special features - aquaculture 2014

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Determined assistant manager welcomes BC challengesFor Justin Szmek, 2014 is already a successful year. And for this go-getter, what could be better? He was promoted to Assistant Manager of the Midsummer Island site in the Broughton region in January. “I really like the site and the challenges and seeing myself grow,” enthused Justin. Over his seven years with Marine Harvest, Justin has worked at all sites in the Broughton region, including with the plankton program last summer, which was a valuable way to learn more about the area. “I love training new workers too,” he said. Justin was born in Listowel, northwest of Kitchener, Ontario, where his family ran a dairy farm for many years. He has sisters and an adopted brother, former Marine Harvest employee Conroy Briczin. Justin graduated from high school in 1997 and became a Certifi ed Auto Collision Tech following three intense years at Fanshaw College in London. A job at an auto body repair business that included heavy collision work followed, which also gave Justin the opportunity to branch out into custom work. After gaining valuable experience in the automotive industry, “it was time for a change of pace,” Justin said. A visit Justin made to BC years earlier became a turning point in his life. He returned to the west coast and “hung around”

with Conroy who was then working in salmon aquaculture. Although the original visit didn’t include seeing a farm site, Justin spent a couple of shifts with Conroy during his second visit because “I love being outdoors.” In 2007, Justin moved to Black Creek on a trial basis. “Kelly Osborne offered me a job, and that winter I started at the Port Elizabeth farm site and loved it.” Justin hasn’t, however, left his interest in cars behind. He works regularly at Rich’s Auto Body in Campbell River on his days off. He paints vehicles and is currently rebuilding the engine for his ’79

Le Baron hot rod with a 440 big block engine to increase its horsepower. “I’d like to try it out at Thunder in the Valley next summer,” explained Justin. He lives in Campbell River with his girlfriend, who works in the fi nancial services industry. The couple has three dogs – Copper the Beagle, Bella the Black Lab and Sophie the French Bull Dog “who walk us,” laughed

Justin. He’s looking forward to seeing more of BC, particularly Whistler. “I’m not good at being cooped up,” said Justin, adding that they’re also eager to experience camping. “I get out halibut fi shing and crabbing as much as I can. I love giving away my catch,” said Justin. On top of keeping on the go in his work-life, Justin is training on his days out and is eager to run at least one marathon. The couple is looking forward to their fall trip to Ontario’s cottage country, where one of his sisters and her husband spend time. ◾

Determined assistant manager welcomes BC challengesFor Justin Szmek, 2014 is already a successful year. And for this go-getter, what could be better? He was promoted to Assistant Manager of the Midsummer Island site in the Broughton region in January. “I really like the site and the challenges and seeing myself grow,” enthused Justin. Over his seven years with Marine Harvest, Justin has worked at all sites in the Broughton region, including with the plankton program last summer, which was a valuable way to learn more about the area. “I love training new workers too,” he said. Justin was born in Listowel, northwest of Kitchener, Ontario, where his family ran a dairy farm for many years. He has sisters and an adopted brother, former Marine Harvest employee Conroy Briczin. Justin graduated from high school in 1997 and became a Certifi ed Auto Collision Tech following three intense years at Fanshaw College in London. A job at an auto body repair business that included heavy collision work followed, which also gave Justin the opportunity to branch out into custom work. After gaining valuable experience in the automotive industry, “it was time for a change of pace,” Justin said. A visit Justin made to BC years earlier became a turning point in his life. He returned to the west coast and “hung around”

with Conroy who was then working in salmon aquaculture. Although the original visit didn’t include seeing a farm site, Justin spent a couple of shifts with Conroy during his second visit because “I love being outdoors.” In 2007, Justin moved to Black Creek on a trial basis. “Kelly Osborne offered me a job, and that winter I started at the Port Elizabeth farm site and loved it.” Justin hasn’t, however, left his interest in cars behind. He works regularly at Rich’s Auto Body in Campbell River on his days off. He paints vehicles and is currently rebuilding the engine for his ’79

Le Baron hot rod with a 440 big block engine to increase its horsepower. “I’d like to try it out at Thunder in the Valley next summer,” explained Justin. He lives in Campbell River with his girlfriend, who works in the fi nancial services industry. The couple has three dogs – Copper the Beagle, Bella the Black Lab and Sophie the French Bull Dog “who walk us,” laughed

