FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 13, 2007

CONTACT:
Dave Bard
202.486.4426

Statement of Andrea Kavanagh, Director, Pure Salmon Campaign

On the Science Sea Lice Study

WASHINGTON — The international journal Science will publish a study tomorrow that shows sea lice from open net salmon farms may lead to the collapse of regional wild fish stocks.

"This study confirms what we have been saying all along. Sea lice continue to wreak havoc on wild salmon populations. If outbreaks of these parasites are left unchecked, we could we run the risk of losing certain wild salmon stocks forever.

"The science from around the world is now in. We need to take immediate action and move fish farms out of the paths of migrating wild fish, before it’s too late.

"Even the owner of the world's largest salmon farming company recently called to move salmon farms to save wild fish. When rigorous science is coupled with recognition of the problem from industry, there is no excuse not to act."

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Background

Open net salmon farms act as incubators for parasites and infectious diseases that can decimate the wild fish that share the same waters. Sea lice concentrated around the fish farms latch on to wild salmon as they swim past the open net pens. Adult salmon have thick scales to fight off these parasites, but juveniles lack the defenses to keep them healthy and safe. Sea lice chew on young salmon, creating open lesions that often lead to death.

The National Environmental Trust. It has partners in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Chile all working to improve the way salmon is produced.