Salmon farmers celebrate Aquaculture Week on Vancouver Island

Odd Grydeland

While the fact remains that the little country of Norway produces over 14 times the amount of farmed salmon that B.C. does, the opportunities for an increase in the volume produced as well as in the number of people making a living from this sustainable activity in British Columbia remain strong. Just south of the Province is one of the fastest growing seafood markets in the World. A newspaper insert this week by the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) points out a few BC Salmon Facts;

• The industry generates some CAD$ 800 million (~€578 million) of economic activity in B.C. every year
• The B.C. industry provides about 3.5% of all farmed salmon raised in the World
• The B.C. industry operates 70-75 active farm sites at any given time
• All of these active farms occupy an area of less than 100 hectares of ocean surface
• All three major salmon farming companies operating in B.C. are headquartered in Campbell River

Last week, the BCSFA issued the following Press Release related to the celebration of the third annual Aquaculture Awareness Week;

The annual event is aimed at raising awareness of the industry and also a chance to thank the thousands of hard-working men and women who make our industry a success. “Our members work every day to contribute to their communities – and yet, there are many things people don’t know about aquaculture,” said Mary Ellen Walling, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. “Our goal during this week each year is to focus on building the understanding and pride in one of the key drivers for rural and coastal communities in BC.” Campbell River and Port Hardy councils have approved proclamations for Aquaculture Awareness Week September 23-27, following requests by the BCSFA. The proclamations recognize the important role that aquaculture – particularly salmon farming – plays in both communities and the BCSFA’s goal of better educating the public about their members’ operations and opportunities. “As the public awareness aspect of Aquaculture Awareness Week has grown and changed over the years, this week has also evolved into a celebration of the contributions of those who work in our industry and the work they do to support the communities they live in,” said Walling. “Volunteering with search and rescue, raising money for cancer research and supporting the local food bank are just some of the activities our workers are proud to take part in. Aquaculture Awareness Week affords the industry a chance to recognize those employees for that hard work and a chance to say thank-you.” Aquaculture Awareness Week also coincides with the BCSFA’s Annual General Meeting, which brings representatives from across the province. We are grateful for the support of our sponsors this year, including the District of Port Hardy, Walcan Seafoods, Creative Salmon, Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems and our gold sponsor Skretting. In the traditions of past years, the public should keep an eye out for special surprise events and opportunities to support local charities.