It is reported that Compliance Energy Corporation has applied to mine coal in the Fanny Bay area of Baynes Sound.

There couldn't be a more treasured place in all of British Columbia. It shocks me that a coal mine could even be considered.

1. Baynes Sound is so suitable for the cultivation of shellfish that 50% of British Columbia's shellfish production occurs right here. Fanny Bay oysters are known around the world. Clams, scallops and mussels are also produced in ever growing numbers, all creating 600 full time jobs.

2. Baynes Sound is also the largest herring spawning area in British Columbia, producing yet more jobs. Of greater importance is the role of herring as the basic food for salmon, rockfish, lingcod and everything you can imagine.

3. About 10 years ago, birding experts were setting aside protected areas critical to the survival of birds Important Bird Areas. The Fraser River estuary was selected as the most important bird area in BC. The Baynes Sound area was the second most important area. There are about 160 different bird species in this area, some on the endangered list.

So here we are, with the most important shellfish area, the most important herring spawning area and the second most important bird area a triple blessing of nature and the Liberal Government of British Columbia is considering the development of a coal mine.

(Sourced from www.bclocalnews.com)