Clearly, we are somewhat specialized, and we are by no means willing to claim that we represent the conservation community as a whole. ASF considers itself a moderate from the perspective of aquaculture. Our policies are reasonable and pragmatic, and they recognize the potential benefits of a sustainable industry. It appears in most government annual reports. The industry uses it.
Conservation organizations use it as well.
Unfortunately, these terms have as many meanings as there are users. We applaud the Minister's initiative, and we are hopeful that it will result in measures that promote understanding of better aquaculture practices and result in benefits to wild fish populations. The Atlantic Salmon Federation believes that there are two imperatives associated with the aquaculture industry and its relationship to wild Atlantic salmon. The Atlantic Salmon Federation's position is that both imperatives are important, and that methods must be found to ensure both are respected and attained. It has proved impossible in many instances to find room to fallow sites so diseases epidemics can be controlled and the benthos can recover.