I wanted to know what Mainstream is doing with their virus infected salmon so we tracked the boat electronically from the area near the infected farm at Dixon Bay where the boat was seen loading yesterday morning.
The boat arrived in Port Alberni at 2 am heavily loaded.
At 8 am trucks started coming alongside the boat, pumping out the dead Atlantic salmon infected with a disease the company is saying is IHN. However, I have not seen any tests to back that up I have been taught distrust of government and industry so not at all sure what these fish are infected with.
There was no containment around the boat, so if a pipe connection fails all the young salmon coming out of the rivers right now will be bathed in the virus. The Mainstream crew were hostile. However, after I told them several times that blood water was dripping from the hoses as the trucks pulled away, they used the caps and sealed them.
We followed the trucks and found they were dumping them nearby at the Earth, Land and Sea “organic” composting plant. Perhaps there is containment that is not visible in this picture to prevent it from flowing into the inlet, or being carried by the birds.
We alerted the local First Nation fishery biologist. Les Sam, the ex-chief and a councilman requested some of these fish for testing, to find out exactly what virus is in these fish and thus have the capability to track it in their fish. They had not been notified that their territory was being used to dump diseased Atlantic salmon. The mayor also showed up, apparently he had not been contacted by Mainstream either. Mainstream spent a lot of time speaking to him.
As we were going to ridiculous lengths just to find out where these fish are being dumped and what virus is actually in them, I got news that British Columbia is making this kind of ground-truthing illegal. In two weeks, I will be breaking the law if I inform you about a reportable disease like IHN and ISA. The lab reports will have to remain secret from you, and this Animal Health Act being proposed by Christy Clark’s government seeks not only to override Access to Information, she also seeks to override the Offence Act opening the door to harsher penalties. The offence for failing to keep information confidential will draw the highest penalty.
We are headed for Dark Ages of pestilence and war lords. If this corporate dream legislation passes you won’t be hearing from me anymore. Mainstream, Marine Harvest and Grieg, the three Norwegian operators in BC will have won. They can have massive epidemics of mutating viruses and you won’t be allowed to know that you are consuming a side order of viruses in every bite.
I am in shock. We could try using democracy to stop this, but far far more people would have to engage than is typical.
As I write this the Ocean King Mort Packer is on her way for another helping of diseased farm salmon. Are we dammed to hell?
Comments
22 responses to “IHN infected farm salmon transported through Alberni Inlet – one of the last farm-free migration routes left”
Hmmm Ms Morton. Bit of a joke you questioning bio security while you are deliberately butting your nose into security measures that have been taken by showing up in a quarantined area uninvited. As for your TV spot just exactly who are you that you think you have a right to demand samples to test when that testing is being done by the OIE lab and CIFA already. You are no one of any importance nor are you even qualified to take samples or do testing. Has the government given you permits to be taking the samples you have been taking ? Let’s see them posted. As for calling yourself a scientist or biologist that is a joke because NO reputable scientist would violate bio security measures for disease just to get her face in the news again.
Instead of Amanda railing about Ms. Morton, perhaps the CFIA, DFO and the company can outline the biosecurity guidelines.
Are they in keeping with current international practices or have they been updated since 2004 in light of recent genetic information.
Is mere composting adequate to kill the virus?
Just when the farmed fish industry has an opportunity to demonstrate that they are indeed responsible ecosystem guardians, they and their supporters lapse into either a cone of silence or attack the messengers.
A lost opportunity for the aquaculture industry.
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Alex, the proposed law is absolutely outrageous. How can we stop this from becoming law?
Who is this ‘Amanda’ shill to question the extremely important research and discovery that Dr. Morton is doing for us in place of our impotent, limp government?
Does ‘Amanda’ have any particular expertise of note in these matters?
If you do ‘Amanda’, stop hiding behind a feminine pseudonym and reveal your true allegiances, otherwise STFU.
Alex, Fantastic work again. The government thugs are roughing you up-they must be desperate to preserve the payoffs from the Norwegian Fish Farm owners. This new move to make discussion of diseased animal product will be opposed at every level.
Amanda, face it, you are just a shill in the pockets of the government and the fish farms. You couldnt win an argument if you had to, but nice try. Now go off and eat some diseased fish for us will you. You obviously think you are above everyone else and therefore little salmon diseases wont hurt such a smart and powerful person as you are.
From the tenor of ‘Amanda’s’ rant, I surmise she/he/it is someone ‘connected’ to the ‘farm fish industry’ and gives not a fiddler’s fart about the health and survival of wild salmon that have contributed so immensely to the life and wealth and health of BC and the world.
