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Nuchatlaht Tribe is highlighting the impacts of the environmental damages of negligent open-net salmon farms operating without Free Prior & Informed Consent in shared territorial waters; calls on The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier and Honourable Lana Popham to expedite the Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan.
December 18, 2024
Oclucje, British Columbia – Nuchatlaht Tribe is experiencing direct and ongoing impacts of an 8,000 litre diesel fuel spill that took place in Nootka Sound over Friday night. The spilled fuel originated from the Norwegian owned Grieg Seafood (BC) Ltd salmon farm located beside Lutes Creek in Esperanza Inlet on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
“I’m extremely upset that these fish farms are still even here despite our efforts to be rid of them. We are always force-fed these decisions to keep fish farms in our territory but we’re not going to tolerate that anymore.” said Haa’wilth Kla-kwa-skum Jordan Michael.
The combination of environmental factors, season, tide and windflow means that the recently court-won Nuchatlaht aboriginal territory shorelines may be acutely impacted by this spill. Broken rock and beach sediments can be technically challenging to mitigate and the Nootka Sound region has an extremely complex and rugged coastline.
“I fish out here regularly and I’m now afraid to eat anything by the looks of things. It’s hard to imagine how anyone could ever clean up this kind of toxic damage. It permeates everything and so much damage has already been done. I’m heartbroken thinking about our orca, Brave Little Hunter, kʷiisaḥiʔis potentially swimming through this.” said Judae Smith, Nuchatlaht Guardian & Fisheries Technician.
The fact that human error meant a gas hose could run unattended for upwards of 12 hours pouring diesel directly into Nuchatlaht Ha’houlthee demonstrates the lack of plans and procedures and regulatory oversight to ensure that these types of incidents don’t occur. Every operator in the territory is aware of the need for redundancies, checks-and-balances and safety protocols that take into account the certainty of human error. In 2024 these excuses are no longer acceptable.
"To me, it is at times so difficult those who do not engage or have knowledge to understand, accept, respect our ways, and that all we want to do is better than what we're seeing while keeping our territory pristine.” said Hi-sha-mah-nulth Archie Little, Nuchatlaht Haa’wilth House Speaker.
“Because of our belief is hishuk'ish tsawalk (everything is one), it impacts everything.”
“The diesel has gotten into the rocks and sediments around Steamer Point. Yesterday at high tide diesel was coming out of the rocks into an area busy with wildlife: marbled murrelets, sea ducks, sea otters and a Steller sea lion. Humpback whales were observed in the area. At Steamer Point we could smell the diesel in the air. Without a drone and right light angles you cannot find the slicks.” said Roger Dunlop, RPBio Nuchatlaht Lands and Resources Manager.
“I have concerns about the response time to prevent damage to the territories, lands, waters and ecosystems. The contamination of traditional foods as well and the lasting impacts that this will have on long-term food security are immeasurable. There needs to be accountability for the gravity of what has happened and understanding that we need to do everything that we can to protect the territory for generations to come. Nuchatlaht will continue to protect our lands from the harms as a result of irresponsible actions that could have been prevented.” said Mellissa Jack: Tsee-tsak-sup, Nuchatlaht Councillor.
“We appreciate the continued support and countless hours that people have put in to help contain the spill so far.”
“The Grieg diesel spill incident is absolutely devastating. It is a dreary reminder of the environmental threats that come with the presence of fish farms. The fact that 8500L of diesel was released into the ocean, equivalent to 85 diesel truck tanks, is unacceptable. How can we ensure that corporate giants take responsibility for their actions and prioritize environmental protection?” said Nuchatlaht councillor Erick Michael.
“We, the Nuchatlaht people, have made it clear that we do not support fish farms in our waters, yet they have been able to continue operating by exploiting overlapping water rights. It is time for change. We must work together to prevent such incidents in the future. Our voices, our people, and our land, water, and wildlife matter. We thank those involved in the cleanup efforts and urge that measures be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.”
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Media Contacts:
Roger Dunlop, RPBio Nuchatlaht Resources Manager. resources [at] nuchatlaht.com. 250.2022770
Melissa Jack, Nuchatlaht Councillor. Mellissa.jack [at] nuchatlaht.com. 778-350-5073
Photos and videos are available for use, credit: Nuchatlaht Nation
December 16th photos & documentation
December 17th photos & documentation
Photos courtesy of Nuchatlaht First Nation; photo credit Tavish Campbell.