B.C.’s salmon farming sector—a cornerstone of the province’s economy and an emblem of innovation—is under siege. For decades, it has supported communities, driven economic activity and championed sustainable practices. The sector represents 3.2 per cent of all global farm-raised salmon production, making it the fifth-largest producer globally. Yet, it now faces existential threats from regulatory uncertainty and environmental debates.

Salmon farming began in B.C. in the 1970s, booming through the 1980s and solidifying its place as a vital sector by the 1990s. By the 2010s, it was responsible for a significant contribution to GDP. But along with its rapid growth came mounting concerns about its environmental impact. Critics argued that marine net-pen farms threatened wild salmon populations, especially in ecologically sensitive areas like the Discovery Islands. These concerns culminated in legal and policy battles, including a 2009 case against the province that ultimately shifted regulatory authority to the........

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