For Immediate Release: Northwest BC Salmon Coalition Condemns Deal to Lift Oil Tanker Moratorium
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Northwest BC Salmon Coalition Condemns Deal to Lift Oil Tanker Moratorium
Risks to Salmon and Local Economies Are Unacceptable
Prince Rupert, B.C., November 27, 2025 — Northwest British Columbia community leaders and
members of Friends of Wild Salmon are strongly opposing the Alberta—federal governments’ new
agreement to advance another oil pipeline and remove the North Coast oil tanker moratorium that has
been in place in some form for over 50 years for good reason.
The coalition, made up of commercial and sport fishers, Indigenous leaders, businesses, community and
conservation groups, states this move disrespects decades of united regional voices and threatens
salmon, food security, and local economies.
“Northwest BC already rejected Enbridge, and the reasons haven’t changed,” said Des Nobels,
spokesperson for Friends of Wild Salmon. “Our communities will not sacrifice salmon, rivers, or our
future for another province’s oil ambitions.”
Northwest BC supports some of the world’s most important marine habitats and wild salmon
populations. The groups warn that lifting the tanker ban would expose these fragile and sensitive
ecosystems to catastrophic harm.
“One tanker accident in these dangerous, narrow, storm-exposed channels could wipe out entire salmon
runs,” continued Nobels, “the science is clear—the risks are simply too high.”
Local leaders say the deal mirrors Enbridge’s failed proposal: Alberta gains export capacity while
Northwest BC communities absorb the environmental and economic risks.
Coastal First Nations have clear bans on oil tankers in their territories. Community leaders say the new
agreement violates these longstanding declarations and undermines UNDRIP commitments.
Any oil spill—on the coast or in our rivers—would devastate salmon-dependent employment, local and
Indigenous food systems, tourism, and outdoor recreation.
Alberta already has a taxpayer-funded pipeline. The Trans Mountain pipeline is running at about 80%
capacity and can be expanded within 3–4 years—adding over 500,000 barrels/day in the existing
corridor.
“The movement that stopped Enbridge is still here—and strong,” the coalition said. “Northwest BC will
defend our salmon, lands, and communities. Oil tankers have no place on the North Coast.”
-end-
Media Contact:
Des Nobels, Friends of Wild Salmon Spokesperson
Phone: 1-250-627-1859
Website: http://friendsofwildsalmon.ca/