British Columbia Salmon Farmers Association, BCSFA, BC salmon farming trade association

click here for additional clarification on issues being raised in the media

Media Releases & Recent Articles

January 28, 2010

Grieg Seafood Implements Harmonized Regional Management Plan

Grieg Seafood announced today that it is making in season production changes to its operations in Esperanza Inlet on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, in order to implement a Harmonized Regional Management Plan for the area. Grieg has five farm sites in Esperanza Inlet.

Esperanza Inlet was scheduled to receive most of its smolt early this spring. It currently has a small contingent of fish that will be harvested early. These in-season changes to production will ready the Inlet for stocking in the fall, allowing the company to farm a single cohort of smolt throughout the inlet.

To read the complete press release click here.

January 27, 2010

BC Salmon Farmers Send Aid to Haiti

Campbell River, January 27 2010 — Recognizing the importance of aid to assist those devastated by the massive earthquake in Haiti, the BC Salmon Farmer’s Association has donated $3000 to ShelterBox, a non-profit organization with a unique approach to delivering immediate relief to victims of natural and other disasters.

The organization takes its name from the “ShelterBoxes” it delivers. Each ShelterBox is a large, rugged, green plastic container that holds a 10-person tent and a range of other equipment. In general, typical box contents include: thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets; waterproof ponchos and bin bags; a multi-fuel stove that can burn anything from diesel to old paint; cooking pans, utensils, bowls and mugs; collapsible water containers and water purification tablet; a basic tool kit – hammer, axe, saw, pliers, hoe head, trenching shovel, rope etc; and a small children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons, pens etc.

The unique ShelterBox concept was thought up and developed by ex-Royal Navy search-and-rescue diver Tom Henderson – the charity’s founder and general manager. ShelterBox is based in the United Kingdom with offices in many other countries, including a Canadian office in Victoria. The donation from the BC Salmon Farmers will enable the purchase of three ShelterBoxes which will be delivered to Haiti.

“We thought the ShelterBox concept was fantastic as it delivers the type of aid that makes an immediate difference to those in need,” says Mary Ellen Walling, executive director, BCSFA. “We are so privileged and the need in Haiti so great. We hope others will join with us to support the Haitian people and to show the spirit of our aquaculture community.”

For more information, please visit: http://www.shelterbox.ca/

January 25, 2010

Mainstream Canada, Campbell River, B.C. obtains ISO 9001 QMS,
ISO 14001 EMS and OHSAS 18001

Mainstream Canada, Campbell River, B.C. is pleased to announce that in Dec 2009, they achieved full certification in the ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) and the OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Management System Standards (OHSAS).

The certification process started in 2008 with a full internal and external audit of all the Mainstream operations. Any operational gaps were identified, systems were developed, the operational manuals “Best Management Practices” (BMPs) and “Standard Operating Procedures” (SOPs) were updated and the resulting “Environmental Management System” (EMS) certification was obtained in the fall of 2008.

To read the complete press release click here.

January 21, 2010

First Nation and Salmon Farming Company Announce Agreement

The BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) is the voice of the province’s vibrant salmon farming industry representing this province’s largest agricultural export with an annual contribution of over $800 million to the BC economy.

Developing strong and positive relationships with First Nations communities is important for BCSFA member companies. We are working to increase public confidence in aquaculture to enhance the economic, social and environmental sustainability for all coastal communities.

The protocol announcement from two of our members – Mainstream Canada and the Ahousaht Nation – guides the principles for working together and establishing a sustainable and mutually beneficial salmon farming operation.

To read the complete press release click here.

November 5, 2009

Context Gives Clarity

In an article on FIS.com, "Greenpeace founder defends shrimp, salmon farming", Patrick Moore (Greenpeace founder, former salmon farmer and now Chairman and Chief Scientist at Greenspirit Strategies Ltd.) talks about the importance of aquaculture for providing healthy food that takes pressure off of wild stocks.

Moore provides context to concerns about antibiotic use in salmon farming stating "Whereas these [traditional food animal] livestock are on low-dose antibiotics for more than 50 percent of their lives, only 3 percent of salmon feed is medicated. Many salmon farms are now completely antibiotic-free and some are able to qualify for 'organic' status."

He responds to the issue of waste production with "Activists compare salmon farms to cities of 500,000 people dumping their raw sewage into the environment. The primary reason for concern about untreated human waste is disease transfer, not the waste itself. Once human waste is treated and sterilized it is a perfectly good fertilizer, and fish waste is no different except that there are no diseases that can be transmitted from fish to people."

The article finishes with a statement by Moore about the vast negative coverage of aquaculture and his wish to provide a more positive vision as "the negative side already has way too much airtime."

October 19, 2009

Small Business Key to Salmon Farming Success

Entrepreneurs and small businesses are a key factor in Canada’s economic growth. As we celebrate small business week during October 18 to 22, the BC Salmon Farmers Association would like to say thanks to the many small businesses that have helped make farmed salmon BC’s largest agricultural export.

