irish salmon farming.  Ireland is a law unto itself and is consistently flouting sea lice protocol levels despite a 2009 complaint to the European Commission by Salmon Watch Ireland.  Shame on Ireland and shame on Norway which now controls over 60% of Irish salmon farming production via the Norwegian-owned multinational Marine Harvest.”   

The leaked monthly sea lice reports include the following statement: “This data is supplied for the information of the recipient only and is not to be used, cited, or conveyed to third parties without the prior permission of the Marine Institute”.   However last month, the Donegal News (30 November) reported on sea lice problems in Mulroy Bay and Lough Swilly.  “They are intended for information only,” said a spokesperson for the Irish Government.  “The full set of inspection results together with a detailed commentary is published annually and posted on the Marine Institute web-site.”

 

Marine Harvest’s latest financial reports refer to disease problems including sea lice infestation and Amoebic Gill Disease.  Marine Harvest’s Q3 2012 report includes:

“As indicated in previous reports, the Irish operation has struggled with amoebic gill disease (AGD) for several months. Due to favourable conditions for the amoeba in the quarter, mortality losses and treatment costs were substantial in the period. Exceptional mortality in the amount of NOK 14 million was recognised in the quarter.”

 

Marine Harvest’s Q2 2012 report includes:

 “Cost wise, feed and sea lice mitigation costs have increased compared to 2011. High mortality in the 2012 harvest generation influenced the cost level in the period and will increasingly do so going forward.”

Watch a video report from Marine Harvest’s operations in Mulroy Bay – online via “"Nature has struck back and said "No More!" - Noel Carr on Salmon Farms”  

 

Read a year’s sea lice data in full online via FishyLeaks

- October 2012: online here

- September 2012: online here

- August 2012: online here

- July 2012: online here

- June 2012: online here

- May 2012: online here

- April 2012: online here

- March 2012: online here

- February 2012: online here

- December 2011 to January 2012: online here

 

For more background on sea lice infestation at Marine Harvest's operations in Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay please read the Donegal News (30 November) - online here

 

Read the press release (11 December) - "Lice-Infested Irish Salmon: Ireland’s Parasite Problems Exposed by ‘FishyLeaks’" - in full online here

Global News Update: “Boycott Urged”/“Gathering Ireland”/“Senseless Destruction”/“AGD Alert”/“Sea of Protest”/“Filthy Fish Farms OUT!”

Here's the latest Global News Update in the 'Salmon Wars' raging against filthy feedlots in Canada, Chile, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, United States and Australia.

Download articles in full via a PDF online here - scroll down to end for Global News Archive since July!

“Impacts of open pen salmon feedlots” (Legacy, January 2013)

“Sea of protest urges Coveney to prevent fish farm plans” (The Irish Examiner, 17 December)

“Coveney urged to stop giant salmon farms” (The Irish Times, 17 December)

“Protest March to Carrigaline” (Salmon Farm Protest Carrigaline, 17 December)

“Boycott smoked farmed salmon this Christmas and give the environment a Christmas present” (Wild Fish, 17 December)

“Fish Farms: Nothing But a Dirty Industry” (GAAIA, 17 December)

“Fish farms ‘pose threat’ to wild salmon stocks” (The Sunday Times Ireland, 16 December)

“Anti Salmon Farm Speakers in Carrigaline” (You Tube, 15 December)

“Company seeking fish farm expansion exceeds sea lice levels” (Irish Examiner, 15 December)

“Farmed Salmon: Let’s Stop This Senseless Destruction” (Salmon Farms Ireland, 14 December)

“Gathering Ireland Against Salmon Farming” (Green Around the Gills, 14 December)

“Anti-Fish Farm Groups Rally” (Cork News, 14 December)

“Coveney Under the Cosh” (Fish News EU, 14 December)

“Canadian Food Inspection Agency tangles with P.E.I. fish scientist” (Toronto Star, 14 December)

“Call to boycott salmon farms ‘sabotage’” (Irish Examiner, 14 December)

“IFA Aquaculture Dismisses Call for Boycott on Smoked Salmon” (The Fish Site, 14 December)

 

 

“Listeria contamination: Ocean Beauty recalls 2 types of smoked salmon” (Wall Street Journal/Associated Press, 14 December)

“Increased use of therapeutants in Chile” (Fish Farming Xpert, 14 December)

“B.C. companies vying for certification first” (Fish Farming Xpert, 14 December)

“Salmon boycott urged by fish farm opponents” (Irish Examiner, 13 December)

“Group launches farmed smoked salmon boycott – farmers condemn NGO’s plans to boycott smoked salmon over Christmas” (Intrafish, 13 December)

