By Nora O’Malley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ha-Shilth-Sa Port Alberni, B.C. – Tsu-tsii-in(Alton Watts), tyee ha’wilth (hereditary chief) of Hupačasath First Nation in the Alberni Valley, publicly demanded on Sept. 23 that Atlantic salmon farming company Cermaq close their Boot Lagoon hatchery operation near Port Alberni by the end of the year. Watts says Cermaq is polluting Nuu-chah-nulth waters and bringing disease to the fish that swim up their rivers. He says cutting off the hatchery is one way to make sure their fish farms cease operations. “I just want them gone and hopefully they clean up their mess and we never have to deal with them again,” said Watts. Located on Hupačasath traditional territory by Great Central Lake, roughly an hours’ drive from Port Alberni on the west coast…
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