Salmon, farmed in the oceans off British Columbia’s coast, are the province’s largest agricultural export. In fact, salmon farming contributes over $800 million to BC’s economy each year. It’s a big business that is successful because of small businesses that provide a diverse variety of goods and services. The divers who do our underwater inspections, the water taxi operators who take our employees to the farms, the locally-owned trucking companies that take our product to market. From net washing to composting facilities, from environmental consulting firms to companies that build floating homes, small business makes a big contribution to the success of BC’s salmon farming sector. Today, more than 6000 small businesses on Vancouver Island and the mainland supply and service BC’s salmon farms.

As we celebrate small business week, the BC Salmon Farmers Association would like to say thanks to the more than 6000 small businesses that make such a big contribution to our success. That’s why we are placing an ad series on local radio on Vancouver Island focusing on the importance of small business to our success. We encourage you to listen to local radio and our ads and to support small businesses in our local communities during Small Business Week and all year round.

September 24, 2009

Lots to Celebrate at BC Salmon Farmers Association AGM

With record pink returns in various rivers along the BC coast, the BC Salmon Farmers Association has more than its 25th anniversary to celebrate at the association's AGM being held today.

The high returns demonstrate that despite all the factors that have contributed to reduced Pacific salmon returns throughout the Pacific Northwest (including changing water temperatures and conditions as well as impacts created by forestry, mining, agriculture, urbanization and water impoundments), there is hope that better ocean conditions can turn the tide on this decline and result in healthier returns for all salmon species. Significantly, healthy pink salmon returns in BC’s main salmon farming areas show that sea lice management as practiced by BC salmon farms does work to minimize effects of farming operations on wild populations.

In her AGM speech, BCSFA Executive Director, Mary Ellen Walling, discusses how transparency and accountability has taken an already strong BC industry to the next level: "We open our books, we open our doors, we fund research, we engage with our critics, we acknowledge the importance of continuous improvement and we work for solutions. We define that as accountability. And we believe it is a critical attribute."

To read the complete press release click here

September 23, 2009

More Facts Needed in Salmon Debate

An opinion editorial by Clare Backman, Marine Harvest Canada’s Director of Environmental Compliance, published in the Times-Colonist looks for common ground and open discussion on declining returns of Fraser River sockeye stating that “preserving Pacific salmon for future generations is important to everyone in the province, especially those of us who live on the Island and on the coast.”

Mr. Backman emphasizes Marine Harvest’s commitment to responsible farming: “Our commitment to environmental, social, and economic sustainability is key to our business. If this means different management of our farms to further conserve and protect wild salmon, that is exactly what we will do. If we discover that other causes are at fault, we expect that all interested stakeholders will come together to find workable solutions.”

September 16, 2009

Aquaculture Feeds the World

We're eating more fish every day. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization predicts that by 2030, globally consumption of fish will grow by 70%. The increasing reliance on aquaculture to fill this growing demand is supported by a recent study in the 'Proceedings of the National Academy of Science' which states that one-half of all seafood consumed is now cultured.

In a CBC radio interview last week, one of the study's authors, Dr. Tony Farrell, Chair of Sustainable Aquaculture at UBC, states that aquaculture can and is being done more sustainably and uses the reduced reliance on wild fish to feed farmed fish as an example: "…there have been tremendous advances in the way in which we have stopped feeding wild fish to farmed fish, and in particular the major gains have been in the salmon world. And there are some salmon producers in British Columbia that are using far, far less wild salmon [fish], and are still producing a product that's a) delightful to eat, and b) has an amazing high omega 3 fatty acid content, which is saving lives from cardiovascular disease."

Dr. Farrell stresses the need for better communications about the science behind sustainable aquaculture practices to the media and public: "…the onus is just as important, not on collecting the information and publishing in the scientific world, but I think giving the facts to the public in a way, a responsible way, and a truthful way, and an open way…" The interview finishes with Dr. Farrell pointing out the tremendous role and responsibility of the media in forming public opinion and in letting them know "that good things are happening out there".

While the study provides an overview of the importance of aquaculture for providing food, it does contain some inaccuracies. One of these was addressed by the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organization (IFFO) in a recent Seafood.com article.

August 26, 2009

Watching for wild salmon: Campbell River pink return could be best ever

Salmon farmers have watched reports of declining wild salmon stocks with concern. Like many others, we question the cause of diminishing returns in so many areas, from California through to northern British Columbia. Oddly and thankfully, in Campbell River this year, the situation is reversed: hatchery officials are predicting that the "Pink return could be best ever".

So, what factors have contributed to a strong and healthy pink salmon population in the Campbell River area?

Campbell River is an area where there are numerous salmon farms, and while we know that good animal husbandry plays an important role in protecting the marine environment and preventing sea lice outbreaks, there must be other factors at play to support the highest pink salmon returns in more than two decades.

One thing stands out: in the Campbell River area there has been a significant amount of work done to rehabilitate salmon runs and to restore watersheds. Is this the factor that is supporting pink salmon survival and returns in Campbell River during a year when there is widespread concern in other parts of the province? Could this model be replicated elsewhere to achieve similar results?

