Fish lose sense of smell in polluted waters

Fish in lakes tainted with metals are losing their sense of smell, stoking concern among experts that the problem could devastate populations. But if the fish can just get into cleaner water – even if they’ve been exposed to pollutants their whole life – they start sniffing things properly again, according to new research out of Canada. Fish use their sense of smell to find mates and food, and to avoid getting eaten. It helps them navigate their often murky world, and it is necessary for their growth and survival. But when metals contact fish nostrils, the neurons shut…

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Infected salmon declared fit for human consumption by Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Infected salmon declared fit for human consumption by Canadian Food Inspection Agency

By: Marco Chown Oved Staff Reporter, Published on Fri Feb 01 2013

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has approved a quarter million Nova Scotia salmon infected with the ISA virus for human consumption, but the U.S. won’t take the fish.

For the first time, Canada’s food safety regulator is allowing Nova Scotia salmon infected with a flu-like virus to be processed for supermarkets and restaurants.

Last week the Canadian Food Inspection Agency declared fit for human consumption 240,000 Atlantic salmon with infectious salmon anemia — a disease it says poses no…

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Haida Gwaii ocean fertilization project a hard sell

By Nelson Bennett

Mon Oct 22, 2012 10:00am PST

Photo: Phytoplankton blooms via satellite

A controversial ocean fertilization experiment off the coast of Haida Gwaii may well boost salmon stocks, but verifying the levels of carbon sequestration in order to sell carbon offsets would be virtually impossible, according to a carbon expert.

The Haida Salmon Restoration Corp. has come under fire for what is being described as an uncontrolled experiment in ocean fertilization.

Earlier this year, in partnership with maverick American entrepreneur Russ George and with funding from the Old Massett Village council of the Haida First Nation, the company dumped 100 tonnes of…

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First Nations appointments to Pacific Salmon Commission not renewed

First Nations appointments to Pacific Salmon Commission not renewed Monday, January 14, 2013 2:3 PM

VANCOUVER – Aboriginal fishermen say the federal government is shutting them out of fisheries management by allowing the only two First Nations appointments to the Pacific Salmon Commission to lapse.

The joint Canada-U.S. commission was set up as part of the 1985 Pacific Salmon Treaty, and traditionally two of Canada’s eight appointments to the commission are aboriginal.

One of those appointments, Saul Terry, saw his term expire last March and he was told he wasn’t being reappointed.

The other, Russ Jones, says he hasn’t heard anything from Ottawa…

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Vancouver Island First Nations sign agreement with fish farm

By Nelson Bennett

Wed Oct 17, 2012 10:00am PST

The Mowachaht and Muchalaht First Nations on the west coast of Vancouver Island have signed an economic cooperation agreement with Grieg Seafood BC Ltd., a Norwegian aquaculture company.

The agreement, signed by the company and Mowachaht and Muchalaht Council of Chiefs, provides for training and economic opportunities for First Nations as well as wild salmon enhancement initiatives.

“The creation of the economic opportunity fund from this agreement will assist our community to implement our five-year economic plan,” Mowachaht Chief Mike Maquinna said.

“Our nation’s priority, however, has always been good environmental stewardship, and this agreement…

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