Justin. He’s looking forward to seeing more of BC, particularly Whistler. “I’m not good at being cooped up,” said Justin, adding that they’re also eager to experience camping. “I get out halibut fi shing and crabbing as much as I can. I love giving away my catch,” said Justin. On top of keeping on the go in his work-life, Justin is training on his days out and is eager to run at least one marathon. The couple is looking forward to their fall trip to Ontario’s cottage country, where one of his sisters and her husband spend time. ◾

Started in 2001, Grieg Seafood’s salmon farm sites are located on the east and west coasts of Vancouver Island and near to the Sunshine Coast.Gold River is home to Grieg’s freshwater hatchery employing more than two-dozen technicians, maintenance staff and managers. Like many other communities closest to farm sites, small businesses provide a range of services including commercial transport, equipment maintenance, water taxi, dive services

and fuel deliveries in support of the aquaculture industry. Grieg employs full-time nearly 100

persons from a half-dozen rural aboriginal and

non-aboriginal communities on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. Excluding payroll, the company contributes more than $70 million annually to area service providers and contractors. Grieg’s proximity to its Canadian and American markets means fresh salmon available year around.

Environmental CommitmentGrieg participates in various wild salmon and other marine life stewardship initiatives including contributions to BC salmon enhancement societies, which support feed and equipment purchases for their hatcheries. It makes fi nancial and in-kind equipment donations to sporting groups holding fundraisers toward coastal stream rehabilitation. Environmental research is ongoing in the aquaculture industry, with Grieg participating in various projects to better understand BC’s diverse marine environment. Research partners include other aquaculture companies, the Canadian Integrated

Multi-trophic Aquaculture Network, North

Island

College and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Jobs in the Aquaculture IndustryAs regulations governing BC’s aquaculture industry are the most rigorous in the world, training and technical knowledge of its staff is of highest importance. Salmon farmers, also known as aquaculture technicians, have advanced computer skills for the purpose of managing extensive fi sh health data. Science courses to understand the biology of salmonids, feeding and nutrition of salmon, fi sh health and husbandry are required of all farm employees, as well as fi rst aid, boating, marine and safety skills. Other skilled workers in the industry include veterinarians, lab technicians, production managers as well as fi nancial, health and safety and human resource professionals.

Corporate GivingGrieg donates annually to more than 60 community organizations on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. In addition to sponsorship of fundraising dinners for salmon enhancement societies, Grieg sponsors sports tournaments, arts & culture, First Nations, health and education events. Both cash contributions and fresh salmon donations support area fundraising barbecues and charity events. Grieg employees volunteer their time at public events such as July 1 Canada Day salmon barbecues and Campbell River’s annual Oceans Day. This time is in addition to our staff’s personal time spent coaching sports teams or volunteering at arts and culture events. ◾

BCSFA MEMBER PROFILE

GRIEG SEAFOOD BC LTD.

and human re

40 members strong…Farm-raised salmon is B.C.’s highest-valued agricultural export with almost $300-million in value exported each year. Salmon farming in B.C. provides 6,000 direct and indirect jobs while contributing over $800-million annually to the provincial economy. The BCSFA represents the province’s vibrant salmon farming industry through its members – salmon farm companies and the businesses that proudly provide services and supplies to B.C.’s salmon farmers.

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“We are pleased to formalize our existing working relationship with the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation through this agreement,” says Creative Salmon General Manager Tim Rundle. “We have a mutual desire to respect the land, waters, and watersheds where Creative Salmon operates and to conduct those operations in a manner that means minimal environmental impact. This approach has always

guided Creative Salmon’s operations and the company will continue to pursue sustainable approaches, best practices, and social and economic benefi ts for local communities.” Under the agreement, both Creative Salmon and the Nation have appointed members to a Fish Farm Committee for regular and ongoing dialogue and exchange of information on subjects such as predator management, benthic (ocean bottom) monitoring, feed content, and fi sh health. Terms of the agreement will see only Chinook salmon raised by the company, no antifouling agents on the nets, no underwater night lighting, and a pen density not to exceed 10 kilograms per cubic metre (which means fi sh comprise less than one per cent of the space in a pen). “Stewardship of our lands is of utmost importance to our Nation”

says Tla-o-qui-aht Natural Resources Director Saya Masso. “Creating this harmonized operational environment with Creative Salmon is central to our Nation’s work to manage our traditional territories using an approach that respects Hishuk ish ts’awalk (everything is one).” Announcement of the protocol agreement comes just seven months after Creative Salmon announced it is now a certifi ed organic operation. The certifi cation is to the Canadian Organic Aquaculture Standard that was fi rst published in May of 2012. Creative Salmon Company Ltd. was established in 1990. The company has six farm tenures, operating only four sites at a time, focusing on quality rather than quantity. Creative Salmon employs about 50 people full-time, year round. ◾

