Bruce Frank discusses protocol agreement at Aquaculture Conference

Bruce Frank representing the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation joined Creative Salmon's Tim Rundle, General Manager, in discussing the formalized protocol agreement that was two decades in the making, during a First Nation session organized by the Aboriginal Aquaculture Association at the 2015 Canadian Aquaculture conference in Nanaimo this June.

Creative Salmon is the largest producer of Chinook salmon in the world, owning their own hatchery and working with a parent company Lion's Gate Fishery that distributes the product world-wide.

Rundle explained to the aquaculture meeting in Nanaimo that Creative Salmon operates four sites to grow out thousands of fish each month. The company, says Frank, "is a major employer of First Nations from the Tla-o-qui-aht communities as well as folks from nearby Ahousaht." Frank says the First Nation has achieved a goal in signing a protocol agreement with the long-time salmon producer. Creative Salmon is celebrating their 25th year of growing salmon on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

"We applaud Creative Salmon. Now we are looking at economic development and business development opportunities that go way beyond politics. We started with a liaison officer in Creative Salmon," and Moses Martin was essential personnel in establishing better communication which led to the protection of clam beaches, trap-lines, and access to freshwater outlets.

Frank recounted a long-standing effort to work with the company that was beginning in earnest in 2000 and achieving milestone events in cooperation with the community in 2004, and especially during the years of 2008 to 2012. Now the company meets quarterly with Tla-o-qui-aht in a fish-farm committee currently chaired by Frank. "We have responsibility for wild salmon enhancement projects, and education of skilled employees.

Frank discussed the protocol agreement which include Chinook-only in the Creative Salmon net-pens, and no night-lights on sites, and no anti-foulant used on the nets, and a fish density not exceeding 10 kg per cubic metre.
Frank says, "We live here, and we might as well work together to bring prosperity to our families. The five Hawith (hereditary chiefs) had to be convinced of the benefits," before this agreement could be signed, sealed and delivered to the Nuu Chah Nulth people on the west side of Vancouver Island.

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