“Message to Norwegian Embassy in Dublin: Fish Farms Out!” (GAAIA, 13 December)

“Welby seeks independent enquiry into fish farm proposals” (Galway Advertiser, 13 December)

“Norway: AGD alert at salmon farms – vets warn of cases of Amoebic Gill Disease at Norwegian salmon farms” (Intrafish, 13 December)

“New pest attacks salmon” (Views & News from Norway, 13 December)

“Salmon farming has a strong 'hypothetical potential' to grow” (FIS, 13 December)

“Norway: Continued Work for Farmed Salmon Branding System” (The Fish Site, 13 December)

“Norway: Ownership ceiling of salmon firms to be modified” (FIS, 13 December)

“Monopolisation moves closer in Norwegian farms/Norwegian Government allows more than 25% ownership” (Fish News EU/Marine Harvest, 12 December)

“Fisheries Forum Lambasts Minister Over Galway Bay Fish Farm Decision Process” (Afloat, 12 December)

“Irish Wildlife Trust Objects to Galway Bay Fish Farm” (Galway Bay FM, 12 December)

“Salmon Boycott Launched” (Fish News EU, 12 December)

“Giant rainbow trout farm poses threat to marine environment in Loch Etive” (For Argyll, 12 December)

“US cruise giant switches from Norwegian to Chilean salmon” (Undercurrent News, 12 December)

“Research grant for salmon disease project” (World Fishing & Aquaculture, 12 December)

“Chilean Salmon Company Achieves Three-Star BAP Certification” (Global Aquaculture Alliance, 12 December)

“Australian salmon farmer gains BAP certification” (Undercurrent News, 12 December)

“Teen presents salmon farm petition” (Marlborough Express, 12 December)

“Online petition against salmon farm questioned” (Radio New Zealand, 12 December)

“Green MP Steffan Browning is incorrect - NZ King Salmon” (Voxy, 12 December)

“Waldorf Astoria replaces wild salmon with new premium farmed brand” (Intrafish, 12 December)

“EPA should consider public opposition to polluting salmon farm extension” (Green Party New Zealand, 11 December)

“Salmon farmers help fill Campbell River food bank shelves” (Campbell River Mirror, 11 December)

“Misconceptions about farmed fish” (Napa Valley Register, 11 December)

“Opposition mounts to super-sized fish farm in Galway Bay” (Fish Farming Xpert, 11 December)

 “"Nature has struck back and said "No More!" - Noel Carr on Salmon Farms” (GAAIA, 10 December)

“N. Ireland Anglers Wants Filthy Fish Farms OUT!” (GAAIA, 10 December)

“Biggest enemy to the future of fish farming is itself” (Outer Hebrides Against Fish Farms, 8 December)

“Fact dodging not good enough, SSC ” (Outer Hebrides Against Fish Farms, 8 December)

“High abundances of sea lice in Melinka” (Fish Farming Xpert, 7 December)

“Chile salmon farmers ‘losing close to $1.50′ a kilo” (Undercurrent News, 7 December)

“Salmon farming can create jobs and protect environment” (Irish Examiner, 7 December)

“Say no to organic salmon farming” (Irish Examiner, 5 December)

“Galway fish farm plan on schedule despite ‘campaign of dreadful information’ - BIM” (Inshore Ireland, December)

“Fish Farm Campaigner Questioned” (COAST, December)

“Scottish Salmon Company asked to ‘come clean’” (Stornoway Gazette, 30 November)

“Like it or not, fish farming is here to stay” (West Highland Free Press, 30 November)

“Debate over Infectious Salmon Anaemia Virus in Wild Fish” (CABI, 30 November)

“The struggles facing the fish farming industry” (Scotland on Sunday, 18 November)

“Retailers Taking Action on Farmed Salmon” (Farmed & Dangerous, Fall 2012)

 

Download articles in full via a PDF online here

 

Watch video reports online here!

 ====================================================================

 Global News Archive:

News updates are now archived and available in full – online here!

Global News Updates include the 'Salmon Wars' raging against filthy feedlots in Canada, Chile, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, United States and Australia:

12 December - Global News Update: “Feck Off to Fish Farms”/“GM Salmon May Sink”/“ISA Allegations”/“Seal-Shooting Salmon Farmers”/“Opposition Mounts” – online here

 21 November - “Showdown Looming”/“Fish Farm Fight”/“A Difficult 2013 Forecast”/“Devastating Impact” – online here

13 November - “Suffocating the Sounds”/“Skye Waters Against”/“Lice Death Claims”/“Battle Norwegian Fish Farms” – online here

 7 November - “Flesh-Eating Lice”/“Chlamydia & Gill Disease”/“Strong Opposition”/“Risky Salmon Farms”/“Scotland’s Salmon Wars” - online here

