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Achievements / Wins
2025
WASHINGTON STATE LOCKS IN THE BAN
In 2022, sustained advocacy by Tribal Nations, scientists, chefs, businesses, and activists led to an executive order banning commercial net pen aquaculture in Washington State. By 2025, that ban became a regulation: the first full legal regulation of its kind in U.S. waters. This landmark outcome demonstrates that permanent policy change against open-net salmon farming is achievable.
LOCAL WINS ALONG THE MAINE COAST
In 2024, the movement gained strong momentum as Penobscot and Winter Harbor joined Cutler and Waldoboro in adopting ordinances to restrict industrial-scale aquaculture. Led by the Protect Maine’s Fishing Heritage Foundation, these local actions laid the groundwork for broader protections, with efforts under way to safeguard up to 90% of Maine’s coastline.
In 2025, victories continued across the State. The towns of Lubec and Beals passed ordinances preventing large-scale aquaculture in their coastal waters, while residents of Cushing approved a 180-day moratorium on industrial aquaculture projects, reinforcing local control over coastal protection.
2024
2023
PUBLIC SUPPORT SHIFTS THE DEBATE
72% of Tasmanians supported a Parliamentary Inquiry to reduce inshore salmon farming in sensitive ecosystems. What began as a local effort, led by Neighbours of Fish Farming Tasmania (NOFF) and supported by GSFR, grew into a national conversation. The campaign captured public attention, won cross-sector support, and pushed salmon farming onto the federal political agenda.
2022
A PREVENTIVE BAN INTHE FALKLANDS/MALVINAS
Inspired by Argentina’s campaign, the community of the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas mobilised to stop the introduction of salmon farms. In April 2022, the Executive Council resolved to ban large-scale aquaculture, including salmon farming — a decisive move to protect local ecosystems before the industry could take hold.
A FEDERAL TURNINGPOINT IN CANADA
More than 40% of salmon farms have already been removed from British Columbia’s coastal waters. In June 2022, the federal government limited license renewals to two years, following its 2019 commitment to phase out open-net pens by 2025. While the full phase-out has since been delayed to 2029, the decision, shaped by Indigenous leadership, NGOs, and grassroots pressure, set a powerful precedent for salmon farming reform.
2021
A FIRST-OF-ITS-KINDBAN IN PATAGONIA
Thanks to the joint efforts of local communities, chefs, NGOs, and activists, open-net salmon farming was banned in Tierra del Fuego, Antártida e Islas del Atlántico Sur—before the industry could begin operations in the Beagle Channel. This was the first legal ban of its kind in the region, setting a powerful precedent for preventive action.
Today, that law has been amended, allowing salmon farming while maintaining the ban in the Beagle Channel.
