VANCOUVER, British Columbia (16 Mar 2003) -- The British Columbia-based restaurant chain, Milestones, says that from now on it will serve only wild salmon. Another chain is doing the same. Restaurants say they're responding to customers who are increasingly wary of the fish farming industry. Elaine Tardiff, who has been selling both farmed and wild salmon for almost 20 years, says "more people are asking specifically for wild salmon." That hype began last year, when the B.C. government announced it was lifting the moratorium on expanding open water fish farming in the province. Environmental groups worry fish farms may spread disease, and if the farmed salmon escapes into the ocean they may endanger wild salmon. | | Many restaurant owners are making the switch to wild salmon. "We're certainly sensitive to the environmental side. But ultimately we are hearing loud and clear from the consumer this is the direction they're looking for us to take them," said Kelly Gordon, who heads Spectra, a company that runs three B.C. restaurant chains. The fish farm industry recently hired the firm Hill and Knowlton to assist with its public relations battle. And in spite of the image problem, recent statistics show British Columbia farmed salmon exports are reaching records sales. SOURCE - CBC, CDNN |