How sad that some are so devoid of human decency that they cannot see beyond the pitiful thirty pieces of silver their controllers gave them to deman and diminish the heroic work of one of Canada’s selfless crown jewels.
Small wonder they cowardly hide behind false names to avoid identification and accountability.
Good Grief, “Amanda” get a grip and get a different job. Being a troll is not helping wild salmon. You don’t know what you’ve got til its gone. Step aside.
Good grief, “Amanda”, step aside! We are ALL losing wild salmon as quickly as we are losing our rights to protection of our health and safety with this proposed draconian Animal Health Act. No time for trolling these waters not the right time to cut your nose off to spite your face.
What is Canada becoming? I hope enough people wake up to fight. Soon. Now.
Amanda’s comment is laughable. When you’ve got no defense attack and discredit the messenger then hope people forget about the Atlantic salmon that are destroying BC.
Well all you Morton supporters can slag me all you want it doesn’t change the fact Morton deliberately violated bio security measures risking spreading the disease further. It’s time you all got it into your heads IHN isn’t called sockeye disease for no reason. It is a naturally occurring disease in wild pacific stocks whether you people like it or not. Even the state of Alaska has had whole hatchery productions destroyed before the fish could be released because of IHN outbreaks. The only fish that are going to suffer here are Atlantics and the irresponsible behaviour of Morton, Annissa Reed and Warren Rudd is a disgrace. If Morton wants to claim she is a scientist perhaps she best behave like one . No reputable scientist would dare breach a bio security measure end of story. It is obvious by her breach her intent is to spread the disease. And that is despicable . If your so convinced it harms wild salmon too then ask her why she put them at further risk ??
If I am a coward by using my real name then perhaps Don Staniford should stop hiding behind Helmsdale
Amanda
You are going to have to substantiate your claim that I violated any quarantine zone. There was none until Mainstream employee harassed Anissa Reed and stretched out some tape. There was bloodwater dripping from the trucks across the parking lot where fishermen and others were walking to their boats. Mainstream capped the pipe when I pointed this out, but never sprayed down the road. This put Port Alberni Inlet at risk.
After they capped the pipe hanging off the back of the truck I went up and shook the hand of the Mainstream employee and thanked him. Hopefully he has the guts to admit to this.
Spreading lies is not going to help you. In two weeks the BC government will have the opportunity to throw me in jail for mentioning fish farms have diseases. But until then either show some evidence or stop repeating mistruths. Think a minute about what is happening here and what Canada is turning into here and your roll in it.
Amanda:
Helmsdale just happens to be a river in NE Scotland that still has a relatively stable salmon population. One that I am very familiar with.
Further, the last time I did not use my moniker, my family was assailed by crank phone calls, which I found disturbing.
Elsewhere, other than here, I use my real name
I am sure Don Staniford, whoever he is, must be puzzled by this connection.
I am puzzled by this quarantine. Not the reason for a quarantine but the authority to impose one.
CFIA certainly do have the power to implement a quarantine. But it is a power enabled by legislation and a private property owner cannot assume those powers, even in B.C.
As I understand the matter, CFIA have to provide legal notice, post the notice in the media and on the ground and provide quarantine guidelines to the affected parties.
A reasonable aquaculture operator might be expected to introduce precautionary biosecurity measures but even they cannot claim a quarantine when the CFIA have not provided legal notice.
How can anyone be accused of quarantine trespass when they either had not been informed, there were no notices posted, the quarantine notice had not been publically posted on a legal site, and the authority of the person claiming quarantine regulations was not identified.
And, the alleged trespasser, absent any legal notice, was otherwise in a public space.
I am sure the CFIA can impose a quarantine in public as well as private space but they do have to have some legal basis to do so.
Can the CFIA and/or some lawyer point us to the source of their legal authority to act without notice.
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You are well aware that there would be bio security measures in place yet you deliberately showed up uninvited and unannounced. You continue to claim wild salmon are at risk while deliberately hiding the fact the disease originates in wild salmon. The industry is doing everything possible to contain the disease. The appropriate agencies are doing the testing. Stop interfering and let them do their work unobstructed. I watch the news too you know and I’ve seen the reports about you violating security as well as the piece last night about you being warned by CFIA and the RCMP. By the way you have disregarded my request if you have necessary sampling permits and you still have failed to post them > Let’s see them please. If you don’t post them here it will be proof they don’t exist.
