Fish farm pesticides should be banned: association

A Bay of Fundy fishermen's association is calling for an outright ban on all chemicals in the marine environment after more allegations surfaced of illegal pesticides being found in some New Brunswick fish farms.

The two latest investigations were launched when Environment Canada officials found levels of the pesticide cypermethrin present in fish farm sites in southwest New Brunswick.

Last week the department issued a legal document known as "inspector's directions" to Northern Harvest Sea Farms and Ocean Legacy — the two companies that own the affected sites. No charges have been laid to date, and the investigations continue.

Maria Recchia, executive director of the Fundy North Fishermen's Association, said pesticides have no place in the Bay of Fundy.

"We want to see no pesticides dumped into the Bay, legal or illegal. It's not allowed to be dumped into streams — it shouldn't be allowed to be dumped in the bay," Recchia said Thursday.

 "It just seems like a very risky endeavor."

Pamela Parker, executive director of the New Brunswick Salmon Growers Association, said that represents the bulk of salmon farm and feed companies in the province, also doesn't condone the use of unauthorized products.

"We will always need some kind of medicine to treat our fish but before any product is authorized or used," she said. "We also invest significantly in research to ensure that product will not have any detrimental impact. "

There are now four active investigations into the alleged use of cypermethrin, usually used in agriculture, in New Brunswick waters.

Parker said she couldn't comment on any of the investigations under way.

The chemical is illegal for marine use in Canada, but it's used in other countries to combat sea lice. 

Cypermethrin is the same chemical found on hundreds of dead lobsters hauled up in the Bay of Fundy late last year.