The announcement is part of the industry’s attempt to address recommendations stemming from Judge Bruce Cohen’s recent inquiry into the state of Fraser River sockeye, reports VancouverSun.
Don Noakes, dean of science at Vancouver Island University, said the work will help fill some of the gaps in our knowledge of what’s happening under the surface of our coastal waters.
“There’s still a lot we don’t know about salmon,” said Mr Noakes. “The research is to gain information about wild and farmed salmon, how they interact, and how better to ensure that the environment in all aspects is of benefit to both wild and farmed fish.”
Researchers will focus their efforts on five themes, including fish pathogen transmission, salmon migration routes, environmental management, fish health reporting and information sharing, according to the association.
Though the money is coming from salmon farmers, Noakes said the work will be done by independent researchers who are affiliated with various universities.