The rich lands and waters of northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, have nourished the Tlatlasikwala, Nakumgilisala, and Yutlinuk peoples since the beginning of time. Once numbering 500, 70 surviving members are working hard to rebuild their community and home village at beautiful Bull Harbour on Hope Island. The goal is to provide economic opportunities at the home village that respect the lands, waters, and resources, so that families may once again thrive. To achieve this goal, the Tlatalsikwala First Nation has invited business partners to help create diverse economic initiatives such as wind power, tourism, and aquaculture. The Tlatlasikwala First Nation and Marine Harvest Canada came together in 2010 to inquire whether the Territory would be suitable for

salmon aquaculture. Since that fi rst meeting, the company and Nation have worked together to locate two potential aquaculture sites for salmon and to collect the science-based data required for site applications. In 2013, the two parties signed an agreement that, when successful, will help fulfi ll the dream of Tlatlasikwala members to return to Hope Island, and provide moderate business growth for Marine Harvest. Two potential aquaculture locations were submitted by the Tlatlasikwala First Nation to regulating authorities in December 2013. Watch ‘Returning to Hope’ - a short video about the Tlatlasikwala First Nation and Marine Harvest Canada’s journey to fi nd sustainable salmon farm locations at Hope Island.http://www.returningtohope.com/our-future/ ◾

Creative Salmon and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation sign protocol agreement

Returning to hope...

Creative Salmon and the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation recently fi nalized a protocol agreement. After two decades of relationship building and cooperative effort, this agreement now establishes guiding principles for Chinook salmon farming operations within the Haahuulthii traditional territory (of the Tla-o-qui-aht Hawiih Chiefs) near Tofi no, BC.

C ti S l d Tl i ht Returning


Vision for the FutureAquaculture Awareness Week 2014This week, communities throughout Vancouver Island are recognizing Aquaculture Awareness Week to demonstrate the importance aquaculture plays in the economy and to the social well-being in coastal communities.

Th is is an important year for glob-al seafood, as for the fi rst time in history, more farmed seafood will be consumed than wild seafood. Th is is great news for the stability of wild stocks, and great news for communi-ties around the world that have built thriving economies based on raising aquatic species as nutritious crops for human consumption over the last half century.What we are seeing is a “blue revolution” that is just as transformative for feeding the world as the green revolution was 50 years ago. With the world’s population set to increase to over nine billion by 2050, including a rapidly expanding middle-class, it is estimated that farm-raised seafood will account for 75 per cent of global consumption within the next 15 years. If aquaculture is to continue to support the growing demand for protein sources, the industry will need to grow too. Wild fi sheries around the planet are already heavily over-fi shed and exploited, and farmed seafood is needed to meet the increasing demand. Th e challenge for feeding the world’s growing popula-tion has always been how to achieve more intensive food production without more stress on the environ-ment. Th ere is no doubt that in the early years, the global aquacul-ture industry, and our industry here in B.C., did not have the knowledge we do today about the marine environ-ment. Taking our place in the blue revolution requires that we change to meet the highest standards of sustainability. Fortunately, this trans-formation has begun and the positive changes in the past few years have

been dramatic. But more is needed. Today members of the BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) are making a commitment that delivers further action and increased trans-parency.

1. All fi sh grown in BC will meet the requirements of external ‘Gold Standard’ environmental pro-grams.

■ Creative Salmon is already produc-ing North America’s only Certifi ed Organic Chinook salmon, and West Coast Fishculture’s Lois Lake Steel-head is recognized by the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise Program. For B.C. farmers of Atlantic salmon, who were the fi rst to collectively achieve the Global Aquaculture Alliance’s Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA-BAP) standard, it means now working to achieve the standard set by the Aqua-culture Stewardship Council (ASC). It is the most recently developed and most demanding global sustainability certifi cation system. Today less than fi ve per cent of the world’s salmon farms have met this standard. We are committed to working to have all B.C. Atlantic salmon farms meet this standard by 2020.

