Archive for category: Salmon Health

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First report of bacterial disease ‘tenacibaculosis’ in wild Chinook salmon documented by B.C. researchers

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Researchers have documented tenacibaculosis – a bacterial disease that causes skin and fin ulcers and mortality in fish – in wild Chinook salmon for the first time, according to a new study published in Scientific Reports.

The latest on open-net pen salmon farms in B.C.

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With three critical years left until the ban on open-net pen salmon aquaculture takes effect, PSF is building on more than a decade of peer-reviewed science. By continuing research on risks of pathogen transmission from farmed to wild salmon, PSF is helping shape an evidence-based path forward.

After the fish farms

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The Discovery Islands, an archipelago east of Campbell River, form a key migratory channel for Fraser River salmon. Both adult salmon coming back to spawn and young salmon headed out to the open ocean travel through these waters. Local salmon populations also rear, feed, and grow nearby.

Open-net pen Atlantic salmon farms in B.C. release elevated pathogen levels, study finds

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April 15, 2025 Vancouver, B.C. – A new study published in Scientific Reports has found that open-net pen Atlantic salmon farms in British Columbia release elevated levels of infectious agents, which may pose risks to wild Pacific salmon…

Survival at Sea

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The future of Chinook salmon from the west coast of Vancouver Island (WCVI) hangs in the balance. They are currently threatened and at risk of becoming endangered, according to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. The…
juvenile salmon swim through kelp gardens

Peer-reviewed research: Pathogen threats from salmon aquaculture to wild Pacific salmon conservation in B.C.

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A new scientific review highlights significant concerns regarding the spread of pathogens from farmed salmon to wild Pacific salmon populations in British Columbia. The peer-reviewed summary, titled ‘Pathogens from salmon aquaculture in…

Statement: Open-Net Pen Aquaculture Transition

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On behalf of Michael Meneer, President & CEO, Pacific Salmon Foundation June 19, 2024 Today, the Government of Canada has made an important decision to end open-net pen aquaculture in B.C.’s coastal waters within the next five years,…

PSF responds to DFO aquaculture licence review

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PSF strongly believes that contemplating open-net pen aquaculture licenses of up to six years is in direct conflict with the open-net pen transition plan promised for 2025. We should be moving away from licensing open-net pen aquaculture and…

Letter: The need for a transition and removal of open-net pen fish farms from B.C. waters

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Over the past year, experts at the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) have been actively involved in the DFO’s aquaculture transition public engagement process. PSF supports the Honorable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian…

Study investigates presence of infectious agents in wild Pacific salmon

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New mapping research reveals hotspots for 41 infectious agents in wild Pacific salmon along B.C. coast.   A new study in Scientific Reports by Dr. Arthur Bass and coauthors assesses the marine distribution of dozens of infectious…

Researchers use e-DNA to fill knowledge gaps in the Salmonosphere

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Scientists use cutting-edge eDNA technology to decipher the challenges salmon face in the open ocean during winter. Pacific salmon spend most of their life in the open ocean and face many challenges there, from finding prey to avoiding competitors…

Open-net pen salmon farms pose risks to wild stocks

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PSF applauds decision to discontinue Atlantic salmon farm licences.  A decade of rigorous, peer-reviewed research undertaken by PSF and partners has outlined numerous risks open-net pen salmon farms pose to wild Pacific salmon through the…

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