If so, each of us has a stewardship role to play. We need to be better informed about the effects of human development and activities on our watersheds and streams. Here are some ideas that each of us can do to support wild salmon and protect streams and watersheds:

Learn more about stream and watershed protection
Support (by providing financial or volunteer assistance) enhancement projects and efforts to conserve/rehabilitate streams and rivers damaged or at risk of damage by human development.
Be aware of the small and large things you can do: conserve water use and stop lawn/garden chemical use. Think about the cumulative effect of your actions. Ask yourself “If everyone did this would it be a problem?”
Make good choices that promote the 3Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. Less land fill waste means healthier waterways.
Help connect kids (the next generation of stewards) to nature through outdoor activities

August 12, 2009

Clayoquot Sound Study Released

After four years of sampling juvenile wild salmon in Clayoquot Sound for sea lice, The Clayoquot Sound Sea Lice Working Group has released its findings on Monday, August 10th 2009. Titled “Prevalence and density of sea louse (L. salmonis and C. clemensi) infections in juvenile chum salmon (Oncorhychus keta) in Clayoquot Sound, 2004-2007,” the report is a collaborative effort between salmon farmers (Mainstream Canada and Creative Salmon Ltd.) and local First Nations (Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations). The group is coordinated by Uu-a-thluk (Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Fisheries).

To read the full press release click here

To link to the study report click here

To read the Westerly News article about the study click here

July 31, 2009

Beam Me Up Scotty!

Regarding an article in the July 30, 2009 Times-Colonist, Mary Ellen Walling, BCSFA Executive Director,responded with the following:

Dear Editor,

How can you tell it’s a slow news day? Well, on the BC coast a recent letter by actor William Shatner to the Prime Minister was picked up as news by a number of media outlets. Mr Shatner is well known for his career as Captain James T. Kirk of the starship USS Enterprise and most recently in the TV series Boston Legal. Mr Shatner’s acting credentials are solid –his understanding of fisheries research less stellar. Shatner claims that BC fisheries are at risk from salmon farms.

DFO researchers, including an Order of Canada scientist state that their research shows that salmon farms and wild fisheries can co-exist and that their recent sampling in 2008 and 2009, found no Lepeophtheirus salmonis (most common sea lice species) lice on juvenile pink salmon in the Broughton Archipelago during March, when the salmon are smallest and most susceptible.

Salmon farmers in British Columbia are proud to operate in the most stringently regulated environment of all producing countries, to produce the province’s largest agricultural export, and to generate jobs and opportunities for thousands of people in coastal communities.

Activist groups often bristle at calls for accountability but if they are to retain their position of public trust they should, at least, be able to meet the same standards of scrutiny applied to industry. And for journalists who often see themselves as the guardians of the public interest, it seems prudent to be wary of being manipulated, even by those who appear to walk on the side of the public good rather than the side of corporate self-interest.

Oh and Mr. Shatner –when you shot a wild salmon with a shotgun on an episode of Boston Legal –the salmon you refer to in your letter as “one of earths most precious assets”, I am pretty sure that’s a violation of the Fisheries Act –but of course –it’s only TV. Right. Beam me Up Scotty.

Mary Ellen Walling
Executive Director,
BC Salmon Farmers Association
#302 871 Island Highway Campbell River BC

To read the Times-Colonist article click here

July 27, 2009

VIU Researcher to Study Sea Lice Interactions

The following is excerpted from the Nanaimo News Bulletin article (dated July 24, 2009):

A Vancouver Island University professor, Dr. Duane Barker, has received a three-year $413,000 research grant to study one of the most controversial topics in B.C. – sea lice and their impact on salmon farming.

A key part of the project, funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, is training students and fish health technicians how to diagnose salmon health using various techniques including biochemical and genetic tests, plus, disease modeling, said Barker.

Barker’s co-investigators on the project include Simon Jones, Kyle Garver and Stewart Johnson, all of the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo.

Sea lice are one of the most hotly debated topics concerning farmed salmon in B.C. The controversy concerns the exchange of sea lice between wild and farmed salmon and the possible implications for B.C.’s wild salmon stocks.

“Right now, recent research data indicates higher levels of sea lice are found on wild salmon caught in the open ocean, away from farms,” said Barker. “A lot of people think it’s the other way around.”

Sea lice are naturally-occurring parasites that live on the skin of wild fish, and are passed on to farmed fish, Barker said. “One variable that has not been addressed is the direct or indirect role of sea lice contributing to disease development,” he added. “What’s not clear is whether sea lice pass on pathogens (viruses, bacteria) to fish. Few reports have isolated viral and bacterial pathogens from sea lice, but actual pathogen transmission has never been tested.”

“The role of sea lice as a vector (transmitter) remains undefined. In other words, when (seasonally) and where (geographically), could sea lice carry important pathogens to salmon? Such information is critical to the salmon farming industry in BC and elsewhere. The answers could lead to improved health management strategies for salmon farmers and fishery managers and better detection of pathogens in the environment. The research could also lead to a greater understanding of the ecological and immunological roles of sea lice in the interactions of disease between wild and farmed salmon.”

