Why the Fight Against Open-Net Fish Farms?

 The Big Fish Farm Protest: Standing Up for Wild Salmon and Indigenous Rights

Vancouver and coastal British Columbia have long been battlegrounds in the fight against open-net fish farms, with Indigenous leaders, environmental activists, and concerned citizens standing together to protect wild salmon and marine ecosystems. The big fish farm protests in BC were some of the most powerful demonstrations in recent history, highlighting the urgent need to remove open-net fish farms and restore balance to the coastal environment.

Why the Fight Against Open-Net Fish Farms?

Open-net fish farms—mostly owned by multinational corporations—are industrial operations that raise Atlantic salmon in floating pens along BC’s coastline. While marketed as a sustainable solution to meet seafood demand, these farms have been linked to numerous environmental disasters, including:

Sea Lice Infestations: These farms act as breeding grounds for sea lice, which then spread to wild juvenile salmon, making them vulnerable to disease and predation.

Viruses and Disease: Deadly viruses such as PRV (Piscine Orthoreovirus) and bacterial infections spread from farmed fish to wild stocks, threatening the survival of Pacific salmon.

Pollution and Habitat Destruction: Fish waste, excess feed, and chemicals from these farms pollute surrounding waters, harming marine life.

Indigenous Rights Violations: Many of these fish farms were established without the consent of local Indigenous nations, whose livelihoods and cultures depend on healthy wild salmon populations.

These threats sparked a movement that brought Indigenous leaders, activists, and environmental groups together in a powerful call for change.

The Occupations and Protests That Made History

One of the most significant protests happened in 2017, when Indigenous activists, including members of the Musgamagw Dzawada'enuxw and ‘Namgis Nations, occupied several fish farms in the Broughton Archipelago for months. Their message was clear: remove fish farms from their traditional territories and protect wild salmon.

During this time:

Activists documented diseased farmed fish being transferred into ocean pens.

They gathered scientific evidence showing how these farms were harming wild salmon.

Protesters faced corporate and government pressure but stood their ground, calling for the removal of all open-net farms from BC waters.

In Vancouver, solidarity protests and rallies took place outside government buildings, with thousands marching through the streets demanding action. One of the largest protests saw Indigenous leaders drumming and speaking outside the BC Legislature, delivering a strong message to politicians: wild salmon are not for sale, and Indigenous sovereignty must be respected.

Victory in the Fight: A Step Forward

The relentless activism paid off. In 2018, the BC government and some First Nations reached agreements to phase out fish farms in the Broughton Archipelago. Then, in 2023, the federal government announced a plan to transition away from open-net pen fish farms in BC by 2025. However, many activists warn that corporate lobbying is still delaying real action, and the fight is far from over.

Why This Protest Still Matters Today

The big fish farm protests were not just about salmon; they were about protecting the entire ecosystem, respecting Indigenous rights, and holding corporations accountable. Wild salmon are a keystone species, meaning their survival is crucial for the health of BC’s forests, bears, orcas, and coastal communities.

Despite promises to phase out these farms, many are still operating in BC waters. Companies are pushing for alternative solutions like "land-based" farming, but Indigenous leaders and environmentalists stress that we must stay vigilant to ensure corporate interests do not override ecological protection.

What Can We Do Now?

Support Indigenous-led conservation efforts. Groups like Wild First and the Salmon Coast Field Station are working to protect wild salmon.

Stay informed and keep the pressure on politicians. The government must be held accountable for removing these farms on schedule.

Choose wild and sustainably caught fish. Avoid farmed Atlantic salmon, which is linked to environmental harm.

Join future rallies and protests. The movement isn’t over—people are still fighting to remove all open-net farms from BC waters.

The big fish farm protest was a defining moment in BC’s environmental movement. It proved that when people come together—Indigenous land defenders, scientists, and activists—we can force change. Now, we must remain strong and ensure the government keeps its promises. The fight for wild salmon is the fight for the future of our coast, and it’s one we can’t afford to lose.