■ British Columbia is already home to North America’s fi rst certifi ed organic chinook producer in Creative Salmon,

and BCSFA member West Coast Fish Culture is recognized by the Vancouver Aquarium’s Oceanwise program.

2. BC Salmon Farmers will further our leadership in the protection of the environment we work in and ensure further research is conducted to know more about wild salmon. We also strive to make sure that data is analyzed in an objective and transparent manner.

■ BC Th e Association endorsed the recommendations in the federal government’s Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River, includ-ing the call for more research on the marine environment. Following the Commission’s report, BCSFA initiated a workshop series to engage the top minds in B.C. and Canada to help identify and advance priority research projects. Th e workshops are engaging scientists, fi sheries experts, fi sh health specialists, academics, conservation-ists and government to discuss risk, review research, and identify knowl-edge gaps.

3. BC Salmon Farmers commit to growing BC’s coastal economy by continuing to develop lasting equitable partnerships with First Nations.

■ To date, B.C. salmon farmers have engaged in 17 economic and social partnerships with coastal First Nations, and as our industry looks to sustainably and responsibly grow, we commit to do so with the support and partnership of the First Nations whose traditional territory we seek to operate in. Th is is exemplifi ed by new site applications that have been developed over the past number of years with both the Ahousat First Nation in Clayoquot Sound, and the Tatlasikwala First Nation on Hope Island.

4. Members of the BCSFA are committed to proactively sharing useful, timely and accurate infor-mation with the public and other stakeholders about the industry, its practices, the latest research and the activities of our Associa-tion.

■ Th is is to include information on the health of our fi sh and our environmental monitoring. Salmon farmers are developing new proactive communications tools to ensure we are being timely and transparent in our operations.

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PASSION PRESENTATIONPERFECTION

Early Infrastructure In the beginning most of BC’s salmon farm sites were centered in the Sunshine Coast area, north of Vancouver. Further more licenses were issued over the next ten years in the areas of Ocean Falls, the Sunshine Coast, Cowichan Bay, Alberni Inlet, Barkley Sound, Indian Arm, Alert Bay, Redonda Island and Tofi no. Initial optimism was based on the success of rearing juveniles but the technology for cultivation of adult salmon had yet to be developed. Th e farm site shown here dates back to the mid 1980’s, owned at the time by a company known as Troll Marine Farms, it characterizes the early look of BC salmon farms. Farm systems built of wooden docks, tethered to land, using a travel trailer as the crew quarters. Th e fi sh pens were relatively small

compared to the systems used on today’s modern farms, and many of the farming practices used today weren’t known back then. One example is the small pens at the right side of the photo, those were the pens used to grow juvenile salmon, before they

were transferred to the larger pens. On today’s farms smolts are reared in land-based recirculating systems for the fi rst half of their life before being transferred (at a much larger size than in the 1980’s) to marine based farms. Th e early days of BC salmon farming were characterized by many small companies operating one or two farm sites, very little working capital, no ability to get proper fi nancing – it was

a challenging business in its infancy. While many of the company names have changed: Globe Sea Farms, Sea Silver Marifarms, Georgia Sea Farms, Suncoast Salmon, Kraft Marifarms, Quartz

Bay Sea Farms, Tofi no Salmon Farms, SunRay and Tidal Rush, many of the people involved back then are still actively involved in the industry, working together to ensure that the industry improves and thrives into the future

Hearty Farmers Technology in salmon farming has seen a rapid progression through continual innovation. Salmon farmers in BC were true pioneers, developing systems and techniques that were at the leading edge of the “blue revolution”. Th e early days were certainly low-tech though, here salmon farmer Odd Grydeland, circa 1986, is shown doing paperwork on his farm. Th at’s not to say there wasn’t some technology – much of the paperwork back then was done on what’s known as Rite in the Rain paper.In the early 1980’s, farms were run largely as small-scale operations, with small businesses or even families running individual sites. For the fi rst 15 years of the business there wasn’t much growth. Farmers were busy learning how to farm fi sh: which species were best to farm, how to fi nance the operations through the two to three year lifecycle, and what the best feeding process was.

