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The WFGA warns of the great socioeconomic impact that would cause prohibiting the cultivation of salmon in Washington. (Logo: WFGA)
Washington fish growers urge Senate to stop salmon farm bans
UNITED STATES
Wednesday, February 21, 2018, 23:50 (GMT + 9)
The Washington Fish Growers Association (WFGA) has asked lawmakers to reject any bans or phase outs on the farming of Atlantic salmon in Washington state waters.
On a hearing held on February 19 with the Senate Natural Resources Committee, Dan Swecker, WFGA’s Executive Director, urged Senate members to vote in opposition to the Atlantic salmon ban, and to base their decision on facts rather than anti-farming propaganda and misinformation.
“Given the significant importance of the aquaculture industry to Washington’s rural communities, lawmakers must ensure that both science and economic benefit are front and center,” claimed Swecker.
On his opinion, lawmakers need to understand the aquaculture sector provides significant benefit to the state’s economy.
Mary Catherine McAleer, of the Association of Washington Business (AWB), also urged legislators to consider the impact of family wage rural jobs in high poverty areas, before they agree on the ban on Atlantic salmon farming.
The association mentions Cooke Aquaculture Pacific as an example, which has 80 full time sea farming employees and 100 full time employees on harvesting boats and processing plants through contracts or agreements with local businesses. The company also indirectly support another 424 full time employees in local businesses.
“If the state eliminates salmon aquaculture from Washington, it will do irreparable harm to our reputation as a good place to do business, whether for US entrepreneurs or foreign direct investment. Passing a ban will not only send the wrong signals to those seeking to do business here, but it will also be an embarrassment to the state’s reputation globally,” said Swecker.
Swecker cited the advantages of growing Atlantic salmon in saltwater net pens and discredited myths spread by farming opponents.
Related article:
- Cooke warns of NAFTA battle to recover investments in Washington
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