2 November - “Flying the Flag”/”Cohen Report”/“Curb Fish Farm Impact”/“Loggerheads” - online here

1 November - “Justice Cohen Gets Tough”/“Freeze On Farms”/“Cross-Appeal Vs Cermaq” - online here

31 October - “Watch Live”/“Cohen Report Tracker”/“Flying the Flag”/“Report Released Today” -  online here

30 October - “Here Comes Cohen!”/“Probe Shows Need for Reform”/“Uncalled-for Attack”/“Respected Scientist” - online here 

28 October - “Deadline Looms”/“Mystery Illness”/“Mass Sickness”/“Not Defamatory Enough” - online here

23 October - “Halt Fish Farm Growth”/“Disease Hits Cermaq”/“Like  Cancer”/“Is Truth a Tactic?”- online here

18 October - “Teen Fights Salmon Farms”/“Lawsuit Threat”/“Cermaq Appeal”/”Health Indicators Worsen” – online here

15 October - “Sicko Salmon”/“Farms & Disease”/“PR Disaster”/“Passionate Pleas” –  online here 

3 October - “Salmonella Outbreak”/Activist Wins”/“Boaties Protest”/“Lynch Mob” - online here

28 September - “Judgment Day”/“Salmon Sludge Fouls Hearing”/“Students Oppose Farms” - online here

 24 September - “Flotilla Protest”/“Shooting Seals Row”/“Farm Not Welcome” - online here 

11 September - “Dirty Secrets”/“FishyLeaks: Toxic Toilets”/“Disease Risk” - online here

29 August - “Virus Trackers”/“Compensation Culture”/“Say No to 9 New Salmon Farms” - online here

8 August - “Legal Strategy”/“Wave of Controversy”/“IHN Virus” - online here

3 August - “Fatal Virus Detected in BC”/“Fish Farm Quarantined” - online here

31 July - “IHN Virus Spreads”/“Norway’s Olympic Mascot”/”Playing With Fire” - online here

20 July - “Norwegian Fish Farm Virus Found in BC”/”ISA Confirmed”/“A Fishy Tale” - online here

17 July - “FishyLeaks”/“ISA in BC”/“Scotland’s Secrets” - online here

13 July - “Aquaculture PR Wars”/“Beware Mother Nature”/“Trouble Brewing” - online here

11 July - "Salmon Wars Are Here"/"Smoking Gun"/"Canada disease cleanup"  - online here

9 July - "Killer Panda"/"Quarantined Salmon to be Destroyed"/"PR War Waged" - online here!

 

6 July - "CFIA quarantines fish farm"/"Parasite found in Norwegian-owned salmon" - online here!

4 July - "Parasite-ridden salmon sold in BC stores"/"95% of BC salmon is BAP certified" - online here!

Gathering Ireland Against Salmon Farming

Tomorrow's protest against salmon farming expansion in Ireland is not the kind of gathering the Irish Government had in mind when they launched their 'Gathering Ireland' marketing campaign to boost the global image of Ireland.

"The Gathering Ireland 2013 will be a spectacular, year-long celebration of all things Irish," proclaims the PR initiative promoted by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.   "Irish individuals and community groups – both at home and abroad – are at the heart of the Gathering."

 

'Gathering Ireland' is officially launched on New Year's Eve in Dublin with a smorgasbord of 'I Love Ireland' events during 2013.   However, people across Ireland and abroad are not feeling the love for Irish farmed salmon (including the consumer scam that is Irish 'organic' salmon).  Visitors to Ireland surely do not want to see a 15,000 tonne salmon farm blighting the view from the famous Cliffs of Moher in Galway Bay. 

 

 

"Tourism will gradually decline in the west of Ireland, and especially in Clare and Galway, because of the unsightly pen markers and the gradual awareness in the minds of the public that Galway Bay has become an "industrial" asset of big business rather than the natural asset it is now perceived as," wrote US resident Thomas Marshall in a letter published in The Irish Examiner (5 December).  "Moreover, the cumulative effect of the effluent and detritus from the caged salmon, along with the inevitable escapes, will adversely affect wild salmon as well as lobsters, crabs and crustaceans in a wide area."

 

"This proposal constitutes one of the most egregious environmental threats Ireland has ever faced," continued Mr. Marshall who clearly loves Ireland but hates salmon farms.  "The economic and cultural dangers are very significant and if not defeated, will permanently harm the economy, tourism, sporting and the reputation of Ireland for unspoiled natural beauty."