Coastal PioneersIt’s odd to think that the pioneers

of an industry only date back to the

mid 1970’s and 1980’s. But that’s

the case with salmon farming

which went through experimental

times in the 1970’s and really

became an organized industry in

BC in the 1980’s marked in 1984

by the formation of the BC Salmon

Farmers Association. 1984 was a

big year. It was the year the fi rst

Apple Macintosh computer went on

sale, and was the debut of the CD

player. Technology has exploded

into the world’s top business sector,

with Apple being the world’s most

valuable company. Most would say

that computer technology has seen

history’s most rapid progression.

In terms of global presence,

aquaculture isn’t actually that far

behind – and it’s certainly outlasted

the Compact Disc.

Photos courtesy Odd Grydeland – Circa 1984

continued on page 4


Our focus is sustainable aquaculture cermaq.ca

Innovative TechnologyModern salmon farming is a complex business that must deliver fresh fi sh to market on an ongoing ba-sis, while at the same time ensuring a safe workplace and a soft environmental footprint with marine life.Every farming practice is intended to help stress-free, healthy fi sh grow. Keeping the environment healthy is key to the success of our fi sh. Th is includes employing the latest in high defi nition camera technology to get an up-close look at how the fi sh are behaving and feeding. Salmon farming is part of the paperless revolution as well with tablet computers used to gather real-time data.Advancements in technology have been key to the success of modern salmon farming and will be key to future growth and sustainability. Technological change has made sea-based farms more secure, re-duced the feed requirements of fi sh, almost eliminat-ed the need for antibiotic use, and steadily improved the economic sustainability of salmon farming.Salmon spend about half their lifecycle in the ocean farm growing to a fi nal market size of about fi ve to six kilograms. Th e pens the fi sh live in are large and provide ample space for the fi sh to grow – in fact of

the total volume in the pen less than 2% of the total space is occupied by fi sh.

Advanced DietFeeding salmon on the farm is the most crucial practice in growing salmon effi ciently. Th e feeding of fi sh is heavily monitored through cameras and digital systems, and the exact diet is chosen with the utmost care. Salmon feed ingredients are designed to meet the nutritional requirements of farm-raised salmon, and feed suppliers are applying signifi cant research to reduce the amount of marine based ingredients in the feed.Whereas 20 years ago, a farm-raised salmon’s diet

may have included up to 50% fi shmeal and fi sh oil, today it represents a small part of the diet. Current salmon feed formulations contain less than 18% fi shmeal and oil. Farm-raised salmon are amongst the most effi cient users of feed; converting feed to “meat” at less than 1.2 : 1.0 (meaning 1.2 kg of feed produce 1.0 kg of salmon). Th is effi ciency is because salmon are cold blooded (conserve energy) and because they are neutrally buoyant in the water so they don’t require large bones to support their structure.

Lifecycle ApproachBC’s salmon farming sector is fully integrated producing its own brood fi sh for the eggs needed in hatcheries. Th e eggs are hatched in the fall and then held in land-based freshwater hatcheries and freshwater lake sites for 12 to 18 months.Farmers follow the natural lifecycle of a salmon: moving them from freshwater to saltwater within a year of hatching. Today’s hatcheries are also much more technological-ly advanced. Each is equipped with vaccination facil-ities and medical laboratories, and all hatcheries are focused on reducing their usage of fresh water. BC’s farming sector has largely turned to the innovative use of the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) where freshwater is fi ltered and reused. Th is reduces fresh water requirements by more than 90%.

Eco-Conscious Farming – for now and tomorrowOver the last 30 years, salmon

farming techniques have improved

dramatically - thanks to a strong

culture of innovation and continuous

improvement. British Columbia’s

salmon farmers are among the

best in the world when it comes

to raising healthy fi sh. Through

ongoing research, stringent

monitoring and professional

care farmers consistently grow

wholesome salmon from egg to

harvest without the use of growth

hormones or genetic modifi cations.

The integration of new technology,

combined with advanced fi sh health

research has enabled the industry

to grow into an economically and

socially vibrant part of the British

Columbia landscape. Today, BC

farmed salmon is recognized around

the world as a naturally healthy

and environmentally responsible

product that sets global standards

for quality and sustainability.


