Editor:

I am dismayed by Mainstream Canada's Grant Warkentin in "Protesters lured by fish fight," Chilliwack Times, Feb. 5.

Mr. Warkentin states that viruses have been around longer than salmon farms.

True enough where native fish and viruses coexist. However, even a layman's knowledge of viruses tells one that introducing foreign viruses, such as Atlantic viruses to

Pacific waters, is a recipe for disaster. Consider the introduction of smallpox to North America. No doubt people living here at the time had encountered viruses before, but not that virus.

Mr. Warkentin follows by saying that the waste footprint of the farms is only a few hundred metres and "In no way are wild salmon forced to swim under our farms." I am glad to know that salmon farmers are not out on their sea-horses herding wild salmon under the farms. Are they out there telling the wild salmon to stay clear?

Perhaps posting signs "Wild Salmon - Keep Back!" Have they trained viruses that may appear to stay put and not be carried by currents or sea lice?

The Cohen Report made clear recommendations. I urge voters to demand commitments to action on this issue in the coming election.

Ian Stephen Chilliwack