President’s Blog

Aug 6^th

We’ve spent the last few days on a salmon farm tour of the Queen Charlotte Straits, British Columbia, Canada. This wilderness teems with eagles, bear, whales, rare seabirds, and wild salmon… well that is now, the future is still in doubt. The last two days we have visited a dozen farms and or proposed farm sites in a very small geographical area… the boat only goes 8 knots so we are not speeding around by any means.

These farms have colorful names like Midsummer Farm, Arrow Pass, Upper Retreat, Blunder Pass, Potts Bay, Glacier Falls, and even a couple called Cecil and Maude. Actually the last two were my favorite. Cecil was empty with abandoned pens and buildings, and Maude was gone, hopefully forever.

Now where they went, and why they were closed is research for another day, but I have my suspicions that once these corporations pollute and contaminate one cove, they move on to another. We also visited two “proposed sites” perhaps getting to view them the last time in their natural state.

Another coincidence appears to be that the marinas and local tie-ups where we stayed the night were all once famous and well known to salmon fishermen. They too have quaint names like Alert Bay, Echo Bay, and Sullivan Bay, but the fisherman are no longer catching fish. As we sit and watch the sun set around communal tables you hear the stories of old. The great catches that all fishermen brag about, but today they all end with: “well I got nothing today”.

At Pierre’s marina where you could once catch 100 pound salmon off the fuel dock; now there is nothing. Today, Pierre has a well-known pig roast each Saturday night to attract the yachting crowd. One has to think back to when the main dish must have been salmon, wild salmon.

Have we humans come to the point that we are just accepting the death of wilderness, or have we just lost the courage to face the unknown?

The crew of Gaianetwork.net are not afraid of the wild. We cherish it, and I relish the fact that nature is in control, not me. We believe that these open pen salmon farms should go, not only for the health and pollution reasons, but for downright primal reasons. Who are we as a species? Must we control and dominate everything, or can we revert back to our ancestors’ way of thinking to become more in tune with nature. Primitive tribes are in touch with their environments; they need to be to survive. Most humans today are not, and we as a species are not better off for it.

A great conservationist Doug Tompkins once explained it like this: if you are walking a path and come to a cliff, do you precede forward to your death, or is the prudent thing to do to take a 180 degree turn and continue forward… just in the opposite direction. Modern thought seems to say step forward no matter what, but I’ll listen to Doug. Progress is not just forward, and we as a species should beware.

It is a question all of us must answer now, or we will pass the problem down the road to our children and grand children. I will make the stand today and hope others will join me.

 

Aug 3,2018

Spending the night in Echo Bay a beautiful and idyllic harbor and home to Billy Proctor’s museum. Billy and Dr. Morton wrote a book about their experiences in the Broughton Archipelago. I would highly recommend the read.

Today we left Sointula as the local salmon fleet was arriving back home and the place was planning to be fully booked. We enjoyed our stay and got first class boat work done by the Tarkanen Boat yard. The people were talented and experienced.

We left early and first took a look at Swanson Island, a location where a group of First Nations individuals led by Ernest Alfred . After a number of close pass bys and photography the farmers got boats in the water to investigate. I was hoping they would come close so we could have conversations, but they stayed off and watched.

The next stop was Midsummer Farm, also owned by Marine Harvest a huge Norwegian corporation, and one of the five major corporations that own farms around the world. I investigated the companies past efforts in Norway and Chile. I was certainly not impressed by their attitude toward nature. Norway presently has killed off most of their wild stock, and Chile had no stock to begin with, so they are just polluting fiords, and estuaries. In Chile I witnessed Fiords quarantined because of the ISA virus.still loaded with farms. The Chilean salmon farms take most of the local wild catch, thus leaving the local people with little fish to eat. For those who believe that salmon farms feed the “people” and are this good… the people they feed are the rich who frequent sushi bars in places like Ohio. So let’s get over that.

At Midsummer farm we picked up a tail. Now I heard that some high priced security firm had been hired to protect the farms and that I should beware. First, I’m doing nothing wrong, and second the only security in the world that I might fear are Afghan security, and when last I checked, they work with me.

Anyhow they were really clever security and followed at a distance looking like a fishing boat. When I did a “crazy Ivan” and took a trip around an island in Blunden Pass… they appeared speeding around the other side probably wondering what the hell happened to me… busted. Frances got good pictures as they sped by and left for the day.

My feeling about security and tails is they just say a company has something to hide and all the more reason to look. Well that’s what we are here for, so we’ll keep watching, and visual media, and truth are what makes a difference today.

Tomorrow we will be off to new adventures.