There was ample notice about quarantine and bio security levels in the news and on Mainstream’s website.Obviously the word was out there or Ms Morton wouldn’t have been aware that the disease was even confirmed or present. The company has been transparent and all the steps necessary are being taken. Your musing on the legality of a quarantine is amusing because on one hand you demand transparency and disease control and on the other when industry and the legal agencies in place to handle disease outbreaks take necessary steps to contain said disease you question the authority. Why ? As for the preamble about whether anyone has the right to quarantine a site on the ocean really ?? Isn’t the containment of disease the ultimate quest here and not some silly pondering about if it’s allowed etc. The farm as an entity I assume is private property thus they have the right to limit the admission of unwanted “guests” especially when a serious disease outbreak is present. Why can’t you people just let the real scientists do their jobs and stop insinuating there is more to it and only Alex is capable of getting to the bottom of it. Only Alex is capable of exaggerating an already bad situation is more like it. Further to that I don’t see any one on here insulting you for using a false name but I use a name and it’s a different story . I read on your Typepad blog that you use a false name to avoid harassment. Isn’t that true of many bloggers myself perhaps included ?
Is that why Helmsdale hides ? Two sets of rules.
It is appropriate that the one word that describes the situation around the quarantine is a Norwegian word = “maelstrom”.
I really think that the fish farming community of companies, regulators and employees would have been better served by having a credible communication plan to keep the public informed.
They have not.
And, in September 29, 2010, the fish farm industry conducted a workshop (Salmon Farming Industry Mass Mortality Disposal Workshop Report, June 29, 2010). Curiously they are now reluctant to inform the general public that they indeed are organized, proactive and responsible citizens.
Among the recommendations of the workshop were:
A: Determine industry-wide standards for Minimum Bio-security and Environmental Standards and Required Capacity for Mass Mortality Removal.
B: Draft a coordinated industry plan for disposal of large volumes of fish mortalities – for the interim and for the long term
C: Manage information and research projects to determine the best options for mass mortality disposal
The workshop also went on to assert that industry will meet with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency representatives to integrate new regulations into the industry viral disease management plan.
What is striking and significant is that the industry, as prudent managers, took steps to ensure consistency and co-ordination within industry and with the federal regulators.
All they (the industry and the CFIA) forgot was to tell reasonable members of the public (yes, there are some) what those steps are so we can understand the process.
Instead we have a lack of transparency at all levels that is not in keeping with the ethos of corporate social responsibility.
I am neither a lawyer, a marine biologist or a fish processor. But the test in this whole matter is not whether IHNV exists but whether the industry and the regulators are taking reasonable steps to identify, inform and contain.
The salmon farm industry may have won the battle to exclude information from the public domain but they certainly have lost the war for public credibility.
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Amanda:
The CFIA have broad and sweeping powers for disease containment (as they should).
The powers are granted by the parliament through the minister. Unless there is some new and unknown administrative protocol (always a possibility), the powers cannot be exercised unless there is a legal authorization through a certificate, or ministerial direction or ministerial approval. You simply cannot delegate this legal power further down the (sic) food chain.
All I asked was where is the piece of paper that says – go ahead, impose a quarantine. A private individual, try as they might, cannot impose a legally binding quarantine (as distinct from an advisory quarantine) on public or private property. Try as I might, I cannot see anything on the CFIA web site that says “we have imposed a quarantine”.
Of course, you may have facts that I do not.
But I will say that our Canadian trade partners are as likely to be alarmed by disease allegations as alarmed by the opacity of the process. Say what you want about our American friends, but they tend to distrust pablum and broad assertions by officials who say “trust us”.
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The CFIA have broad and sweeping powers for disease containment (as they should).
Do you not understand it is CFIA that imposed the quarantine in the first place. proper protocol was taken by Mainstream and the appropriate agency being CFIA immediately imposed a quarantine. It was posted on Mainstream’s website on May 17 for all to see as well as being on the news. It was CFIA and the RCMP who ordered Morton away from a site that was involved in dealing with the fish. By your own admission CFIA has sweeping powers as they should yet people on this blog post silly comments Morton included about how can you quarantine the ocean and what right do they have. Just damn silly and not in the interest of stopping the spread of disease. CFIA imposed the quarantine and EVERYONE must respect it Morton included. As for your comment about Americans really ?? They don’t trust officials ? Just look at weapons of mass destruction and the unnecessary decimation of a foreign country based on a lie and you have proof that isn’t true.
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