i think it's dangerous for a hatred of one industry (commercial fishing) to cloud one's vision on other issues. fish farming has had serious problems since it's inception. disease has been catastrophic in areas such as norway, and wild stocks have been damaged. atlantic salmon are spawning in northwest rivers (in bc juvenile atlantic salmon have been found in rivers, even with only a tiny percentage of rivers tested). do we want to risk other species, especially offshore species such as halibut and sablefish? it seems to me that this offshore farming is just an "out of sight, out of mind" venture to lessen opposition to fish farming from not only commercial fishermen, but coastal residents and environmental groups (i know that's a dirty word for some).

as one who fishes offshore, who decides where these offshore farms are placed (over popular and productive fishing spots?). the mention of how much fish meal is used to produce fish-eating fish is not trivial. just because the reduction of bait is happening in other places in the world doesn't mean it's not bad for the world's oceans.

lots will say the lower fish prices will force commercial fishing to disappear, but let's not forget the other side of low prices.... more incentive to catch more fish to cover costs. plus the consolodation of the world's fleets by corporations means the pressure will remain on governments to allow high harvest rates.

i also object to the taxpayer money being used to promote fish farming. i know there's plenty of waste in government, but it still bothers me.

ymmv,

chris