Mowi Canada West decided to temporarily cease operations at its Dalrymple salmon hatchery, British Columbia, Canada. According to the company, this operational decision is a direct result of the liberal government’s decision in December 2020 to cancel salmon farming licenses in the Discovery Islands.

The former federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Bernadette Jordan, stated that her decision only impacts the Discovery Islands. However, her decision to remove 30% of Mowi’s production has forced the company to reduce its hatcheries by one. Dalrymple hatchery, one of three owned and operated by Mowi, will be closed in May 2022, with a plan to restart when production requirements allow. This decision will impact 17 employees.

“The decision of the former Minister continues to challenge our company and has lasting implications. It is clearly evident her decision is far-reaching, incredibly damaging to the communities where we operate and could have been mitigated if the Ministry engaged with our company to fully understand the impact on coastal communities who depend on this sector,” said Dean Dobrinsky, spokesperson for Mowi Canada West.

Mowi will look for opportunities within the organization for the affected employees and for now, will rely on the continued production at its Big Tree Creek and Ocean Falls hatcheries for smolt supply.

Mowi Canada West and other affected companies in British Columbia are currently in Federal court for a judicial review of the decision made by Bernadette Jordan, regarding licenses for salmon farms in the Discovery Islands area.