marine harvest canada wharfside newsletter june 2012
DESCRIPTION
Monthly news and informaton about Marine Harvest Canada - a salmon aquaculture company in British Columbia, CanadaTRANSCRIPT
MarineHarvestCanada.com
Wharfside In This IssueGoals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Norwegian Engineering Standards Adopted by Company Firmly Anchors the Future . . . . . 2
It’s a Super Life for Kristi at Work and Away . . 3
Cor Blimey, it’s Lauren Edgar on the Telly! . . . 3
Positive Aquaculture Awareness 16th Annual BC Aquaculture Slo-Pitch Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Schools Out! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chaos Back in Klemtu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Great Strides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Ladies and Gents, Get Yer Passes! . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Sore feet, hoarse voices…and a lot of money raised! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
M.V. Orca Chief Recognized for Daring Rescue at Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
You want science? Then AAC is your host . . . . 5
New shed ‘egg’citing for Fanny Bay Hatchery Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Formal Dialogue is Over, but Company Continues Research Initiatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
June 2012
CANADA
Please email comments, articles and ideas to Ian Roberts, Communications Manager
Comments about this Newsletter?
We all have goals.
They may be as
simple losing
10 lbs or cleaning
out the garage;
or as large as
completing a
Masters degree
or running
a marathon.
Whatever the goal, we set it and then try our
best to achieve it.
As a Company we have many goals or targets
that we use to measure performance. Our short
and long term plans are based upon trying
to achieve certain goals and we have many
indicators which help guide us along the way.
The senior management team took a look at all
of those performance indicators and decided
that it would be a good idea to have a few key
goals that all of us could understand, support
and work towards. We looked at a number of
different types of goals and decided to base ours
on Marine Harvest existing principles.
Marine Harvest has a set of principles (the 4 Ps)
which guide the way the Company is run. The
4Ps for Marine Harvest are:
1. Profit
2. People
3. Product
4. Planet
So for Marine Harvest Canada we have set goals
that reflect the values from each principle.
Profit Our measure for profit is Full Cost per KG. Cost
is the one item that we all control.
2012 Goal: $5.15 per KG
People Our measure for people is the Safety Index
which measures medical treatments, restricted
work and lost time injuries.
2012 goal: Safety Index of 47
Product Our measure for product is our % Sterling.
2012 goal: 21% Sterling
Planet Our measure for Planet is EFCR.
2012 goal: 1.29
In June we will begin to provide you with
information as to how we are doing with respect
to reaching our goals. We hope that by having
these specific goals for everybody, we can keep
focused on those key items that are critical to
our success.
Goals
By Dean Dobrinsky, Human Resources Director
Did you Know?Elephants are the only animals
that can’t jump.
Trivia time!What animals undertakes the longest
migration each year – the Arctic Tern, Pacific Herring, Gray Whale or Storm Petrel?
Answer on Page 4
MarineHarvestCanada.com
“In the absence of an equivalent Canadian
Standard, Marine Harvest Canada has
voluntarily committed to apply the stringent
Norwegian standards for marine farm sites,”
said Matt Clarke, Marine Engineering Manager.
Working with Norwegian company Aqualine,
based in Trondheim, Marine Harvest is taking
advantage of the growing body of scientific
knowledge that is leading to continual
improvement, an essential component to even
more successful farming practices. Marine
Harvest has embraced NS9415 – the Norwegian
Standard on Marine Fish Farms, which was
developed by Standards Norway and adopted
by the Norwegian Government as law.
With industry design approaches evolving with
experience, the company is moving away from
rigid steel pen systems and embracing flexible
plastic circles, which are reinforced with steel
for strength. Each pen moves independently of
one another, resulting in less tension and stress
on the entire system. “In the past, we’d batten
down the hatches on sites when poor weather
was on its way, but now we’re rolling with
nature’s punches. The technology afforded by
plastic cage systems allows the farm to move in
response to dynamic loading.”