 

 

Concerned citizens from across Ireland will be gathering tomorrow in County Cork outside the office of Simon Coveney, the Irish Fisheries Minister.  "Minister Coveney has been a strong supporter of the aquaculture industry and we intend to let him know that his support is misguided and will result in catastrophe not only for our stocks of wild atlantic salmon and sea trout, but also for the communities and local businesses that depend on their very existence," reported No Salmon Farms At Sea (NSFAS).  "An extensive social media and networking campaign has been conducted and large numbers of anglers, conservationists and concerned resisidents from all over the country have indicated that they will be present to voice their opposition to this proposed blight on our coastline."

 

 

"A number of anti-fish farm groups will march to Minister Simon Coveney’s Carrigaline constituency office as part of the demonstration," reported today's Cork News.  They include No Salmon Farms At Sea (NSFAS), the Federation of Irish Salmon & Sea Trout Anglers (FISSTA), Save Bantry Bay, Save Galway Bay and Friends of the Irish Environment.  The protest comes as the organisations object to fish farming operations across the country, including the €3.5m plan by Marine Harvest to expand its salmon farming operations off Bantry Bay.

The NSFAS stated that the wild Atlantic salmon is “now under serious threat” and in recent years, stocks have become critically low. “To the extent that many rivers in Ireland have been closed to angling,” said the group. “Now, one of the greatest threats to this species is the government backed proposal to dramatically develop the salmon farming industry around our coastline.”

 

 

"Ian Powell of Blackwater Lodge salmon fishery, a tourist facility in Waterford, said he will be taking part in the march on Mr Coveney’s office on Saturday," reported today's Irish Examiner.  "He claimed far more jobs and livelihoods would be lost than created by allowing salmon farms along the coast. Wild salmon, he said, were only beginning to recover from the drift nets which had been banned in 2006.  "Salmon farming has been a total disaster in other countries. This talk about it creating a lot of jobs is a complete load of rubbish. Very few people will be employed in the farms."

 

 

World champion salmon fly tyer Declan Tuffy from Galway, told The Irish Times (10 December) that the Irish Government's plans to increase salmon farming production by a staggering 100 per cent will be nothing short of an environmental disaster. “We have a duty as Irish citizens to protect our rare natural resource,” he said.  “BIM gave us a ‘golden egg story’ of how salmon farms will provide hundreds of jobs to coastal communities. The impact of fish farms on local economies is far more damaging to communities, the environment and businesses dependant on angling tourism with job losses way out-stripping job creation,” Tuffy said.

 

If 'Gathering Ireland Against Salmon Farming' has their way the events - including the Dingle Food Festival - will not have Irish farmed salmon blighting their menu.  Earlier this week, a new campaign calling for a boycott of farmed salmon this Christmas was launched across Ireland. 

 

 

According to the Wild Fish web-site:

 

 

Gathering Ireland Against Salmon Farming is gathering momentum fast.  Community, environmental and fishing groups across Ireland are rising up against the Irish Government's shameful promotion of foreign-owned sea lice infested salmon farms (over 60% of Ireland's salmon farming production is now controlled one Norwegian-owned company: Marine Harvest). 

 

 

The Irish Examiner reported yesterday: "Earlier this year, the Save Bantry Bay group was set up to fight Marine Harvest’s plans to develop a 100-acre organic salmon fish farm at Shot Head. Local fishermen, tourism interests, and anglers in the Aran Island are drawing up submissions to object to Bord Iascaigh Mh-ara’s planned 500-hectare deep-sea salmon farm 6km off Inis Oirr. Kerry anglers also oppose BIM’s tentative proposals to develop another salmon fish farm at Ballydavid."

Watch video report via ““Feck off” to fish farms in Galway Bay”

 

Galway Against Fish Farms (GAFF) is campaigning against plans for a 15,000 tonne 'organic' salmon farm in Galway Bay.  

GAFF condemned the way in which this project is being promoted by BIM.  The State agency is trying to push through this application which could double the country’s production of farmed salmon. This would then be franchised to a private operator and the profits diverted abroad, Gaff said.

 

"I'm dead against a farm coming onto the coast of Inis Oírr," said local fisherman Ruairi O Cualain .  "We had a farm here about twenty years ago and we couldn't eat the mackerel that was swimming around the bay.  This one's going to be thirty times the size of it."

 

"I'm concerned about the waters around the beach," continued Ruairi O Cualain.  "I'm sure it's going to be polluted.  The last time we had a farm here we had sea urchins growing off the coast of Inis Oírr - they all disappeared afterwards.  I do some lobster fishing and I'm concerned that would be wiped out.  This could be the worst thing that ever happened to Inis Oírr.  I've an awful fear that this could ruin the waters around Inis Oírr for generations."

