The New Democratic Party has called on the government of British Columbia to suspend licences recently granted to allow geoduck farms in the Strait of Georgia, and to declare a moratorium on future farms pending scientific review.

Gregor Robertson, one of six NDP members on a special legislative committee studying the aquaculture industry in B.C., said the clam farms shouldn't be allowed to go ahead because the government hasn't consulted with native bands or done adequate research on possible environmental impact.

"Basically we're calling for a halt to these licences being issued until consultation and independent science is done," Mr. Robertson said yesterday.

Last month, the B.C. government approved two new clam farms, off Savary and Hernando Islands, despite the fact the legislative committee on aquaculture is still reviewing the issue of industry expansion in the Strait of Georgia.

The new farms are the first to be licensed since 1996, when a test site was approved for one farm. Two other geoduck farm applications are awaiting approval.

Pat Bell, Minister of Agriculture and Lands, said last month the farms had been approved only after years of study and consultation.

But Mr. Robertson yesterday released a letter from Chief Walter Paul of the Sliammon First Nation in Powell River, protesting against the new farms.

"You are quoted in the newspapers as saying the Ministry consulted First Nations. This is false. We received form letters and we sent back responses stating that we strongly oppose these aquaculture operations," Mr. Paul wrote in a letter to Mr. Bell.

Mr. Paul complained there had been a "complete lack of meaningful consultation," although the farms will occupy sea floor in the Sliammon's traditional territory.

"The Ministry approved vast areas for these farms: hundreds of acres of prime areas just off the foreshore," stated Mr. Paul in his letter.

"Please let us know immediately if you are willing to revoke or suspend these approvals until there is full and meaningful consultations with our First Nation. If we do not hear from you in the near future, we will assume that litigation or direct action are the only options available to us," Mr. Paul wrote.

Mr. Robertson said that, aside from the issue of consultation, there are concerns about the unknown impact of the operations, which propose to grow colonies of geoducks, a valuable species of clams, on deep-water sites.

"In Washington State there is a debate raging in the legislature right now over a bill that calls for a moratorium on clam farms until 2014, to allow time to do independent scientific studies," Mr. Robertson said.

He said no farms should go into operation in B.C. until independent, peer-reviewed science has been done here, too.

Above Article Reprinted from Feb 23, 2007 Globe& Mail Newspaper, Written by MARK HUME.

Read about what the Sunshine Coast Newspapers are reporting about proposed Geoduck farms for Wilson Creek, Roberts Creek, and Trail Islands by clicking on this link http://www.coastreporter.net/madison/WQuestion.nsf/CRallnews?SearchView&Query=geoduck


Read NDP Press Release re Geoduck Farms from JAN 16/07 by clicking on this link
http://bcndpcaucus.ca/news_room/hasty_approval_of_geoduck_farms_reckless_ndp


Read NDP Press Release re Geoduck Farms from DEC 20/06 by clicking on this link http://bcndpcaucus.ca/news_room/no_geoduck_clam_farms_without_good_science_aquaculture_committee

To help save our shores from geoduck farming, please write your MLA:

Claire Trevena (North Islands)
claire.trevena.mlaleg.bc.ca

Nicholas Simons (Sunshine Coast)
nicholas.simons.mlaleg.bc.ca

Gary Coons (North Coast)
gary.coons.mlaleg.bc.ca

Scott Fraser (Alberni-Qualicum)
scott.fraser.mlaleg.bc.ca

Gregor Robertson (Vancouver)
gregor.robertson.mlaleg.bc.ca

Thanks for your support on behalf of the 280 people who have already signed petitions opposing Geoduck Farming for Cortes & Quadra Islands.

Sincerely - The Save Our Shores Group