Salmon farmers rejoin forces
ISFA- the international club of salmon farming organizations and companies- used to have an Executive Director that organized regular meetings- usually in connection with the main seafood events held annually in Trondheim, Norway, Brussels and Boston. And despite squabbling over tariffs on farmed salmon from Norway in the US and EU, all geographic sectors were usually eager participants. But for the past number of years there has been little activity.
Yesterday press releases came out from both the BC Salmon Farmers Association and the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA), telling that ISFA is again active and at this time representing 11 different industry associations from Canada, Chile, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Tasmania and the USA. According to its renewed web site; The members of the International Salmon Farmers Association share a common vision and commitment to responsible farming. We produce healthy food in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner. We create work in remote areas of the world and we strive to be a forward looking industry learning through research and innovation. We are an umbrella organization made up of many national and regional associations and are represented by an Executive Committee: President – Nell Halse, Canada, Vice President – Rodrigo Infante, Chile and Treasurer – Richie Flynn, Ireland.
The CAIA News release from Ottawa read;
International colleagues join Canadian salmon farmers at new online hub A new website launched today will bring together salmon farmers from around the world while educating the public about the benefits of this important industry. The International Salmon Farmers Association (ISFA) revealed its new website, www.salmonfarming.org, today in a co-operative launch by its members around the world. Representatives from countries such as Norway, Scotland, Chile, United States and Canada have all contributed to this project. “This is a great way for the international salmon farming community to connect with the general public and with each other,” said Ruth Salmon, Executive Director, Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance.
The website includes information about ISFA, its members and their information sites, development of the industry and the life cycle of farmed salmon. It also includes the shared vision of these international salmon farming colleagues and a photo gallery of operations around the world. “Aquaculture - the farming of fish, shellfish and sea plants - is playing a growing role in meeting the demand for healthy protein in a growing world population,” said Salmon. “Ongoing collaboration with international stakeholders is a priority and will be important in the development of Canada’s position as a global leader this exciting and sustainable industry.”
