The BC Pacific Salmon Forum was appointed by Premier Gordon Campbell in December 2004 with the mandate to develop policy recommendations to protect and enhance the viability of wild salmon stocks and the economic, social and environmental benefits to British Columbians; enhance the economic social and environmental sustainability of aquaculture for all coastal communities; and increase public confidence in fisheries management generally, and aquaculture in particular, in the marine environment.

This report details the Forum's findings and recommendations based on extensive consultation and research over a three-year period. Featured recommendations include application of an ecosystem-based approach to managing all resource industries - including salmon farming - in watersheds and marine environments; a shift to a new governance system to ensure the future of BC’s wild and farmed salmon resources and their habitat; the immediate creation of an independent regulatory oversight authority that will report publicly through the Legislature; the adoption of an ecosystem-based approach to managing salmon farms; bringing closure to the debate about closed containment salmon farming by subjecting this concept to a rigorous commercial-scale demonstration project; and the building of public trust in the sustainability of the wild fishery and salmon farming through collaboration and information sharing and the orientation of scientific research and public debate toward solutions and away from the advancement of positions.