 

 

"If you take into consideration the last farm that was sited here, the Bradán Feasa - the biggest salmon farm in Ireland - and it was wrecked by the seas because the weather here is incredible," said Dr. Roderick O'Sullivan durign a visit to Inis Oírr in November.  "Look at this ship here - it's been driven up on these rocks.  What chance the farms have when the storms really break here is highly debatable."

 

 

Watch video report online via “Dr. O’Sullivan on Salmon Farm Insanity in Galway Bay, Ireland”

 

In Northern Ireland, fishermen are also fighting to move filthy feedlots off migration routes for wild salmon - watch online here

In Donegal, the Federation of Irish Salmon & Sea Trout Anglers is leading the fight against Marine Harvest's disease-ridden operations in Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay - watch a video report featuring FISSTA Chairman Noel Carr online here

 

Protestors gathered last month outside the Norwegian Embassy in Dublin to raise awareness of the disease-ridden Irish operations of the Norwegian company Marine Harvest.  

 Watch video report via “Message to Norwegian Embassy in Dublin: Fish Farms Out!”

 

 

The message to Norway and Ireland is loud and clear - stop the expansion of salmon farming off the Irish coast.  The message to tourists coming to the Emerald Isle for Gathering Ireland 2013 is equally clear - go green and don't eat disease-ridden Irish farmed salmon!

 

Global News Update: “Feck Off to Fish Farms”/“GM Salmon May Sink”/“ISA Allegations”/“Seal-Shooting Salmon Farmers”/“Opposition Mounts”

Here's the latest Global News Update in the 'Salmon Wars' raging against filthy feedlots in Canada, Chile, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, United States and Australia.

Download articles in full via a PDF online here - scroll down to end for Global News Archive since July!

 

“Smoked Farm Salmon Boycott Launched” (Wild Fish, 12 December)

Listen online to Ireland's RTE radio on the call for a boycott of Irish farmed salmon - via "Row Over Salmon Farm in Galway"

 

“Petition on salmon farming gets 11,000 signatures” (Radio New Zealand, 12 December)

“Down our throats: Fed-up with salmon feedlots” (Rabble, 11 December)

 “FishyLeaks: Lice-Infested Irish Salmon!” (Green Around the Gills, 11 December)

 “Teen takes salmon farm petition to Beehive” (Fairfax NZ News, 11 December)

“Nova Scotia APES Smell Something Fishy in Open Pen Approval Process” (Halifax Media Co-op, 11 December)

“Fishers concerned with pesticide use” (The Coaster, 11 December)

“Fish farm statement ‘waffle’ ” (The Press & Journal, 11 December)

“Ban anglers from catching salmon in spring, urge fish farm experts” (The Scotsman, 11 December)

“Both sides in salmon row must work together” (The Herald, 11 December)

 “Scottish wild salmon given protected status” (The Herald, 11 December)

 “Salmon take centre stage in southern river study” (ABC News, 11 December)

 “Mainstream Canada First two-star BAP Certified Salmon Farm in BC” (The Fish Site, 11 December)

 “Galway protest planned” (Fish News EU, 10 December)

“Ireland Says ‘Feck Off’ to Super-Size Salmon Farm in Galway Bay” (Green Around the Gills, 10 December)

“County mayor calls for suspension of licensing process for Inis Oirr fish farm” (Galway Bay FM, 10 December)

“Groups To Protest Marine Minister's Office Over Galway Bay Salmon Farm” (Afloat, 10 December)

“Opposition mounts to super-sized fish farm in Galway Bay” (The Irish Times, 10 December)

“Eastern Shore residents march on Legislature” (South Coast Today, 10 December)

“N. Ireland Anglers Want Filthy Fish Farms OUT!” (First Post, 10 December)

“NW anglers urged to oppose salmon farms that could ‘devastate’ wild fish” (Londonderry Sentinel, 10 December)

“Mega fish farm contrary to moratorium in national development plan” (FIS, 10 December)

“Density regulation is the result of consensus between industry and government, says SalmonChile” (FIS, 10 December)

“Salmon farming feels the squeeze” (New Zealand Herald, 10 December)

“Save our Sounds - no new salmon farms” (Avaaz, 9 December)

“Anglers fear salmon super farm will impact local wild stocks” (Limerick Leader, 9 December)

“Mega Fish Farm Contrary to Moratorium in National Development Plan” (Friends of the Irish Environment, 9 December)

“Association renews plea for land-based aquaculture” (CBC News, 9 December)

“Maker of genetically modified salmon may sink if FDA doesn't act soon” (Denver Post, 9 December)

“They Want Us to Eat What? Doubts About GM Salmon” (OpEdNews, 8 December)

““Feck off” to fish farms in Galway Bay” (GAAIA, 8 December)

