Innovation and existing production 'can move forward together in BC'
Industry spokesman says Ocean Supercluster's investment in closed containment trial recognises the CAD 1.2 billion salmon farming sector
The BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) has congratulated the Wei Wai Kum First Nation on its role in a CAD 51 million (£27.2m) project to adapt the Marine Donut floating closed containment system for use in the province.
Wei Wai Kum First Nation in Campbell River has approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU), that supports further dialogue and development of the Marine Donut Adaptation and Commercialisation Project led by Norwegian company Bluegreen and the state-funded Canada’s Ocean Supercluster.
The project’s announcement is arguably a rare piece of positive news for fish farmers in BC, who are currently facing closure of open-net pen farms by mid-2029 under a policy instigated by former prime minister Justin Trudeau.
Not an 'either-or' choice
“We welcome the Nation’s involvement and the investment in commercial-scale trials of new salmon-farming technology in British Columbia,” said BCSFA executive director Brian Kingzett in a statement.
“Innovation and existing production can move forward together. Testing new systems can complement the continuous improvements already taking place across the sector - it’s not an either-or choice.”
The BCSFA said salmon farmers in the province want to invest in new technology, strengthen partnerships with the First Nations in whose territories they operate and produce more Canadian-raised salmon at home, but pointed out that certainty is needed.
“Any new technology must be evaluated under real BC conditions, including biological performance, environmental outcomes, operational reliability, energy requirements, and commercial viability. The announcement recognises the $1.2 billion BC salmon farming sector and the sustainable growth opportunities ahead,” said the Association.
“The BC salmon farmers will continue to work collaboratively with First Nations partners, all levels of government, scientific experts, and other stakeholders, on a responsible path forward that balances economic development, environmental sustainability, food affordability, and the social well-being of coastal communities. The sector looks forward to following the trial, learning from its results, and understanding how those results will be independently measured and shared.”
1,100-tonne capacity
The current iteration of the Marine Donut that has been tested in collaboration with salmon farming heavyweight SalMar in Norway has a capacity of 22,000m³ and draws water from a depth of 40 metres. The maximum allowed biomass in Norway is 1,100 tonnes
The first full-scale production test was completed in 2024, and on May 4, 2025, SalMar began its second production cycle, with 185,000 salmon stocked at its Seterneset site off the coast of Molde. The fish, stocked at around 3kg, were harvested two months later.
The Donut has since been adapted for growing post-smolts following the end of the trial and its development licence, which gives a producer temporary extra biomass capacity.
