AquaBounty environmental assessment process flawed, says environmental group

The decision to allow genetically modified salmon to be grown in P.E.I. was the result of a faulty environmental assessment process, says the Coalition for the Protection of P.E.I. Water.

Catherine O’Brien, a spokeswoman for the group, said the public consultation process for the environmental assessment of the AquaBounty Canada facility in Rollo Bay was inadequate and poorly advertised.

“Even after environment officials decided to extend the deadline for submissions, there wasn’t really enough time for people to become informed enough or to prepare to respond to the application for such a big project,” O’Brien said.

In June, the provincial government approved AquaBounty Canada’s application to expand the facility.

Federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna has said any plans to grow the genetically modified salmon in Rollo Bay would be subject to strict requirements.

Earlier this week, the federal government stated that the proposal to produce the world’s first genetically modified salmon for human consumption in P.E.I. will face an environmental assessment.