Report of the 2005 ICES/NASCO Symposium on Interactions ...

NINA SPECIAL REPORT 34
Preface by <strong>the</strong> Presidents <strong>of</strong> <strong>NASCO</strong> and <strong>ICES</strong>
The subject <strong>of</strong> this <strong>Symposium</strong> is <strong>of</strong> vital importance not
only to those who are involved with conservation and
management <strong>of</strong> wild salmon stocks, but also to those
involved in salmon farming. It is also a fine example <strong>of</strong>
scientists making <strong>the</strong>ir research relevant and responsive to
<strong>the</strong> needs <strong>of</strong> policy makers. As Presidents <strong>of</strong> <strong>NASCO</strong> and
<strong>ICES</strong>, we commend this report to you, and we reaffirm
<strong>the</strong> commitment <strong>of</strong> our Organizations to cooperate on
topics <strong>of</strong> mutual interest, like this one.
The two Conveners have done an excellent job in
drawing toge<strong>the</strong>r dozens <strong>of</strong> papers and presentations,
hours <strong>of</strong> discussion and summaries by Chairmen and
o<strong>the</strong>r participants. They have used all this information to
draw conclusions that all <strong>of</strong> us should consider very
carefully. It is clear that while considerable progress is
being made in improving understanding <strong>of</strong> interactions
between wild and cultured salmon and managing <strong>the</strong>m,
two significant challenges remain. These are to improve
containment <strong>of</strong> farmed salmon ei<strong>the</strong>r through physical or
biological means, and to control sea lice on farms, so that
damage to <strong>the</strong> wild stocks is avoided. The stakes are high.
For example, if <strong>the</strong> fears about genetic impacts <strong>of</strong>
escapees come true, and <strong>the</strong>re is evidence that <strong>the</strong>y are
happening, <strong>the</strong>n we run <strong>the</strong> risk <strong>of</strong> compromising very
ancient and diverse stock structures. This will harm both
<strong>the</strong> wild fish and <strong>the</strong> fish farming industry. We urge all
those concerned to read this report, and to act
appropriately. We believe that <strong>the</strong>re is now a basis for
improved cooperation between wild and farmed salmon
interests that should give confidence that solutions can be
found to <strong>the</strong> remaining challenges in managing interactions
between cultured and wild salmon. These solutions are
required urgently.
Ken Whelan, President <strong>of</strong> <strong>NASCO</strong> and Michael Sissenwine,
President <strong>of</strong> <strong>ICES</strong>
(i)