Cermaq renews First Nations deal
CERMAQ Canada has renewed a five year protocol with the large Ahousaht First Nation community in the west of the country.
The deal is designed to focus on the priorities of the Nation and provide a road map on how Cermaq will farm in their territory.
Previous agreements addressed operational plans, environmental stewardship, wild salmon protection and conservation, economic development opportunities, benefits sharing, employment and emerging business opportunities.
New to this latest protocol is a further focus on reconciliation and wild salmon, area-based management, innovation, specific standards and broader environmental monitoring in recognition of changing ocean conditions, climate change and potential salmon farming impacts and opportunities.
David Kiemele, Managing Director Cermaq Canada, said: “It has been an exciting time for our business and for the Ahousaht Nation as we embark on the future of farming in Ahousaht Territory.
“Projects such as the feasibility study of a new Semi-Closed Containment System, a focus on GHG reduction and improved sea lice management innovation have all been possible due to the guidance of Ahousaht leadership... as we look to the next five years of farming within Ahousaht Territory we are aware of the standards that must be met in order to continue our business and we are committed to a high degree of transparency and welcome the oversight and insight that the Nation provides to us as invited users of their resource.”
Hasheukumiss Richard George, son of Tyee Ha’wiih and President of Economic Development with the MHSS organisation, said: “We are at a point of unprecedented challenges brought on by climate change, and a lack of understanding, particularly in government, of our Nation’s rights and this important relationship.”
He added: “We are committed to working together to tackle both challenges through continued advancement of meaningful and measurable climate action, a focus on the health and wellbeing of the Ahousaht Nation, the protection and enhancement of wild salmon.”