A part of coastal communities

Salmon, whether it is captured in the wild or raised on a farm, is a healthy and nutritious food that off ers health benefi ts for people of all ages. Salmon is loaded with

protein and one of the best sources of two Omega-3 fatty acids - DHA and EPA – that make us happy, smart and pain-free. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals – and very low in saturated fat Sometimes called nature’s heart medicines, omega-3 fatty acids help repair heart damage and strengthen heart muscles. Omega-3s can also raise your good

cholesterol while lowering the bad cholesterol. Salmon is also an excellent source of selenium, which boosts your immune system and vitamins B6 and B12, which improve

your energy. Add in the Vitamins A and D that salmon contain and you’ve got a great natural anti-depressant — all in one modest serving of delicious farm-raised salmon.

British Columbia farm-raised salmon is delicious, nutritious and fresh year round

■ Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids — nature’s heart medicines.

■ Because it contains vitamins A, B12 and D, salmon can work as a natural anti-depressant.

■ Salmon is an excellent source of selenium, which boosts your immune system.

■ Eating salmon can reduce your risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

■ A lean protein low in saturated fats, salmon can help you maintain a healthy weight

BC Farm-Raised Salmon. Sustainable and Nutritious

Healthy diet:

Salmon Farming fast facts:Total BC salmon farming tenures remain unchanged since 2008 at 120, with 64-75 operating and 35-45 resting at any given time. The total såace occupied by salmon farms on BC’s coasts is approximately 100 hectares, which is smaller than Stanley Park.

Salmon farming in BC can reasonably and sustainably grow by 10% per year. This is equal to the production of two to three new farms per year.

Salmon farming in British Columbia currently results in 6,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Farmed salmon is BC’s highest value agricultural product and its total impact accounts for $800-million towards the provincial economy.

Through regulatory, policy and program reforms alone, BC’s salmon farming sector could be contributing over $1-billion to our economy within the next fi ve years.

2014 is the fi rst year that more than 50% of the world’s seafood consumption comes from aquaculture. Projections show that this will be near 75% in 15 years.

BC is the world’s fourth largest producer of farm-raised salmon behind Norway, Chile and the U.K.

Salmon are the most effi cient eaters on any farm – land or water. It only takes 1.2kg of feed to make 1kg of product. Farming effi ciency is critical for the future of our food, water, and land.

Raising salmon is one of the most climate conscious of all farming practices, as the carbon footprint of farmed salmon is half of that of pork and 1/10th of beef.

The BCSFA represents 40 members including producers, service and supply companies, as well as sector supporters.

As regulation and standards increased and technology devel-oped, the capital requirements became too costly for many of these businesses to survive. Th is led to more companies taking charge of multiple farm sites – and continued convergence through the end of the 1990’s and early 2000s. Lessons learned in those early years have been transferred to the newer generation of salmon farmers by those early pioneers. Today’s farmers are highly educated, skilled and trained in fi sh husbandry.

Evolving PracticesSalmon farming began in BC with an opportunity – excess Coho and Chinook eggs from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) emerging wild salmon enhancement program. DFO began to test net-pen technology, and the performance of salmon under farming conditions, in the mid 1970’s at its Departure Bay, Nanaimo Pacifi c Biologic Sta-tion. Getting them to the farm was a big challenge back then, as shown in this photo. Today sophisticated tanker truck and well boat systems are used and transfer practices are governed through global leading bio-secu-rity programs.Th e Pioneers were rearing salmon to a pretty small size back then, based on a portion size of (250-350g) similar to

the practice in freshwater trout farms. Th ey were primarily Coho, Chinook and Sockeye species – that’s what they had to work with. Practices continued to evolve though, as global competitors shared best practices. A select group of BC government and business leaders, along with research-ers travelled to Norway in the mid 80’s with Oddvin Vedo an economic development offi cer for the Sunshine Coast Regional District to familiarize them on the Norwegian salmon farming industry. Th ey learned that Norway and Scotland farmers were rearing Atlantic salmon to adult size in net pens, so BC farmers extended the grow-out cycle. It probably seemed pretty simple at the time, however the farmers discovered that Coho matured after one sea winter in saltwater and were less suitable for harvest at adult size and although Chinook produced a

larger harvestable product they also had a high percentage of maturing males after one sea winter. Maturing fi sh are not the best for sale – similar to a salmon ready to spawn. Today in British Columbia, 95 per cent of salmon production is the Atlantic species, because it is a hearty salmon with that grows most effi ciently, and has a more docile temperament than Pacifi c salmon species. Government regulators were comfortable with the rearing of Atlantics in pens because they knew that the potential envi-ronmental risks associated with any escape would be low, having failed at trying to colonize the species in the Pacifi c in the early part of the 20th Century. By 1981, the total harvest of farmed salmon in BC was 180 tonnes. Today the sector pro-duces about 70,000 tonnes.