To read the complete article click here http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/nanaimonewsbulletin/news/51600007.html

July 20, 2009

Unaccountable Advocacy

An article by BCSFA Executive Director, Mary Ellen Walling, on online news source, The Mark provides insight into food and technology scares and the big business behind them.

The following is excerpted from the article:

"Wild salmon in British Columbia are facing extinction. Electromagnetic radiation from high voltage power lines is causing childhood cancer. Vaccines cause autism in children."

"What are we to make of these statements?"

"All are taken from news stories; all were made by so-called experts from advocacy groups working on behalf of the public good; all are sensational and emotional."

"And it’s become big business. There are more than 3,000 so-called nonprofit environmental groups in the U.S. today, most of which take in over $1 million annually according to John Perazzo in FrontPageMag.Com. In one recent year, Greenpeace International took in $35 million, the National Audubon Society $79 million, the National Wildlife Federation $102 million, the Sierra Club $74 million, the Nature Conservancy $972 million, and the World Wildlife Fund $118 million. In addition, each of these groups holds assets ranging from $16.3 million to $2.9 billion. Perazzo concludes that "no trade association on earth possesses the financial resources and political influence of the environmental lobby"."

"There is no question that there have been instances where advocacy groups have exposed unacceptable practices and helped to galvanize opinion on, and sustain interest in, issues worthy of public debate. But when these groups offer scientific evidence or “experts” to explain the story, journalists should be wary. The credentials of experts should be examined and potential conflicts probed."

To read the complete article click here

July 17, 2009

Money Well Spent

The following letter was published in the July 17th edition of the Courier-Islander

Recent news and editorial coverage criticized the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans for providing research support for salmon farming on the west coast. Claims were made that research funds should be allocated to protecting wild salmon. As a long time resident of Vancouver Island, I don't disagree with the need to support collaborative research and efforts to protect wild salmon.

However, given the intense scrutiny of the salmon farming industry and the cries for more research I find it a bit puzzling that efforts to continuously improve practices are criticized. Two of the projects will enhance productivity and economic performance for salmon farming operations in BC. Project partners for the research are BCSFA members Marine Harvest Canada and Walcan Seafoods Ltd.

The Marine Harvest project received nearly $142,500 in funding to assess and test current food processing methods in the meat industry for application in salmon harvesting and processing and will pilot these new technologies on an industrial scale at its processing facility in Port Hardy.

Walcan Seafoods' project received nearly $190,000 in funding to develop and implement an industrial scale ultraviolet (UV) sterilization system for their fish processing facility on Quadra Island. There is intense interest by processing facilities to develop environmentally-sound, practical and cost-effective methods for treating and neutralizing discharged water and effluent. Walcan Seafoods, which processes both wild and farmed finfish and shellfish products, hopes to set a new standard for fish processing effluent.

Both of these projects will also benefit our colleagues in the wild fish industry. As increased amounts of wild salmon move fresh into the marketplace and as processing facilities all over the coast will need to ensure that effluent is treated before discharge, these projects will have applicability across our entire seafood sector.

The funding of these projects demonstrates the federal government's commitment to sustainable aquaculture development and the BC salmon farming industry's dedication to ongoing development and improvement in all areas of operations and management.

We hope to see more of these kinds of projects as BC takes a lead role in the development of a sustainable seafood industry now and for the future.

Mary Ellen Walling,

Executive Director,

BC Salmon Farmers Association

To read the DFO press release regarding the funding click here

July 8, 2009

Research Projects Show Commitment to Sustainable Development

The Honorable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today federal funding for two projects that will enhance productivity and economic performance for salmon farming operations in BC. Project partners for the research are BCSFA members Marine Harvest Canada and Walcan Seafoods Ltd. Project funding is part of the federal government’s Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP).

The Marine Harvest project received nearly $142,500 in funding for the development and implementation of a parasite suppression technology for soft-flesh syndrome. The syndrome changes the quality of the harvested fish resulting in product that can not be sold and significant economic loss. Utilizing the federal AIMAP funding, Marine Harvest will assess and test current food processing methods in the meat industry for application in salmon harvesting and processing and will pilot these new technologies on an industrial scale at its processing facility in Port Hardy.

Walcan Seafoods’ project received nearly $190,000 in funding to develop and implement an industrial scale ultraviolet (UV) sterilization system for their fish processing facility on Quadra Island. There is intense interest by processing facilities to develop environmentally-sound, practical and cost-effective methods for treating and neutralizing discharged water and effluent. Walcan Seafoods, which processes both wild and farmed finfish and shellfish products, hopes to set a new standard for fish processing effluent. They plan to test the sterilization efficacy of UV and will test and monitor the system for quality controls and outcomes. Ultraviolet sterilization treatment is efficient, chemical-free, and will allow processor’s effluent to be germ-free prior to discharge.

The funding of these projects demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to sustainable aquaculture development and the BC salmon farming industry’s dedication to ongoing development and improvement in all areas of operations and management.

