I’m writing as an international student who is staying in Powell River for five months.
Since I’m interested in nature and the environment, salmon farms in British Columbia caught my attention. Do they reduce the pressure on the wild stock or are they polluting the ocean? In my opinion, fish farms are animal cruelty and should be abolished.
The living conditions for the salmon are miserable as they must live in small enclosures where diseases and parasites spread quickly. Furthermore, viruses get transferred to wild salmon as they migrate past the fishing farms, which makes them suffer and die.
Recent studies have proved that fish are sensitive beings that can experience the same emotions as humans and many other animals. Swimming in these crowded nets the whole day can make them stressed, depressed or anxious.
Please think about the tragic impact on the wild salmon stock when you’re standing in the supermarket in front of the fish section next time. Eat as little fish as possible or look for alternatives to fresh salmon.
Klara Lossau is an international student from Germany.
