As per the release Cermaq is arranging the visit which includes visits to Mainstream’s operations in Steigen, the research EWOS Innovation, and various meetings in Oslo and in Ottawa. Maquinna (Lewis George), Hereditary Tyee Chief of Ahousaht First Nation, informed that salmon farming is important in their territory, and Ahousaht have signed a protocol agreement with Mainstream Canada to ensure their mutual interest.
He is willing to gain insight in Norwegian fish farming and Cermaq’s operations, so that his people can make the best use of their agreement. He also said that they receive warm welcome in the Norwegian embassy and at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and experienced a good dialogue and mutual understanding of the positive impact of salmon farming for community development in our territory.
Ahousaht has more than 2000 members of which more than 1000 live in the territory. Ahousaht is the largest First Nation on the west side of Vancouver Island, and over half of Mainstream’s production in Canada is located in the territory of Ahousaht. Cermaq is strongly engaged in relations with First Nations in Canada. CEO in Cermaq Geir Isaksen said that this was a complicated area when Cermaq entered fish farming operations in British Colombia in Canada, and Cermaq is pleased to see that the agreement with Ahousaht is seen as interesting amongst other First Nations.
