Support the 'Get Out Migration'! Save Wild Salmon -- Now!
Salmon supporters, near and far,
There is some big news to report! No guarantees, of course, but there seems to be an awful lot of attention and action promoting wild salmon, and growing awareness of the manifold damage and destruction wreaked by open pen salmon farms, in BC and worldwide.
The 'Get Out Migration' (to get people out to get the fish farms out of BC waters), Alexandra Morton's pilgrimage beginning on Earth Day, April 22, from her home in northern BC to the steps of the Legislative Assembly in Victoria, BC, ending with a rally on May 8, is drawing good numbers and media coverage. It is timely because now is the critical time in the life of young salmon, heading out to sea and having to pass large numbers of farms with the sea lice and disease they spread.
Here are some links about the migration itself. There's some duplication, but you get a good flavour for the movement and the effect its having, even by just having a quick look. And check out the new developments and actions to take as well.
• The Wild Salmon Circle website explains and promotes the 'Migration'
• SalmonAreSacred is a major sponsor of the walk
• 'This is about much more than salmon'
• Shutting down the Island Highway
Want to take part in the rally in Victoria on May 8?
Transportation
Rally details
Itinerary
Here are some links to videos about how and why the migration
Sacred Migration
Why People are Walking
Rafe Mair and Alexandra Morton
A-News report
Video showing ocean bottoms under farms compared to no farm
In the water near fish farms
David Suzuki Foundation Healthy Oceans
A clever technique to bring attention to the economic value of wild salmon
And other interesting links and news items
• Great, short, animation with low down about farms. Watch this one for sure!
The Overwaitea Food Group is the first Canadian retailer to make closed containment salmon widely available
This is the first time that closed containment salmon will be widely available to consumers in British Columbia and Alberta.
The B.C. First Nations bands are seeking class-action status to sue over fish-farm regulation
And here are some actions you can take
Sign a petition to the Government of Canada standing again the biological and social and commercial threat of industrial nat-cage salmon feedlots
Don't buy farmed salmon, no matter what!
And here are Ten ways you can help wild salmon (Skeena River area -- but fits for us all.)
Get informed. Learn about the Skeena’s many unique salmon populations and the threats to their survival. Check out Skeena River Fish And Their Habitat by Gottesfeld and Rabnett.
Ask for wild salmon. Open-net salmon farms are killing wild salmon through the spread of disease and sea lice. If you see salmon on your menu, ask the server if it’s wild or farmed. If you get a blank stare in return, take a minute to fill them in on the issue.
Experience the magic. Wild salmon swim 610 kilometres up the Skeena to spawn every year. Go down to the river and watch this marvel of nature. Take your kids and help them appreciate the wild salmon system.
Write your politicians. Tell them wild salmon are the backbone of our identity in the Northwest. Urge them to speak out for wild salmon conservation.
Take action online. There are several groups in the Skeena watershed fighting for a wild salmon future. Visit friendsofwildsalmon.ca orskeenawatershed.com and take part in their online actions.
Practice stewardship. Nearly everything we do in the Skeena watershed affects salmon. From not dumping chemicals down the drain to keeping cattle out of riparian areas, there are lots of ways we can protect salmon habitat.
Share the story. We have one of the world’s greatest treasures right here in the Skeena. Spread the word through your friends, family and co-workers.
Support change. The way we’re managing salmon isn’t working, and our weak salmon runs are heading for extinction. Join the call for reforms to wild salmon management, and full implementation of Canada’s Wild Salmon Policy in the Skeena watershed.
Fish right. If you’re an angler, make sure you know the current regulations and best practices for fish handling. Make your angling an act of conservation.
Show up. Salmon have gills, fins, but alas, no vocal chords. They need you to be their voice at public hearings, open houses, and consultation processes. Calm your nerves, step to the microphone, and speak for the fish.
