The Wild Salmon Defenders Alliance was thrilled to drum and sing in a star studded rally on July 27/17 at Vancouver’s Fisherman Wharf, to celebrate the second year of collaboration between The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Dr. Alexandra Morton, First Nations, and environmental groups. The campaign, called Operation Virus Hunter II, will take Dr. Morton aboard the Sea Shepherd research vessel, the “RV Martin Sheen”, to several fish farms in order to gather more hard scientific evidence of the viruses, pathogens, and other harms that open net fish farms are doing to wild salmon, herring and clam beds.

Eddie spoke to a throng of media about the need for all levels of government to act immediately to address the plummeting wild salmon numbers which are creating an urgent and dire situation for Fraser River Nations, wildlife, and all who depend on healthy wild salmon returns. He presented a $500 cheque from WSDA to the Sea Shepherd society to support this very important excursion.

Dr. David Suzuki spoke about the environmentally unsustainable manner in which open net fish farms currently operate, and the absurdity of raising predator fish for mass human consumption.

Chief Willie Moon made it very clear that the Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw have never given permission to have fish farms in their territory and want them to leave immediately. He invited BC Premier John Horgan to meet with the Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw to help them evict the farms.

If that wasn’t enough, celebrity and activist Martin Sheen, who donated money to purchase the research vessel with his namesake, was on site lending his support to this action.

We wish all those involved in Operation Virus Hunter II aboard the Martin Sheen a safe and successful trip!