Media Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Vancouver:  Living Oceans congratulates the federal government on the introduction in the House today of legislation that will amend the Oceans Act, giving the government greater powers—and new deadlines—for meeting its commitment to protect Canada’s oceans.

VANCOUVER/HALIFAX — Today’s decision by a renowned seafood recommendation program to label some eco-certified farmed salmon as a “Good Alternative” for consumers is faulty, according to SeaChoice, a collaboration among Canadian environmental groups. Seafood Watch published its recommendations today following a review of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s (ASC) salmon certification standard.

HALIFAX AND VANCOUVER — Canada’s seafood labelling requirements fail consumers, particularly when compared to requirements governing two of our largest export partners, the European Union and the United States, according to a SeaChoice international seafood labelling report card released today.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  8 December, 2016 VANCOUVER: Today Living Oceans filed a formal complaint regarding Marine Harvest Canada’s Marsh Bay salmon farm, whose Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification had been suspended over the drowning deaths of seven marine mammals. The suspension appears to have been lifted without adequate public explanation of the steps taken to protect marine mammals such as whales and sea lions from becoming entangled in the farm’s nets.

Vancouver:  Living Oceans said today that its relief over the final demise of the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline and tanker project is tainted by the approval of two new pipelines that spell the end of Canada’s brief resurgence as a climate leader. “This places the Trudeau government squarely in the same room with the oil lobbyists, pitting it against British Columbia’s First Nations and communities.

Vancouver:  Living Oceans Society reacted to today’s announcement on west coast marine safety with chagrin, noting that the government still seems to believe we can have our cake and eat it, too. “You can throw all the money you want at it,” said Executive Director Karen Wristen.  “Dilbit still won't float.  And there is no strategy that will prevent additional shipping from creating noise that disrupts Killer Whales.  It's clear we can't have pipeline and tanker projects AND Southern Resident Killer Whale recovery."

Living Oceans welcomed the release today of the Ministerial Panel's report on the Trans Mountain Pipeline, observing that the panel posed penetrating questions that the government will be expected to answer in rendering its decision on the controversial pipeline and tanker project.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 3016 Vancouver:  Media are advised that the tugboat Westco Rogue (West Coast Tug and Barge) is scheduled to arrive in Delta on Monday afternoon, carrying marine debris gathered by hundreds of volunteers from the West Coast of Vancouver Island. The tug left Bamfield this morning at 0400 and is expected to arrive: Monday, September 26, between 2-4 pm, at River Road Barge and Transfer 8761 River Road, Delta

Vancouver:  The largest marine debris recovery operation ever to be attempted in Canada got under way this morning, with the departure of the tugboat Westco Rogue from Campbell River. West Coast Tug and Barge is under contract to Living Oceans Society, which is co-ordinating a group effort to remove some 40 tonnes of marine debris, mostly plastic, from Vancouver Island’s rocky western shores. The tug is steaming for Cape Scott, where it will be met by a helicopter carrying Living Oceans’ Rob O’Dea, who will lead the team working to sling the debris from land to the barge.