Submission 0254-LEYWARD

Submitter: Barbara Leyward

Community: Nanaimo

Date Submitted: October 5, 2010

Summary:
Hatchery salmon may be a threat to Fraser sockeye. They have a competitive advantage due to their size, and may pose genetic and health risks.

Submission:
Hatchery salmon could be a risk to Fraser River sockeye. The majority of hatchery salmon are released closer to feeding grounds (Japan, Russia and Alaska) and have a competitive advantage over wild salmon. They are a larger size and have been fattened well from fish feed.

They could also be a genetic risk to wild salmon (lowering productivity) and could be a health threat if they are released when sick.

There was an article in the Globe and Mail just the other day about this which did mention a new study on the subject.