To link to the CNW Group news release click here

June 25, 2009

Video Showcases Fine Dining in a Feed Shed

A new YouTube video showcases a salmon dinner for over 300 sailors at Marine Harvest Canada’s Hardwicke farm site during the 2009 Save On Foods Van Isle 360 yacht race. The dinner, coordinated by the BC Salmon Farmers Association, was made possible with the help of a great team of volunteers from Marine Harvest Canada, Save On Foods, and Noboco.

To watch the video click here

To see more video footage of the leg 4 trip to Hardwicke click here

To link to the Save On Foods Van Isle 360 website click here

June 10, 2009

Fine Dining in a Feed Shed

Over 300 sailors from 29 sailboats enjoyed a salmon dinner and overnight berth at Marine Harvest’s Hardwicke site yesterday, June 9th. The sailors are competitors in the tenth anniversary of the bi-annual Van Isle 360 which is sponsored by Save-on-Foods. This year’s choice of Hardwicke site brought the Van Isle back to the farm site that hosted the inaugural yacht race.

So where do you host a dinner party for so many on the farm site? …In the feed shed, of course! For the day, feed and equipment were moved to the perimeters so that dining and serving tables and chairs could be set up. All the necessary items for a large scale dinner –food, barbeques, equipment, tables, chairs and porta-potties- were barged to the site. Coordinated by the BC Salmon Farmers Association, a great team of volunteers from Marine Harvest Canada, Save-on-Foods, and Noboco did all of the prep work, set up, cooking and serving.

Welcoming the yacht crews were: Cameron Cairncross, Chief Administrative Officer for the nearby Village of Sayward; Wayne Gorrie of PRAqua who is a long time sailing enthusiast and Van Isle organizer; Mary Ellen Walling, BCSFA Executive Director; Ian Roberts, Communications Manager for Marine Harvest Canada.

Van Isle 360 participants were very appreciative of the dinner and showed their thanks with a standing ovation. Many crew members took advantage of the visit to ask questions and learn more about salmon farming.

Sunny, warm weather added to the day but it was the generosity of all the helpers and the friendliness and appreciation of the race crews that made it really special event. Here’s to a safe and fun completion to this year’s race!

June 8, 2009

Good News Story Hits the Press

An article and editorial printed in today’s edition of “The Daily News” in Nanaimo provide refreshing perspective on the opportunities for salmon farming in coastal BC. The editorial highlights the need for all British Columbians to participate in the growth of an environmentally-sound and successful salmon farming industry.

The editorial, "Support the BC salmon farming industry", states “With 43% of all fish-related food products in the world now being farmed, there is no turning back. Fish farms are one reality that we need to accept as a necessity to feed the current global population.”

“If B.C. misses out on this industry, with our coastline and technology, it would be like failing to cut and sell timber from this province.

Salmon farmers don't want operations that are not environmentally sound, even though opponents can make it sound like they don't care.

Salmon farmers are as concerned as anybody with solving these environmental challenges.

Critics need to be part of that solution because this industry will survive long after they are gone.”

Robert Barron’s article in the same edition puts the economic opportunities for the local industry in a global context and finishes with the following quote from Mary Ellen Walling, BCSFA Executive Director:

"There's a growing understanding that we need the farms to meet the needs as the world's population increases," Walling said. "Our fish farms are working hard on progressive preventative treatments to reduce their impacts on the environment and these measures are proving to be quite successful. Our products are being received well internationally, particularly in the U.S., and we hope to expand our markets."

To read “The Daily News” editorial click here
To read Robert Barron’s “The Daily News” article click here

May 26, 2009

BC Farmed Salmon Creates a Splash at EAT! Vancouver

Once again, the BC Salmon Farmers Association was one of the most popular booths during the three day EAT! Vancouver extravaganza held at BC Place Stadium May 22-24. BCSFA has participated each of the seven years of this "ultimate food expo" event which provides a wonderful opportunity for people to enjoy and learn more about food and its preparation. Throughout the event, BCSFA staff and volunteers dished out 20,000 farmed salmon samples and meal-size portions. Though line-ups to purchase freshly grilled salmon wrapped around the booth and were up to one-half hour long at times, the wait was eased by friendly booth staff who handed out samples of Hardy Buoys smoked salmon nuggets and talked with guests about salmon farming.

EAT! Vancouver is a wonderful, positive experience for everyone –booth volunteers and visitors alike. The BCSFA booth has become an integral part of the EAT! Vancouver experience with visitors saying, "I look forward to coming to your booth each year to have some salmon." And, of course, we love to hear "This is the best salmon I have ever tasted!"

This year, we were proud to serve our sustainably farmed salmon on biodegradable TaterWare plates with EcoWare wooden forks. Thank you to all the great people who volunteered their time to cook and serve salmon and put a friendly face on the salmon farming industry –BCSFA’s participation would not have been possible without your help! Many thanks to our volunteers: Ian Roberts (Marine Harvest), Lori Walton, Sydney Doberstein, Don Walling, Rick Lamirande, Murray Galloway and Courtney Galloway. Thank you to Marine Harvest for providing and to Hardy Buoys for processing the fresh salmon.