In the past the science of wind, waves, and
current and their effects on pen systems weren’t
considered as essential as they are today. Now
however, the importance of distributing the
load (or force) of these environmental factors
evenly across each pen is an engineering
priority for both staff safety and the security of
the fish.
Although more robust cage infrastructure is
important, it’s only part of the picture. “We’re
continuing to improve our collection of site
data to provide us with accurate information
so we can make the appropriate decisions.
“We have to make sure that our anchoring
simulations accurately account for each site’s
unique location and weather conditions.” Using
inaccurate simulations can lead to poor designs
and increased problems, explains Matt.
Another step forward has been in the area of
anchors. Concrete blocks used as dead-weight
anchors have long been used in BC’s marine
industries. However, it is very hard to predict
how much holding power a concrete block will
provide. Instead, mechanical plough anchors
shaped like large hooks are becoming the
standard choice. These anchors are sturdier
and should they shift even slightly, they have
the ability to re-hook themselves into the site
bottom. “This approach allows us to have more
confidence in our anchors” said Matt.
Fish grow more successfully in water with
higher oxygen levels; these naturally exist in
less protected areas. Working to the Norwegian
standards of anchoring and cage design also
increases the options for new site locations.
Exposed areas, where wind, wave, and water
currents are particularly high-energy, can now
be more seriously considered. By conducting a
thorough engineering analysis that takes into
account the actual environmental conditions
of an area, we can make informed decisions on
what sites to choose and how to anchor them.
2
By Gina Forsyth
Norwegian Engineering Standards Adopted by Company Firmly Anchors the Future
Computer models help estimate loading on anchors and ropes. This example shows how the loads are distributed should and anchor line break (middle right side). Loading is shown in tonnes.
MarineHarvestCanada.com 3
It’s a “Super” Life for Kristi at Work and Away
Cor Blimey, it’s Lauren Edgar on the Telly!
By Gina Forsyth
Kristi Super, Executive Assistant to Managing Director Vincent Erenst, brings thoroughness and friendliness to her job every day. Her
position supports Vincent and the entire Senior Management Team with their weekly meetings, travel arrangements, and correspondence needs as well as coordinating insurance claims and renewals.
“I love working in an industry that I feel passionate about. I have faith in the people I work with, and I eat farmed salmon as often as
I can,” she said, adding that she invites anybody who comes into the office to stop by her desk and say “hi”.
Born in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver, Kristi lived her early life in Campbell River and returned again in 1996, after living several years in the Fraser Valley area, when she met her husband who is a log scaler for Western Forest Products. They have four kids, ranging in age from 9 to 18.
After starting her office administration career in the heavy equipment industry, Kristi worked as a receptionist for Liard Aquaculture in 2000, which was purchased by Omega Salmon Group. She did bookkeeping for Pan Fish’s US sites and then moved into the Environmental and Licensing department in 2005. “I coordinated internal compliance visits, audited sites, and
maintained all the necessary record keeping. I’ve been in my current position since 2007,” explained Kristi.
Kristi’s kids play hockey and three years ago, she saw a poster for women’s hockey at the arena. As a lifelong hockey lover, and loyal Canucks fan, she had wanted to play since she was a kid, so she joined on the spot. In the spring and summer months, she can be found most weekends at a ball field or camping and fishing with her family and two dogs, active German Shorthair Pointers who round out the canine contingent of the clan.
Kristi also appreciates quieter pursuits. “I love to read and whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, I enjoy it all. I’m also a big fan of jig-saw puzzles. The largest one I‘ve tackled is 2,500 pieces”.
When the BBC came calling, salmon farmer Lauren Edgar didn’t hesitate. The Marine Harvest farm technician was more than willing to tell the world how much she loves raising salmon on the BC coast. “It feels like such an accomplishment when you get to the end there and you’ve got these big fish, ready to go to market ,” she proudly told the small crew with cameras and spotlights glaring down on her. You can check out the full profile and short video featured on BBC at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-radio-and-tv-18004711.
