Are Sea-based Aquaculture Pens Safe?

Last week, Health Canada approved the use of a pesticide called Salmosan in aquaculture operations on the province's south coast. The federal agency says the approval is for "emergency" use, to stop an outbreak of sea lice in the area. Sea lice are a type of crustacean that can kill juvenile fish, and operators say warmer than usual water has allowed the pests to flourish. Salmon conservation groups say while Salmosan certainly works to kill sea lice, it can also harm shrimp and young lobster. This comes at a time when ISA, a salmon virus, has appeared for the second time in months on the south coast.