Mary Ellen Walling, BCSFA Executive Director, and Don Walling talk to booth visitors about salmon farming

May 15, 2009

Race Yachts to Layover at Working Salmon Farm

The Save On Foods Van Isle 360 International Yacht Race, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, is one of the most unique yacht races anywhere. Part of what makes it unique is that it is the only yacht race in the world to layover at a working salmon farm. As Janine Bell, Event Manager, states "It is quite a sight to see a fleet of high-end race yachts tied up at the pens of a working salmon farm."

There is a lot involved in hosting 400+ sailors to a sit down dinner in a remote, floating warehouse only accessible by water. Everything, from forks to plates to chairs, tables and even porta-potties, has to be brought in by barge. The salmon is cooked on site and with the help of Save On Foods, and a crew of volunteers from the BC Salmon Farmers Association and Marine Harvest Canada, a full course, sit down dinner is served.

The Save On Foods Van Isle 360 International Yacht Race starts in Nanaimo Harbour on June 6 at 1030 am. There is excellent spectator viewing from the Nanaimo Port Authority Visiting Vessels Pier.

To read the complete event announcement click here
To link to Marine Harvest Canada's website click here
To learn more about the Van Isle 360 International Yacht Race click here

April 6, 2009

Great People, Great Salmon the story continues...

Throughout the month of April, BC Salmon Farmers Association will be circulating a booklet providing information on BC's largest agricultural export and highlighting the people in the salmon farming industry.

The large format, eight-page handout showcases the local industry and directly responds to areas of interest in salmon farming including sustainability, environment, protection of wild salmon and life on the farm.

"The efforts of concerned British Columbians combined with the tightest regulatory framework in the world have made us a better industry," says Mary Ellen Walling, executive director, BCSFA. "BC salmon farmers are committed to sustainability and to working to reduce our environmental footprint while actively contributing to coastal communities and their economies."

An informed public is important and the Association is committed to answering questions from all interested parties.

If you would like to request a copy of the booklet, let us know! Send an email to info@salmonfarmers.org to order copies.

To let us know your thoughts, visit our blog.

January 8, 2009

BC Aquaculture Projects Support an Innovative and Sustainable Industry

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has announced three innovation projects which are designed to boost the productivity and economic performance of the aquaculture industry in B.C. These projects will receive a total of $524,000 in federal funding through the Government of Canada’s Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP).

“When we invest in our aquaculture industry, we are investing in improved conservation and sustainable jobs in British Columbia today and for years to come,” said Vancouver Island North MP John Duncan, who made the announcement on behalf of Fisheries Minister Gail Shea. “That is why our Government is investing $23.5 million over the next five years to support the development of a vibrant and sustainable Canadian aquaculture industry that contributes to the economies of rural, coastal and First Nations communities.”

The projects, being lead by Kyuquot SEAfoods Ltd., the B.C. Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences and the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association, include work: to develop environmentally friendly systems and components that will allow existing salmon farm infrastructure to be modified to incorporate the commercial-scale production of other marine species; to coordinate the development of additional aquaculture innovation projects, including providing information and expert advice to the industry; and to transfer cryopreservation technology from fish growers in New Zealand to the aquaculture industry in Canada.

To read the Fisheries and Oceans Canada press release click here

To learn more about these innovative projects click here

To learn more about the BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences click here

To learn more about the Kyoquot SEAfood’s Pacific SEALab project click here

Vancouver Island North MP John Duncan makes the announcement on behalf of Fisheries Minister Gail Shea

December 18, 2008

BC First Nations Delegates Impressed By Norwegian Aquaculture Experience

A Canadian group of First Nations Chiefs and delegates from Vancouver Island recently joined staff from Marine Harvest and Grieg Seafood to attend Norway’s Aquavision 2008 and to visit numerous aquaculture facilities. "The purpose of the trip was to share information about global aquaculture and to visit the birthplace of salmon farming," says Ian Roberts of Marine Harvest.

Veteran commercial fisherman James Walkus was one of the guests on the tour. "I found it very fascinating," said Walkus. "Their science efforts, of studying the Atlantic salmon, was very good. It is truly remarkable how much effort they put into fish farming to make it a success in their country."

To view the YouTube video of the trip click here

To link to Grieg Seafood’s website click here

To link to Marine Harvest Canada’s website click here

December 17, 2008

Salmon Farming in B.C. After the First Quarter-Century

In an article in the Vancouver Sun, Clare Backman, Director of Environmental Relations for Marine Harvest Canada, marks the 25th anniversary of salmon farming in British Columbia with a discussion the industry’s progress including examples of improvements made in fish health management and fish feed ingredients. The article stresses the importance of positively contributing to local communities by listening to concerns, behaving responsibly in minimizing environmental impacts and providing stable employment for hundreds of families.

Mr. Backman concludes by reinforcing Marine Harvest Canada’s commitment to environmental, social and financial sustainability and states "it is a commitment that has helped create the success of the last 25 years in B.C. and will allow us to continue that success in the years ahead."

