CAAR setting its own course
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Updated: November 19, 2009 11:57 AM
Editor, The Record:
Contrary to Tom Fletcher’s latest conspiracy theory (Sockeye go on witness stand, Nov. 10), the Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform (CAAR) decides on upcoming campaign efforts, not U.S. funders.
The science to be pursued, constructive work with government and industry to foster change, research, reports and advocacy in the marketplace and with the public, are all decided by CAAR members. A proposal is then submitted to potential funders seeking their support for this work. What funders do not do is dictate to CAAR what the plan should be.
The choice to pursue a constructive engagement with Marine Harvest was a CAAR decision. A key component of CAAR’s work with Marine Harvest is an agreement to a cap on the company’s total production in the Broughton Archipelago, not an expansion of net-cage aquaculture as suggested in Mr. Fletcher’s rant.
CAAR continues to push for the total removal of open net-cage industrial salmon farms from B.C.’s coast and a transition of the industry to closed containment systems – with or without funding from U.S. foundations. More on CAAR can be found at www.farmedanddangerous.org.
Catherine Stewart
Vancouver
