FIN IN THE NEWS: Let's protect our wild salmon

By Theresa Mcmanus, The Record May

FISHING FOR CHANGE

New Westminster-Coquitlam MP Fin Donnelly is proposing legislation that was suggested by a high school student in Victoria.

Donnelly, the NDP's fisheries and oceans critic, wants to protect wild salmon by strengthening the Fisheries Act to require that fish farms operating on B.C.'s coast transition to closed containment systems.

"New Democrats believe environmental protection not only can, but must coexist with economic prosperity," he said. "British Columbia's, and indeed Canada's, wellbeing depends on it."

A NDP press release said Donnelly received the idea for the bill from Victoria NDP MP Denise Savoie, who held a Create Your Canada contest last year. Grade 10 student Thea Block submitted the winning entry, having worked on a fish boat with her dad for the past few summers.

"Last summer, I fished for wild salmon with my dad," she said.

"I want us and future generations to be able to do what my family is doing. I don't want it spoiled because we didn't take steps to protect our wild salmon. That's why I entered my idea for closed containment in the contest."

Read more: http://www.royalcityrecord.com/health/Thanks+caring/3062445/story.html#i...