As a side note we have had 100% support from the people of Canada against these farms. Maybe it is time these people vote in a new government. We in the states are attempting the same, but that is another story altogether.

July 29, 2018

The Wii Seeks was pulled out of the water to day to fix a stuffing box issue. While travelling north we started having a problem so turned around to get it looked at professionally. The trip north of Port Hardy is sometimes a wilderness adventure and one doesn’t want to begin with all systems go… I was recently contacted by Paul Whalen an old friend who is lighthouse keeper off Caution Point, a safe harbor offered if need be. Thank you Paul.

We pulled into Sointula by chance and, I have to say this island is one of the very sane human civilizations I’ve come across in a long time. The town, founded by the Finnish settlers in search of a more equal society moved here. Their town motto is equality and co-operation for all and they seen to live it. Everyone I have met, including a lady fisherwoman who recognized me as “sea shepherd” and said: “she wanted nothing to do with what I was selling…

Well I am definitely NOT Sea Shepherd, and it seems I should make up a T-Shirt! Anyhow after explaining things, we started talking salmon farms. She’s definitely opposed to them and has even caught pregnant escaped farmed females in her catches…. I would assume to biologists and others, that this would be concerning?
What sort of new predator have we let loose on coastal eco-systems? Another myth busted that these Franken-fish will not reproduce.

You have to understand that the salmon farmed here and elsewhere are Atlantic Salmon, not indigenous to the area at all. You see Pacific Salmon are obviously smarter and “don’t farm well”. Whether this means that they don’t like swimming circles in their own poop, or just have bad attitudes toward confinement; I don’t know. It is strange that you can’t bring a non-indigenous seed into Canada, but I guess millions of foreign fish are cool as long as money is to be made. Once again human greed wins out.

These fishermen and women, along with the indigenous people get it, why shouldn’t the rest of us. I realize it is government, by nature, that never listens to those individuals who, by experience and basic knowledge know what is going on. They would rather listen to regulation led bureaucrats and book taught scientists who might never have left the Ivory towers where they normally reside. We need good science to make decisions, but sometimes debate lasts longer then the species one is trying to save. My suggestion is to slow down. Playing god has never worked out well for humans. I can name numerous examples… start by asking Australians about Cane Toads.

Anyhow just now a gentleman came by to question me on whether I had any solutions or was I just protesting… My reply was we can only do so much, but the first solution is to get rid of the farms. This will not bring back wild salmon, but it will be a start. The next are forestry practices which we humans have been attempting to address. The next is run off which we all have a part in, and my biggest beef locally is the city of Victoria still dumping raw sewage daily in the local waters. We have heard of the tons of the prescription drugs, and other pollutants that are beginning to show up in everyone’s system. Yes, I told the gentleman, there are lots of issues but we at gaianetwork want the farms gone. Let the larger organizations step in with solutions.

The GMO issue is still undecided by corporations and scientists, but logic tells me to beware. The first tests show rats fed GMO corn form non-malignant tumors, and these farmed fish are covered in tumors. One doesn’t need to be a scientist to make that connection. Go to Dr. Alex Morton’s website to see the viruses and pollutants found in fish sampled in the past. Make up your own mind.

I am not one to dwell on the negative, and towns like Sointula give me hope of what societies can be like through co-operation, common sense, and respect for others. We all share the same planet; let’s all take positive steps to make the world a better place for all. The time for talk is over. Get off your couch and make a difference, I have and you can too.

-Peter

 

July 26^th Alert Bay

We are presently at anchor at a harbor called Alert Bay BC. Today will be a bit of a late start as the fog this morning is so thick you can’t see more then a few hundred yards… Radar is useful, but we’ll wait a few hours to depart. We have an appointment with First Nations friends in Prince Rupert in a few days, and then we will do what we came up here to do.

And what is that you might ask? We intend to help First Nations, the orca, bear, eagles, and oceans stay wild by getting open pen salmon farms banned from Canada. Other then feeding the rich in sushi bars, there is nothing good I can say about the open pen farms.

Much like the cigarette companies did in the 40s when they gave servicemen free smokes, and thus hooking a whole generation on a substance the companies knew was bad. I propose that the large farming companies are doing the same thing now. Cheap food, made sexy by giant corporations who know all about the pesticides, antibiotics, and not to mention GMO fish being fed GMO food. Does anyone care about public health? In Europe, the initial testing on what GMO food is doing to the public are just starting to come out. You can look them up, but the initial tests are not good… non-malignant tumors in rats fed GMO corn.

I am sure the companies will refute these results and hire scientists of their own, but take a look at pictures of the farmed fish. You decide what to think? I tell people instead of eating farmed salmon, eat the wrapper it’s wrapped in as it might in fact be better for you. Give it up now before it is too late.