“Culling seals to protect farmed salmon: what should we be allowed to know?” (UK Human Rights Blog, 8 December)

“Outbreak no surprise” (The Chronicle Herald, 8 December)

“The Right to Test for Pathogens in Farmed Salmon” (Dissident Voice, 7 December)

“Letter to Director General of OIE” (Alexandra Morton, 7 December)

“BIM farm would destroy Galway Bay’s salmon and sea trout in five years” (Connacht Tribune, 7 December)

 “Roy Christie of N. Ireland speaks for the salmon” (GAAIA, 7 December)

 “Farming densities to depend on environmental and health performance” (FIS, 7 December)

 “Cohen report no surprise” (Whistler Question, 6 December)

 “SPAWN Against use of Sea Lice Chemical” (VOCM, 6 December)

“Marine Harvest presents investment plans” (Fish News EU, 6 December)

“Investor Interest in Galway Bay Organic Salmon Farm Heightens” (The Fish Site, 6 December)

 “Salmon firm hits back at protesters” (The Press & Journal, 5 December)

 “Government steps in to dispel myths” (Fish Farming Xpert, 5 December)

 “DFO Refuses to Admit ISA Virus is in BC Wild Salmon” (Fish Farms News & Science, 5 December)

 “GM salmon producer headed for bankruptcy?” (Seafood Source, 5 December)

 “DNA salmon: Perfect fish or chemically toxic food?” (Hampton Roads, 5 December)

“Headless sea lions remain a mystery” (Times Colonist, 5 December)

“Dr. O’Sullivan on Salmon Farm Insanity in Galway Bay, Ireland” (GAAIA, 4 December)

“Canada investigates ISA allegations”/Suspected finding of ISA in COB” (Seafood Source/The Coaster, 4 December)

 “Another Scare in Aquaculture Industry” (VOCM, 4 December)

“New east coast ISA outbreak?  Cooke Aquaculture says 'false positive' possible” (South Coast Today, 4 December)

“No confirmed disease in B.C. salmon” (Ottawa Citizen, 4 December)

“Fast-growing fish may never wind up on your plate” (Associated Press/Canadian Business, 4 December)

“Land-based fish farms continue to gain popularity” (FIS, 4 December)

“Salmar’s new farm under threat – will environmental concerns scupper plans?” (Intrafish, 4 December)

“Deep-sea salmon farm to go for public tender” (The Irish Times, 4 December)

“Group to fight Galway fish farm” (Galway Independent, 4 December)

“Anti salmon farm protestors to hold demo at minister’s office” (West Cork Times, 3 December)

“Protest against Filthy Salmon Farms in Ireland” (No Salmon Farms At Sea, 3 December)

“International speakers slam Bantry fish farm plans” (Save Bantry Bay/Southern Star, 3 December)

“Land-based fish farms now part of aquaculture's future” (The Irish Times, 3 December)

“Fish farms that kill seals must be named, says Scots information czar” (The Times, 3 December)

“Scottish salmon farmers ordered to reveal seal-shooting salmon farmers” (Intrafish, 3 December)

“2012 Roger Award Finalists Named: King Salmon” (Scoop, 3 December)

“Ministers told to reveal where seals are shot” (The Sunday Herald, Rob Edwards, 2 December)

 “Reports of deadly salmon virus in B.C. tied up federal resources for months” (The Canadian Press/The Tyee, 2 December)

“Food Safety Agency Should Protect Public, Not Cover up Virus for Salmon Farming Industry” (The Common Sense Canadian, 1 December)

“Big stink over fish plant” (The Mercury, 1 December)

“Salmond’s salmon: A boom in Scottish salmon is no occasion for nationalism” (The Economist, 1 December)

“Business trumps wildlife once again” (Caledonian Mercury, 30 November)

“Sea lice hitting Donegal farms hardest” (Donegal News, 30 November)

“Farmed and dangerous: the dish about fish” (Napa Valley Register, 30 November)

“Biomar readies salmon farmers for new reality in fish feed production – feed producer considers putting poultry in fish feed as fishmeal and oil supplies get scarce” (Intrafish, 30 November)

“Scottish Salmon profits are hit by disease outbreak” (The Herald, 30 November)

 “Salmon drama raises questions about government’s role” (Ottawa Citizen, 29 November)

 “PEI college could lose prestigious designation after having ISA results disputed” (FIS, 29 November)

 “Pesticide approved for sea lice control” (CBC News, 29 November)

 “Stronger management and more transparency calls for Scottish fish farms” (Fish Update, 28 November)

 “Bennett proposes all land-based aquaculture - Time for new vision in aquaculture?” (The Coaster, 27 November)

 “Farmed fish feed high on food chain” (Times Colonist, 27 November)