To read the entire article click here

December 15, 2008

Salmon of the Americas Launches New and Improved Websites

In its continuing role of providing current and accurate information about salmon farming and the health benefits of eating farmed salmon, Salmon of the Americas (SOTA) recently launched new and improved versions of its main and salmon facts websites.

SOTA’s website has expanded to include new recipes, a blog about the latest cooking techniques, facts about diet and nutrition as well as a downloadable recipe book.

To visit the SOTA website click here
To download the recipe book click here

To link to the SOTA blog click here

Also updated is SOTA’s salmon facts website which provides detailed information on salmon aquaculture and sustainability.

To visit the Salmon Facts website click here

December 8, 2008

Genome BC Project to Study Interactions Between Salmon and Sea Lice

Genome British Columbia has announced three research projects that will look at fisheries management and aquaculture industry challenges. One study, "Genomics in Lice and Salmon (GiLS)", lead by Dr. Simon Jones (DFO), Dr. Ben Koop (University of Victoria), Dr. William Davidson (Simon Fraser University) and Dr. Grant Murray (Vancouver Island University) will utilize genomics to understand the interaction between hosts (salmon) and parasite (louse).

The project aims to explain the impact of environmental variables in the prevalence of louse infections – their origins, as well as potential therapeutic targets such as drug development. The research could potentially be used to direct and plan aquaculture management.

The project is co-funded by University of Victoria, DFO, Marine Harvest Canada, Grieg Seafood, Mainstream Canada, Microtek Research & Development, BC Ministry of Agriculture & Lands and Vancouver Island University.

To read the press release from Genome BC click here

December 5, 2008

Norway Trip Opens Doors for First Nations Aquaculture Opportunities

In an article in the Campbell River Mirror, Fred Glendale, Councilor and Resource Manager with the Da’naxda/Awaetlala Nation, provides perspective on the opportunities for aquaculture development by First Nations people. Mr. Glendale’s article provides an overview of a recent tour that he and ten other Vancouver Island First Nations made to Norway to visit AquaVision and various aquaculture facilities and research centers. The experience left the visitors “encouraged by research and development that continually addresses these [aquaculture] concerns.” Mr. Glendale finishes by stating “Now we can better decide about our own future with aquaculture from the strength of understanding that is informed by fact and balanced by our own experience.”

To read the complete article click here

December 3, 2008

Marine Harvest and Kitasoo/Xai'xais Celebrate Ten Years of Partnership

A celebration was recently held in the small coastal village of Klemtu, British Columbia,to commemorate the ten years of collaboration and business success between the Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nation and Marine Harvest Canada.

"I can’t say enough about what this partnership means to our community," says Percy Starr, Band Manager of the Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nation. "It has meant steady jobs for a lot of our people and a sense of optimism and encouragement for the future. It is wonderful to see the workers walking home with a paycheck in their hand and a smile on their face. The relationship with Marine Harvest has been beautiful for our people."

Ian Roberts, who worked at Klemtu for nine years and is now Marine Harvest's Manager of Communications, says it has been "a very rewarding experience."

"Klemtu is a very isolated place, and it's a real credit to the Kitasoo/Xai'xais people that they've shown a lot of determination and perseverance in making Kitasoo Seafoods a very real and significant player in the Canadian aquaculture industry."

To read Marine Harvest Canada's press release about the partnership and celebration click here

To view the YouTube video about the partnership click here

November 17, 2008

Top Ten Facts Canadians Don't Know About Aquacuture

A press release from the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance launches a national awareness campaign to educate the country about this billion dollar industry. To build awareness, the campaign provides a top ten list of aquaculture facts.

"In these uncertain economic times, aquaculture is a bright light driving the Canadian economy," says Ruth Salmon, Executive Director of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance.

"Despite its growing contribution to the economy, our industry is largely misunderstood by Canadians. Few people know that aquaculture occurs in every Canadian province - even the Yukon. Canadian finfish and shellfish farmers produce more than 70 types of seafood, and have become world leaders in growing safe, hearty-healthy seafood."

To read the release and its top ten aquaculture facts click here

To link to the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance website click here

October 20, 2008

Open House Celebrates Collaborative Habitat Enhancement Project

The Nootka Watershed Society will be hosting an open house on October 25th to celebrate the completion of the first phase of its Conuma River Side Channel Project. Mia Parker, Director for the Nootka Watershed Society and Regulatory Affairs Manager for Grieg Seafood BC, stressed the importance of the project in creating habitat for Pacific salmonids and stated that "During this first phase 860 meters of rearing and reproductive habitat was created."

The Society is a not-for-profit organization whose membership includes representatives of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, the communities of Gold River and Tahsis, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Streamkeepers, as well as local businesses and community members.

To read the complete release click here

October 17, 2008

Perspectives on Meeting the Increased Demand for Fish

A recent article in ScienceDaily, "Huge Gap Between World Demand For Fish And What Can Be Sustainably Harvested", provides thought-provoking perspectives from Karl Andreas Almas, President of SINTEF Fisheries and Aquaculture. Mr. Almas states, "On a global basis today, we have an average annual consumption of 15-16 kilos of fish per person. If we are going to continue consuming at this rate, we need to double the production of farmed fish within the next 20 years. Doing this in a sustainable manner will be a major challenge."