After the escape of millions of non-indigenous franken-fish in Washington State, licenses will no longer be issued, and for now, fish farming will be out of the San Juan Islands. I hope for good. I am sorry it took a huge eco disaster to get the public’s attention, but way to go Washington!

Canada should be the next country to put health of their eco-systems ahead of commercial interests. Remember, money is nice, but in the end when the oceans are gone, we can’t eat money.

I believe because of the political situation in Canada, this year might be it for the farms in Canada also. Dr. Alex Morton continues her fight on the Sea Shepherd yacht Martin Sheen, and Gaianetwork will take the M/V WII SEEKS wherever local activists suggest. I am only too sorry that Sea Shepherd continues to sue me for speaking out against them, and this ego squabble hurts both our efforts to fight for the oceans. Petty corporate squabbles like that between Greenpeace and Sea Shepherd have hindered eco-efforts for 40 years. In the past I have spoken out about that also.

Once again, in this hour of need for the oceans it is a shame that eco-corporations need to put money and ego over the environment. It is time we all co-operate no matter our differences.

We have offered our help to all, and will continue to do so in the future. Let the public and history decide.

Although I have had some well publicized legal issues to deal with, I will not let shortsighted individuals stop me from doing what is right. I cannot just sit back and talk about the issues like many pundents, other individuals agree have stepped up to help. I have found able… more then able crew in activist Frances Buchanan to help on board. Elora West, Scott West, Dr Valencic , Dave Howitt, Dr. Myra Finkelstein, Peter Wallerstein, Lisa D., and even Rod Coronado have helped. Grass roots support is across the board especially from those on whose shoulders’ the Sea Shepherd reputation was built.

Next week we will be meeting with Gordon Sebastian and the First Nations activists with whom I worked with in 1991. Grass roots support is growing daily.

It is time for full participation of everyone who cares for the oceans to make a stand. Do your part and spread the word. Ask where fish is caught and make sensible food choices. Corporations, even bad ones need your money to survive. All positive action helps, especially if we can get the general public active. Start with yourself and your passion will spread to others. Light a fire for wild oceans!

Join us and make a difference. All donations to Gaianetwork.net go directly to the campaign.

It is great to hear that the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has announced that the Martin Sheen would again be assisting Dr. Alex Morton on her mission against Salmon farming in the Northwest. Dr. Morton is a hero. http://www.alexandramorton.ca  Last year a group of First Nation’s elders joined Alex in their opposition to the BC salmon farms, landing the issue in the Canadian Courts. This coming summer, 2018, could possibly be the tipping point Alex and others need for total victory. Having worked on the issue for a number of years myself, I feel we need to keep this rebellion going now more then ever.

The continuing research on farmed salmon shows not only the devastating effects on wild salmon, but the adverse effect on numerous Northwest First Nation’s cultures, and wilderness… the time is now to act.

At the same time the public is becoming more informed on “the health of the food” issues. GMO, antibiotics, and pesticides are just a few of the added ingredients advocates want us to forget as we are enjoying ourselves out for an evening of sushi… the perception of the health benefits of these franken-fish needs to be squashed before something like a “mad salmon” brain disease starts sweeping the rich and sheik sushi connoisseurs across the nation. I’m no scientist… I’m just looking at history…

We at http://www.gaianetwork.net hope to up the ante just a bit this summer in the northwest. In association with grassroots activists, old Sea Shepherd cohorts, and First Nation friends we hope to add yet another voice to the rebellion. So no matter our differences, it is great to see the “rebel Captain flying the skull and crossbones” on board again… although sadly I am quite sure the captain will not attend.

Due to our present “ego” issues being decided in court, I am sure that I will not be as welcomed by the rebel captain’s team, as they will be welcomed by me. I believe in the mission, and we from www.gaianetwork.net will be there to represent the salmon, human drama aside.

Dr Alex, and any other interested parties are welcome. If you want to get involved, this is an all-volunteer venture… what’s stopping you?

We’ll have a ship in the area all summer brisling with research gear and cameras. Old school! We’ve funded a small work craft to start, and we’ll raise the money to do more with your help. Tell your friends and visit : www.gaianetwork.net . Or contact me at peterjaybrown@mac.com to help.

In this ever-changing litigious environment I think it important we do not lose sight of the prize. It took years getting the public’s attention and now we all must put differences aside and slam the door on those intent on destroying the oceans. Salmon farming lost in Washington state, and we must all help the Canadians in their up coming battles to outlaw similar farms there. I am not as eloquent as Al Bore, but: “our very future depends on it!”

We at www.gaianetwork.net will be making further announcements in the near future as we work to get others to join us. Thank you