Kristi Super Executive Assistant
MarineHarvestCanada.com4 Answer: The Artic Tern (small bird) clocks over 35,000 kms going nearly pole to pole.
Positive Aquaculture Awareness 16th Annual
BC Aquaculture Slo-Pitch Tournament
10th ANNUAL AQUACULTURE GOLF TOURNAMENT
GLACIER GREENS GOLF COURSE SEPTEMBER 11Th, 2010
1:00PM SHOT GUN START 6:30 PM DINNER
TEXAS SCRAMBLE FORMAT COST: $100.00/PERSON
TO BOOK YOUR TEAM OF FOUR CONTACTDAVE ASHCROFT AT: [email protected]
Golf Carts are to be reserved by each team by calling Glacier Greens Pro Shop @ (250) 339-6515 and are at a first come, first served basis
SUPPORT POSITIVE AQUACULTURE AWARENESS
After some much needed TLC at the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS), Chaos, our favourite little Great Horned Owl (see March 2012 issue of Wharfside), joined MHC staff on their regular commute to work. After 5 hours of travel in a truck and float plane, Chaos was released back into the wilderness without incident. Maj Birch, the executive director at MARS, was there to accompany Chaos on the trip home as well, and produced a wonderful video to celebrate the moment.
After visiting us last year, students from St. George’s School (Vancouver) asked to drop by Swanson Island salmon farm again this spring to visit with manager Brett Stricker. The Outdoor Education students and teachers were happy to learn about a day in the life of a salmon farmer. Oh, and the smoked salmon was also a hit with the hungry kayakers!
A reminder to all staff that MHC is a proud sponsor of Saratoga Speedway. We have 6 season passes are available for each event (excluding Monster Trucks).
For full schedule visit www.saratogaspeedway.bc.ca.
Contact Stephaney at [email protected] to reserve season passes, or visit her at the Campbell River office front desk.
Chaos Back in Klemtu
Schools Out!Ladies and Gents, Get Yer Passes!
Marine Harvest and other sponsors gather at the Campbell River Fire Hall to celebrate Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis. Marine Harvest is an annual sponsor of the event which took place May 27th. http://www.crcf.ca/great-strides.htm
Great Strides
Date: Sat., July 7th & Sun., July 8th, 2012
Location: Willow Point Park, Campbell River
Maximum: 16 teams | Cost: $350 per team
Format: 3 game Round Robin followed by Single knockout in 2 Play-Off divisions
Marine Harvest will provide entry fee for up to four staff teams for this fun tournament. If you’d like to inquire about team support, please contact Ian Roberts at [email protected].
MarineHarvestCanada.com
The Officers and Crew of the Marine Harvest M.V. ‘Orca Chief ’ were officially recognized for their efforts rescuing 14 persons from the M.V. ‘Lasqueti Daugthers’ on April 2, 2012.
MHC staff were specifically recognized for “efforts that went beyond the normal call of
duty” and “outstanding support” provided to the Canadian Coast Guard.
You can read more about the night time rescue at our blog at http://www.marineharvestcanada.com/blog
The Aquaculture Association of Canada (AAC) has an interest in the dissemination of technical/scientific aquaculture information in the support of aquaculture education
& training. To further aquaculture science knowledge exchange in Canada the AAC hosts the Salmon Aquaculture Research Database.
You can find the database here at http://www.aquacultureassociation.ca/
The Relay for Life in Port Hardy was another
success under good weather and the MHC
team showed extreme enthusiasm, ending
the 12 hours with smiles, sore feet and hoarse
voices. In total $36,151 was raised with the
Marine Harvest “Small Fry” team ranking 3rd
in fundraising teams, contributing $3,650.78
One team member, Ronita Prasad, ranked
2nd in individual efforts raising a whopping
$1741.00! Way to go Ronita!
Jacques, Roger and George manned the BBQ
while Kathy and Pam served salmon burgers
to the public, adding an additional $250.00 to
the total. It was also a treat to have Brain Safe
instructors Glen & Fletch take time out of their
busy schedules to spend a few hours with the
team.
