British Columbia's marine ecosystem has collapsed. Wild fish populations from California to Alaska have been declining since the late 1970's. Coincidentally, the open net fish farm industry began to grow fish in marine waters at the same time. Fish farms were seen as a way to offset growing pressure on wild stocks. But one woman, Alexandra Morton, noticed diseases coming from fish farms were killing wild salmon. Film maker Scott Renyard links the crash of many fish species on Canada's coast to diseases spread from fish farms and the loss in marine fish biomass has global implications.
Scientists, First Nations team up in fresh attempt to revive struggling B.C. herring stocks
Once plentiful, herring is disappearing from B.C. Commercial fisheries have been cut back while scientists and First Nations attempt to bring them back to some areas by transplanting fertilized herring eggs.
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Tiny herring have big impacts on the food web as a source of nourishment for many species
Posted: Apr 05, 2021 1:00 AM PT | Last Updated: April 5
Tiny eyes appear in herring larvae which groups in British Columbia are trying to save. The small silvery fish are a crucial part of the Pacific food web, but have declined in numbers. (Squamish Streamkeepers)