BC’s salmon farmers and First Nations invite Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio to tour their operations after he repeats false information about salmon aquaculture.
Salmon farmers and First Nation partners in British Columbia have criticized Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio for endorsing false claims about salmon farming. DiCaprio repeated the inaccurate assertion that the Canadian government was reneging on its promise to phase out open-net pen salmon farms by 2025, which government officials have clarified is untrue. Anti-salmon farming activists have perpetuated this misinformation, prompting the BC Salmon Farmers Association to invite DiCaprio to tour their farms and meet with stakeholders. They emphasize the importance of understanding the industry before advocating for its shutdown. The activists’ campaign threatens the livelihoods of thousands of workers and Indigenous communities that rely on salmon farming. Despite scientific consensus that salmon farms have minimal impact on wild populations, government concessions to activists have already led to shutdowns, harming rural economies. First Nations, such as the Kitasoo Xai’Xais, assert their role as stewards of their territories and condemn external influence on their communities’ futures. The Coalition of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship also urges DiCaprio to educate himself about salmon farming in BC.