Federal Court of Appeal upholds decision to keep salmon farms out of B.C.'s Discovery Islands

The Federal Court of Appeal dismissed Mowi Canada West's challenge and upheld the government's refusal to renew aquaculture licences in the Discovery Islands, reaffirming a 2024 Federal Court ruling; the decision supports the ongoing phase-out of open-net pen salmon farms in the region.

The Federal Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by Mowi Canada West and upheld Ottawa's decision not to renew aquaculture licences in the Discovery Islands. The court found that former Fisheries and Oceans minister Joyce Murray acted fairly and reasonably in her 2023 refusal to re-issue licences. This ruling confirms a June 2024 Federal Court decision and reflects the government's precautionary approach toward wild salmon. The Discovery Islands are a key migration route for Fraser River sockeye and other salmon, and the area has been central to disputes over open-net pen farming. Key facts: - The appeals court rejected Mowi Canada West's challenge and maintained the minister's 2023 decision not to renew licences. - The judgement upholds a June 2024 Federal Court ruling and emphasizes a precautionary approach to protect wild salmon. - Some coastal First Nations and environmental groups report signs of salmon recovery after farm removals and cite drops in salmon lice; industry groups dispute aspects of that research. - The federal government plans to phase out open-net pen salmon farming in B.C. by 2029, and industry organizations have raised concerns about economic and employment effects. Summary: The Court of Appeal ruling keeps in place the government's decision to phase out open-net pen farms in the Discovery Islands and reinforces the minister's emphasis on conservation. There are ongoing legal claims in other courts related to the broader decision, and how this appeals ruling will affect those cases is undetermined at this time.