The article suggests opportunities for better utilizing current fishery and aquaculture production, including: alternative protein and oil ingredients for aquaculture feeds; bubble trawlers for gentle and selective commercial fishing; and co-cultivation of species that feed at different levels of the food chain (integrated multi-trophic aquaculture).

To read the ScienceDaily article click here

To learn about Pacific SEA-Lab’s integrated multi-trophic trial farm in British Columbia click here

October 8, 2008

Use Oceans for Farming, Not Hunting

In an article in The Province, Ruth Salmon, Executive Director for the Canadian Aquaculture Industry, explains how a strict regulatory framework ensures sustainability of the Canadian aquaculture industry. Also emphasized are the key roles that aquaculture plays in the production of healthy food for growing global populations and in providing economic and employment benefits.

To read the article click here

To view the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands 2007 Fish Health report click here

To view to the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands 2007 Regulatory Compliance report click here

September 24, 2008

BC Salmon Farmers Association AGM Highlights Industry Strengths

The Annual General Meeting for the BC Salmon Farmers Association being held in Campbell River today highlights the industry’s strengths – strong product demand, a solid regulatory framework and strong outreach efforts and partnerships.

Demand for BC salmon continues to outstrip the industry’s ability to supply salmon to the market. Contributing to this demand and to ongoing sustainability of the industry are public outreach and education activities by the association and its members.

To read the full press release click here

September 22, 2008

2007 Fish Health Report Confirms BC Industry’s High Standards

The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands’ 2007 Fish Health Report released today confirms salmon farmers’ high degree of commitment to meeting regulations and to maintaining high fish health management standards.

The comprehensive provincial fish health management program includes on-farm health management plans, mandatory monitoring, reporting of disease events and an audit of industry reported information – all of which ensures that salmon farmers operate in a sustainable manner that protects wild salmon stocks and the environment.

To read the full press release click here

To link to the complete 2007 Fish Health Report click here

September 18, 2008

Early Fraser River Sockeye returns indicate a large reduction in the number of returning fish in 2008. The plight of the Fraser River sockeye is mirrored by similar declines reported in rivers from California to Alaska. While the BC salmon farmers share concerns about these reduced Pacific salmon returns this year, we disagree with certain researchers who conclude that salmon farming is responsible for these declines. We wish to explain why blaming our operations for impacting these stocks may be convenient but is unfounded.

Ongoing research is concluding that Pacific salmon are resistant to damage from sea lice except in their extreme infancy when first leaving their natal rivers. Regarding the Fraser Sockeye returns, the closest salmon farm is located approximately 110 km away from the Fraser River’s mouth. There is no opportunity for out migrating Fraser River salmon fry to come in contact with farmed salmon during their critical early life stages and; therefore, no chance for the alleged disease or sea louse transmission to occur. Additionally, Sockeye salmon spend the first year of their life cycle in freshwater and have fully developed immune systems by the time they migrate to saltwater.

To read the full press release click here

To view a video on Marine Harvest's sea lice management program click here

To link to BCSFA sea lice information click here

To read the BC Pacific Salmon Forum 2007-08 Annual Report click here

July 11, 2008

A government report released yesterday, July 10, 2008, gives high grades to British Columbia's salmon farmers and demonstrates that the industry continues to achieve high levels of compliance with regulatory standards designed to protect the marine environment and wild salmon.

To read the release click here

To review the regulatory comparison chart click here
To link to the 2007 Regulatory Compliance Report click here

May 12, 2008

The BC Salmon Farmers Association supports the focus of the Canadian and US conservation community on developing sustainable seafood initiatives.

Currently there are a large number of environmental groups looking at sustainable farming and catch practices, with competing requirements. Having a clear understanding of a common approach to this will assist the retailers in making informed decisions about seafood purchases. The BC industry will benefit from this as there is a strong sustainability culture built into farm practices.

“The work that our farmers have been doing to support sustainability is a solid starting point for us.” says Walling. “We also recognize that this means a push to continuous improvement and we are committed to doing whatever we can to ensure that retailers and consumers are confident about the farmed seafood that they are purchasing from BC.”

To read the press release click here

For more information on seafood standards click here

May 2, 2008

BCSFA member company, Marine Harvest Canada, has joined the Tsolum River Restoration Society, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Comox-Strathcona Regional District, and the City of Courtenay to build two bridges over Towhee Creek on Courtenay's Regional Fairgrounds.

To read the press release...click here

April 15, 2008

Demand from U.S. buyers for farmed B.C. salmon is outstripping supply and the situation is expected to continue.

For the Times Colonist article...click here

For the Westcoaster article...click here

March 31, 2008
Minister Hearn Visits Chile to Strengthen Partnerships in Sustainable Aquaculture at Aqua Sur 2008.
For more... click here

March 20 , 2008

Typical North American diet is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, by Suzi Fraser.

Media Releases and Recent Articles

Media Releases & Recent Articles

Site map:

In the News: