Canadian Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Bernadette Jordan's announcement ahead of the Christmas holiday that the Canadian government would phase out salmon farming in British Columbia's (BC) Discovery Islands has roiled not only the BC aquaculture industry, but also local leaders.

In an open letter sent to Jordan on Tuesday by the BC Salmon Farmers Association and signed by the Northern Vancouver Island Mayors, managing directors from Mowi Canada West, Cermaq Canada and Grieg Seafood BC called the decision "shocking."