continued from page 2

More coastal pioneers…

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1495 Baikie Road, Campbell River, BC Phone: 250-286-8802www.akvagroup.comwww.akvagroup.com


Trevor Fraser loves living on the water. “Daily interactions with eagles, sea lions and other wildlife…it’s just a really beautiful experience,” he says. And now that Trevor is trained as an Aquaculture Technician and on the job with Grieg Seafood Ltd., he gets all the time on the water he could have imagined.Living in the tiny community of Tsaxana, near Gold River, back in 2012, Trevor set his sights on a career in aquaculture. To get there, he signed up for the Aquaculture Technician Diploma Program being offered in his home community by Excel Career College. The college was working in partnership with the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, Grieg Seafood and the BC Government’s Aboriginal Training for Employment Program.The benefi ts of using programs like the Aboriginal Employment Program or BC’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint builder app mean students like Trevor can access support and tools to develop a satisfying career with a clear roadmap to success. “The course is a breath of fresh air in a town that offers little in the way of training and/or work,” he says. “For me, fi sh health issues and the computer training helped the most. It helped me learn how to deal with end-of-day logs and databases such as environment conditions.”Trevor got a practicum placement with Grieg Seafood during the program and his commitment to do well really shone through. Following the practicum, the company offered him a contract and then a permanent, full-time position.

“It’s going awesome,” says Trevor, who’s now working toward the next step in his personal plan for success. “I am applying for management. It is a goal that I have been working towards since the beginning and I feel that the program really gave me the extra jump.”As part of BC’s Aboriginal Training for Employment Program, $1 million will fund 10 programs delivered by Aboriginal

organizations and service providers to help prepare Aboriginal learners for employment opportunities – meaning more success stories like Trevor’s. Learners will get job-related training such as essential skills and introductory trades training along with mentoring, coaching and support for a range of in-demand jobs.The program supports BC’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, launched in April 2014. The Blueprint committed to supporting the delivery of skills and training programs that meet Aboriginal learners’ needs and help prepare them to enter BC’s labour market.Now that Trevor has his foot fi rmly planted in the door, what does he like most about where he’s at today? “I like to work,” he says, “and love the ocean, so it is a perfect

combo!”With the benefi ts he’s gained from the Aboriginal Training for Employment Program and some good, old-fashioned skill and dedication Trevor’s employment future is now a bright one. He has, as noted, what he sees as the perfect combo: work and the ocean, an ocean full of opportunity. ◾

Job Spotlight: Aquaculture Technician


B BC farm-raised salmon have higher Omega 3 levels than most other fi sh sources and is recommended as an important addition to a nutritious diet.

C Omega-3 fatty acids are benefi cial in preventing heart disease and reducing the risk of cancer, as well as lowering cholesterol levels.

D Because it contains vitamins A, B12 and D, salmon can work as a natural anti-depressant.

E Salmon is an excellent source of selenium, which boosts your immune system.

F Eating salmon can reduce your risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

G A lean protein low in saturated fats, salmon can help you maintain a healthy weight.

H Salmon contains a bioactive peptide called calcitonin, which has been shown to be benefi cial in the treatment of osteoarthritis and other infl ammatory joint conditions.

I There are no hormones or genetic modifi cation used to enhance growth in BC’s farm-raised salmon.

K Health Canada recommends two to three portions of fi sh per week, with at least one portion being an oily fi sh like salmon.

L Salmon is easy to prepare and tastes great. BC farm-raised salmon is available fresh 365 days a year.

70°C (160°F) is the recommended internal

cooking temperature for salmon

Top 10 reasons to eat more salmon…

Salmon is one of nature’s superfoods


A-1

Radiators1961 Island Hwy, Campbell River

250-287-7344

Proud supportersof the Aquaculture

industry.

