AQUACULTURE COMMITTEE SUMMER UPDATE

VICTORIA – The Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture has retained the services of MMK Consulting to survey and assess the economic impacts and prospects of the salmon farming and wild salmon industries in British Columbia.  MMK Consulting was chosen from among seven BC firms that submitted proposals to assist the committee in fulfilling the terms of reference conferred on it by the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. 

“The work of MMK Consulting will begin in July of this year and conclude by winter,” said committee chair Robin Austin, MLA. “The Committee anticipates incorporating the results of the economic survey into a report to the House by May 2007. This kind of study which has also been suggested by John Fraser of the Pacific Salmon Forum, will add to the body of knowledge on this issue in British Columbia.”

The Committee will begin the second phase of its public hearings this fall. “The sheer volume of individuals attending our June hearings clearly illustrates the importance of this issue to many BC communities,” said deputy chair, Ron Cantelon, MLA. “We are anticipating a similar turn-out in our next series of hearings.”

The fall public hearings will be held in the following communities:

The Committee will also be holding a series of meetings with expert witnesses and selected organizations November 7-9 in Victoria and Vancouver. A first Report to the House is expected by mid-December this year.

The members of the Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture are:

Individuals and organizations wishing to appear before the committee should contact the Office of the Clerk of Committees at the phone numbers listed below. Local newspapers will identify the location and times of the public hearings. The Committee also welcomes written submissions by letter, fax or e-mail. All correspondence should be received by the Office of the Clerk of Committees by October 31, 2006.

Information about the Committee’s work – including transcripts of hearings and complete meeting details – can be found on its website at www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/aquaculture, by contacting any committee member, or by contacting:

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