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New Brunswick Government Invests $2 Million in Aquaculture Expansion

In a move to boost aquaculture, the New Brunswick government is investing $2 million through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund in True North Salmon, a subsidiary of Cooke Aquaculture. Complemented by an extra $4.7 million from the federal government, the total repayable loan of $6.7 million is earmarked for doubling the size of the salmon processing plant in the former town of St. George in the Rural Community of Eastern Charlotte.

Bill Would Allow Certain Uses of Captive-Bred ESA-Protected Fish

H.R. 6546 would amend the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to exempt specific activities involving certain federally protected captive-bred fish. The bill was introduced by Representative Cliff Bentz and has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. Bill text is not yet publicly available.

FWS Announces Upcoming Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Meeting

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced a public meeting of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force from January 24–25, 2024. Members of the public may participate virtually or in person at the U.S. Geological Survey National Center in Reston, Virginia. The deadline to register to attend is January 18, 2024.

One of World’s Largest On-Land Salmon Farms Approved in England

On November 29th, a Planning Committee in North East Lincolnshire Council, England approved plans for a 5,000 tonne on-land salmon farm in Cleethorpes, set to be among the world's largest and the first fully on-land Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) fish farm in the UK. Proposed by Aquacultured Seafood, the project faced objections from animal rights advocates and fish experts, including Abigail Penny and Mark Borthwick, who voiced concerns about environmental impact and the experimental nature of on-land RAS farms. They say that such on-land fish farms “cause serious and irreparable challenges to our wild species and local communities.”

Conservation Groups Allege FWS and BLM Are Violating ESA by Failing to Protect Critical Habitat from Cattle Grazing Damage

The Center for Biological Diversity and Maricopa Audubon Society sent a 60-day notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under the citizen suit provision of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The groups allege that the federal agencies are failing to prevent cattle grazing from damaging critical habitat and harming the endangered Gila chub and Western yellow-billed cuckoo on the Agua Fria National Monument in Arizona.

FWS Finds ESA Protections Not Warranted for Five Species Petitioned for Listing

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced its findings that Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections are not warranted for the Florida pinesnake, mimic cavesnail, northern cavefish, smallscale darter, and Texas troglobitic water slater. The Center for Biological Diversity, along with other groups and individuals, had petitioned FWS to list the Florida pinesnake, northern cavefish, and smallscale darter. WildEarth Guardians had petitioned FWS to list the mimic cavesnail and Texas troglobitic water slater.

Putative Class Action Alleges Target Falsely Advertises Sunscreen as Using a “Reef-Conscious Formula”

Sunscreen purchaser Annet Tivin filed a proposed class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, alleging that Target Corporation’s “up&up” brand sunscreen is misleadingly labeled as using a “reef-conscious formula” despite having ingredients that have been proven to be harmful to corals and coral reef ecosystems. The suit alleges violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, false and misleading advertising, and fraud, and it seeks class certification, monetary damages and interest, and costs.

British Columbia Introduces Bill to Safeguard Wetlands and Wildlife Habitat

Member of the Legislative Assembly John Rustad has introduced Bill M226, the No Net Loss of Wetland Act, aiming to conserve wetland functions in British Columbia. The bill emphasizes preventing a net loss of these functions and sustaining their value as fish and wildlife habitat. If a government program or infrastructure project impacts a wetland in the region, the bill mandates safeguarding its functions, holding the government accountable for conserving, enhancing, restoring, or creating any diminished wetland functions resulting from the program, project, or tenure.

Canadian Federal Court Rules Against Designating Plastic as “Toxic”

The Federal Court has ruled that the Government of Canada exceeded its authority by designating plastic items as “toxic” under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. The case, brought by Canada's major plastic-producing companies known as the Responsible Plastic Use Coalition, sought to remove the toxic listing. Animal Justice intervened in support of the listing, emphasizing the importance of addressing plastic pollution that annually harms millions of animals. Advocates express hope that the government will continue robust efforts to combat plastic pollution.