Company behind ocean fertilization experiment loses court bid to block charges

VANCOUVER – The organization behind a controversial ocean fertilization experiment off the coast of British Columbia faces potentially 10 charges for environmental violations, after losing a court bid that would have brought an end to the investigation.

The Haida Salmon Restoration Corp. caused waves around the world when it dumped more than 100 metric tonnes of iron into the ocean near Haida Gwaii, believing it would spur salmon returns and profits from carbon capture.

Last March, Environment Canada officers obtained three search warrants for the corporation’s offices, the offices of F.A.S. Seafood Producers and the vessel “Ocean Pearl.”

Haida Salmon said its activities were legal, and asked a B.C. Supreme Court judge to either set aside the search warrants or declare the alleged offences unenforceable under Canadian law.

It also asked the court for an injunction.

In a ruling recently posted online, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Peter Voith dismissed the application, noting that the Environment Canada investigation continues.