1250B Ironwood St., Campbell River250-286-0077

SEYMOUR SERVICESServing Campbell River for over 25 YearsServing Campbell River for over 30 Years

RANKED HIGHEST IN

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION 4 YEARS IN A ROW!

www.seymourservices.caThat’s 4 in a row and 5 in the last 6 years!

Let’s all shift into 5th! The road ahead is full of new curves and the OEs are getting bigger in our rear view. It’s of critical importance we’re all headed in the same direction and that we’re all prepared to switch into yet a higher gear of performance.From all of us at NAPA, thank you for trusting us in your passenger seat.Sincerely,Chris Thorne, National Director - Banners

WE KEEP YOUR CAR YOUNG!

HighestCustomerSatisfaction

1860 Antonelli Road, Campbell River, BC V9W 4R6Tel: (250) 287- 3505 Fax: (250) 287-3501

As a local business wesupport local peopleand local business.

972 Shoppers RowCampbell River250-286-3293

7190A Market StreetPort Hardy

250-949-7231INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

- Internationally Recognized - Locally Owned- Nationally Supported - Island Values

Investors:Are you a socially responsible investor in the seafood industry

who wants to secure an expanding supply of gourmet seafood products?Come talk to us about how you could invest into a shell� sh operation

that is bene� cial to the ocean’s ecology.

Discover the top 3 reasons why aquaculture is a smart investment:www.manateeholdings.com/top3reasons

www.sustainableaquaculture.caPioneering sustainable change through aquaculture

Phone: 250-334-9562 Fax 250-334-9672Twitter/Skype: manateeholdings

Happy 30th Anniversary

to the BC Salmon Farmers

Association!

Toll Free: 1-877-949-8781Email: [email protected] www.hardybuoys.com

Over 65 different tasty combinations to choose from


Ingredients

■ 2/3 cup (150 ml) mayonnaise

■ 1/4 cup (50 ml) extra virgin olive oil

■ 2 tsp (10 ml) green curry paste

■ 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil

■ 8 – 4-5 ounce (120 – 150 g) salmon steaks

Pan-Fried Farm Fresh Salmon Steak with Green Curry Aioli

RECIPE

The BC Salmon Farmers Association booth at food shows is always a popular one – partly because of this delicious and simple recipe.

Serves 8

Method

Place mayonnaise in a small bowl. Slowly whisk the olive oil into the mayonnaise. Whisk in the green curry paste.

Heat a frying pan with the oil over medium heat. Add salmon steaks and cook approximately 2 minutes each side. Remove from pan and serve top aioli. Serve immediately.

70°C (160°F) IS THE

RECOMMENDED INTERNAL COOKING TEMPERATURE FOR

SALMON

We’re proud of our fresh-farmed salmon and the people who grow it. Each year, we take hundreds of people out to tour our farms so they can see for themselves how we’re meeting the world’s growing demand for salmon, while conserving the natural environment. Tours are scheduled between June and September departing from Campbell River. Tours last about fi ve hours and cost $50.00 including lunch.

Visit bcsalmonfarmers.ca for more information

Get schooled in salmon farming. Come for a visit!


[email protected]

Proud Supplier to the BC Salmon Farmers

CAMPBELL RIVER NETLOFT LTD.

Tel: 250.286.3249 • Fax: 250.287.2475Toll free in North America: 1.866.NET.LOFT (638.5638)

4225 Midport Rd. Campbell River, BC CANADA V9W 5A7www.crnetloft.ca • [email protected]

• Builders of quality nets for the local and international fish farming industry• Custom designed, cage nets, seines, predator and specialty nets

• Shellfish farming equipment• Anchor ropes, chain and hardware

• Net washing, Disinfection, and Antifoulant Application

80’ Self-Propelled Landing CraftTugs, Workboats, Crew boats & Research VesselsCrane & Ramp Barges Aquaculture supportMarinas, Dockage & AnchorInstallation & InspectionsGeneral Marine Construction & SalvageScienti� c Research & ROV Services

Phone: 250 871 8870Fax: 250 871 8873

www.searoamermarine.com









special features - aquaculture 2014

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bc challengesfor justin

acertified commercial

bc years

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