 “Govt agencies face off on proposed salmon farm: A proposed deep sea salmon farm off the west coast has two government agencies battling” (FIS, 27 November)

“Concerns over size of proposed new salmon farm in Galway Bay” (The Irish Times, 26 November)

 “Details of fish farm chemicals sought” (The Irish Times, 26 November)

 “Outspoken opponent of fish-farming rallies support” (Irish Examiner, 26 November)

 “Show of force from Bantry fish farm protestors” (West Cork Times, 26 November)

 “Ireland’s proposed salmon farm slammed” (Intrafish, 26 November)

 “Inland Fisheries wants freeze on new salmon farms” (Donegal Democrat, 25 November)

 “Future of Donegal fish farms in doubt after agency’s tough statement” (Donegal Daily, 25 November)

 “Friends of the Earth calls for investigation into silencing of Canadian salmon scientist” (Vancouver Observer, 25 November)

 “Salmon farming: The risks outweigh the benefits” (Telegraph-Journal, 23 November)

 “Lamont: Fish farm facts don’t float: Businessman disputes claims of low impact on lobster stocks” (Chronicle Herald, 19 November)

 ====================================================================

 Global News Archive:

News updates are now archived and available in full – online here!

Global News Updates include the 'Salmon Wars' raging against filthy feedlots in Canada, Chile, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, United States and Australia:

12 December - Global News Update: “Feck Off to Fish Farms”/“GM Salmon May Sink”/“ISA Allegations”/“Seal-Shooting Salmon Farmers”/“Opposition Mounts” – online here

 21 November - “Showdown Looming”/“Fish Farm Fight”/“A Difficult 2013 Forecast”/“Devastating Impact” – online here

13 November - “Suffocating the Sounds”/“Skye Waters Against”/“Lice Death Claims”/“Battle Norwegian Fish Farms” – online here

 7 November - “Flesh-Eating Lice”/“Chlamydia & Gill Disease”/“Strong Opposition”/“Risky Salmon Farms”/“Scotland’s Salmon Wars” - online here

2 November - “Flying the Flag”/”Cohen Report”/“Curb Fish Farm Impact”/“Loggerheads” - online here

1 November - “Justice Cohen Gets Tough”/“Freeze On Farms”/“Cross-Appeal Vs Cermaq” - online here

31 October - “Watch Live”/“Cohen Report Tracker”/“Flying the Flag”/“Report Released Today” -  online here

30 October - “Here Comes Cohen!”/“Probe Shows Need for Reform”/“Uncalled-for Attack”/“Respected Scientist” - online here 

28 October - “Deadline Looms”/“Mystery Illness”/“Mass Sickness”/“Not Defamatory Enough” - online here

23 October - “Halt Fish Farm Growth”/“Disease Hits Cermaq”/“Like  Cancer”/“Is Truth a Tactic?”- online here

18 October - “Teen Fights Salmon Farms”/“Lawsuit Threat”/“Cermaq Appeal”/”Health Indicators Worsen” – online here

15 October - “Sicko Salmon”/“Farms & Disease”/“PR Disaster”/“Passionate Pleas” –  online here

3 October - “Salmonella Outbreak”/Activist Wins”/“Boaties Protest”/“Lynch Mob” - online here

28 September - “Judgment Day”/“Salmon Sludge Fouls Hearing”/“Students Oppose Farms” - online here

 24 September - “Flotilla Protest”/“Shooting Seals Row”/“Farm Not Welcome” - online here

11 September - “Dirty Secrets”/“FishyLeaks: Toxic Toilets”/“Disease Risk” - online here

29 August - “Virus Trackers”/“Compensation Culture”/“Say No to 9 New Salmon Farms” - online here

8 August - “Legal Strategy”/“Wave of Controversy”/“IHN Virus” - online here

3 August - “Fatal Virus Detected in BC”/“Fish Farm Quarantined” - online here

31 July - “IHN Virus Spreads”/“Norway’s Olympic Mascot”/”Playing With Fire” - online here

20 July - “Norwegian Fish Farm Virus Found in BC”/”ISA Confirmed”/“A Fishy Tale” - online here

17 July - “FishyLeaks”/“ISA in BC”/“Scotland’s Secrets” - online here

13 July - “Aquaculture PR Wars”/“Beware Mother Nature”/“Trouble Brewing” - online here

11 July - "Salmon Wars Are Here"/"Smoking Gun"/"Canada disease cleanup"  - online here

9 July - "Killer Panda"/"Quarantined Salmon to be Destroyed"/"PR War Waged" - online here!

6 July - "CFIA quarantines fish farm"/"Parasite found in Norwegian-owned salmon" - online here!

4 July - "Parasite-ridden salmon sold in BC stores"/"95% of BC salmon is BAP certified" - online here!

Ireland Says ‘Feck Off’ to Super-Size Salmon Feedlot in Galway Bay

Residents on Inis Oírr (Inisheer) in the Aran Islands are fighting the Irish Government's colossally stupid proposal for a 15,000 tonne "organic" salmon farm in Galway Bay.  