Please stop by, enjoy a salmon burger and
help support the following charities and
societies at the following events in 2012:
5
Sore feet, hoarse voices…and a lot of money raised!
M.V. Orca Chief Recognized for Daring Rescue at Sea
You want science? Then AAC is your host.
The MH “Small Fry” team (l-r): Alvin Walkus, Sarah Miner, Chris Miner, George Nichols, Roger King, Jacques Gaudet,
Madison King, Pam McDermott, Kathy Baker, Ronita Prasad.
March 17 Vanier Park, Courtenay Y.A.N.A / St Joseph’s Hospital Foundation
April 14 Spirit Square, Campbell River John Howard Society
May 26 Port Hardy Cancer Society - Relay for Life
May 30 Spirit Square, Campbell River Head Injury Society
June 23 Vanier Park, Courtenay Cancer Society - Relay for Life
June 30 Dick Murphy Park, Campbell River Dragon Boat Society
July 1 Robert Ostler Park, Campbell River BC Firefighters Burn Fund
July 7 Willow Point Sportsplex, Campbell River Cameryn’s Cause for Kids Society
July 14 Centennial Pool, Campbell River Salmon Kings Swim Society
July 28 Coastline Mazda, Campbell River Hospice Society
August 18 OrcaFest, Port McNeill Harvest Food Bank
September 9 Nunn’s Creek Park, Campbell River SPCA - Paws for a Cause
Done!Done!Done!Done!
MarineHarvestCanada.com6
bit.ly/MHCanadatwitter.com/MHCanada facebook.com/MHCanada
Marine Harvest’s donation of $3000 to the
Fanny Bay Salmonid Enhancement Society
(FBSES) has helped complete the much
needed rebuild of the egg take shed. With
some additional ‘in-kind’ donations and a
lot of volunteer help the project was recently
completed and will be very welcomed each fall
when salmon eggs are stripped and fertilized.
Do you want to know more about FBSES or
perhaps volunteer? You can visit them online at
http://www.fbses.ca/index.html.
New shed ‘egg’citing for Fanny Bay Hatchery Volunteers
Formal Dialogue is Over, but Company Continues Research InitiativesThe formal dialogue between Marine Harvest Canada (MHC) and the Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform (CAAR) may be officially over but investment into research continues, company officials confirm.
The Framework for Dialogue began in 2006, instigated by MHC and eight environmental groups collectively known as CAAR. Last week MHC received a letter from CAAR, now comprising just four of the original groups, stating they are removing themselves from the dialogue.
The purpose of the dialogue was to increase communication and reduce conflict surrounding salmon farming in British Columbia as well as to support constructive, interest-based results that addressed the needs of both parties. Two important initiatives that
evolved from the dialogue will be continued independently by MHC.
A unique sea lice research program was initiated by CAAR and MHC in 2008. This research grew beyond the two parties and continues today with many stakeholders working together under the leadership of renowned scientist, Dr. Crawford Revie. (read about the Broughton Area Monitoring Plan (BAMP) in December’s issue of Wharfside)
In 2011 MHC completed a comprehensive engineering assessment for a land-based, closed containment pilot to grow salmon to market size. While further development of this pilot project did not prove to be cost effective, MHC continues to invest in state-of-the-art land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) to grow its salmon to smolt size (~100
grams). MHC currently operates nine land-based RAS systems.
“We learned a lot about CAAR’s interests and concerns over the past six years and this has influenced our actions towards improving the environmental sustainability of our business,” says Clare Backman, Marine Harvest’s Director of Sustainability Programs and lead participant in the dialogue. “But the unfortunate fact is that, regardless of continued improvement to many aspects of our operations, CAAR remains fundamentally opposed to the core of our business – that is, growing salmon in the ocean.”
MHC continues to proactively engage with other international and local conservation groups.
In photo, Fanny Bay hatchery volunteers Bill, Finn, Emily, Norma, Judy, Phil, Doug, Dave, Ross, Dick, and Ron.