Watch the video report online here

 

Inis Oírr is the location of the fictional Craggy Island made famous by the TV series Father Ted - featuring foul-mouthed Father Jack.

"I'm dead against a farm coming onto the coast of Inis Oírr," said local fisherman Ruairi O Cualain.  "We had a farm here about twenty years ago and we couldn't eat the mackerel that was swimming around the bay.  This one's going to be thirty times the size of it."

 

"I'm concerned about the waters around the beach," continued Ruairi O Cualain.  "I'm sure it's going to be polluted.  The last time we had a farm here we had sea urchins growing off the coast of Inis Oírr - they all disappeared afterwards.  I do some lobster fishing and I'm concerned that would be wiped out.  This could be the worst thing that ever happened to Inis Oírr.  I've an awful fear that this could ruin the waters around Inis Oírr for generations."

 

 

"The more knowledge we get on this the more people we're getting against it," said another local resident.  "We're concerned at the way BIM are handling it and giving us a whole load of lies.  They're not being truthful and we don't trust them.  People should know about it.  We have to fight this and stand up for our cause and take the power back."

 

 

"I don't think it should be here," said another local resident.  "And I can tell you that half of Connemara is very much against a massive big sludge producing factory out in the middle of the feckin' bay.  It's not good.  It's not good for us.  I don't see 500 jobs.   And 500 jobs is not equal to 500,000 tourists who are not going to come."

 

Watch video report online via ““Feck off” to fish farms in Galway Bay”

 

 

Speaking on Inis Oírr, overlooking the proposed site and the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, Dr. Roderick O'Sullivan pointed to the dangers of the 15,000 tonne farm:

 

"One must remember that it's the biggest salmon farm certainly in Europe if not the world," said Dr. O'Sullivan.  "And it's going to be discharging a tremendous amount of waste, fish faeces and uneaten food.  It's going to have a very deleterious effect on water quality and the living organisms in this bay."

 

 

"What I'm concerned about is the quality of the Environmental Impact Statement that has been released by BIM," continued Dr. O'Sullivan.  "Quite frankly, of all the Environmental Impact Statements that I've seen this is almost a work of fiction because it doesn't cover any of the worries or the concerns that the islanders would have both from their environment and their standards of living."

Read BIM's Environmental Impact Statement online here

 

 

"If you take into considerationthe last farm that was sited here, the Bradán Feasa - the biggest salmon farm in Ireland - and it was wrecked by the seas because the weather here is incredible," concluded Dr. O'Sullivan.  "Look at this ship here - it's been driven up on these rocks.  What chance the farms have when the storms really break here is highly debatable."

 

 

Watch video report online via “Dr. O’Sullivan on Salmon Farm Insanity in Galway Bay, Ireland”

 

 

Read Dr. Roderick O'Sullivan writing in The Connacht Tribune (7 December) - online here:

 Read article in full via “BIM farm would destroy Galway Bay’s salmon and sea trout in five years”

 

 

The deadline for objections is Wednesday 12th December - email objections (citing T9/489A&B) to aquaculturelicensing@agriculture.gov.ie

 

 

Today's Irish Times (10 December) details mounting opposition to this "outrageous proposal":

Read article in full online here

 

For more background read "Fightin' Irish Take On Super-Size Salmon!"

Scottish Salmon's Seal Killers Named & Shamed!

A ruling to be published officially tomorrow (3 December) by the Scottish Information Commissioner will finally force the Scottish Government to publish details of which salmon farms have killed seals across Scotland (read the ruling in full online here).

"Government ordered to reveal secret seal shooters" reports The Sunday Herald (2 December 2012). 

"In a damning decision to be published tomorrow, the Scottish Information Commissioner, Rosemary Agnew, rejects SNP ministers' arguments for secrecy as "tenuous"," reports Rob Edwards in The Sunday Herald.  "She says she is "disappointed" at the Government's failure to provide evidence in support of its claim that public safety would be put at risk.  Ministers now have to reveal the number of seals killed by fish-farming companies at individual sites before January 10. The only way to avoid doing so is by appealing to the Court of Session on a point of law."

Read more via The Sunday Herald's " Government ordered to reveal secret seal shooters"

 

 

For more background see "The Killing Farms" and "Killer Panda"

 

The Times reported (3 December):

 

 

 

Intrafish reported (3 December):