Vancouver Island town backs aquaculture

The Mayor of the City of Campbell River, Andy Adams, made a public announcement last week about the importance of research for supporting both the aquaculture industry and wild salmon conservation.

"In Campbell River, we want to be part of the solution that determines how to best keep the natural environment thriving and support aquaculture. That is why, for our own community, and for our neighbours and partners in the northern Vancouver Island region, we support [the David Suzuki Foundation's call for] more funding for open and transparent scientific research," said Adams.

"Some of the best scientists and researchers in the world work at the Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences in Campbell River, and their efforts provide sound scientific research on our unique coastal environment to help ensure the viability of local natural resources and the industries that rely on these resources, for generations to come."

Like many other coastal communities, Campbell River has ridden the boom and bust cycle of natural resources industries such as forestry, tourism and fisheries. Today, forestry and aquaculture are two of the most important economic drivers for northern Vancouver Island and region.

Adams emphasized that while the community relies on these industries, people also recognize the vital importance of wild fish stocks and the marine ecosystem, both of which are considered of primary value.

"Campbell River has a proud legacy as the Salmon Capital of the World. Our oldest organization, is the Tyee Club, and we have a very healthy recreational fishery - one of the best and most accessible on the coast," said Adams. "We also have a network of individuals and companies dedicated to salmon enhancement and habitat protection to ensure wild salmon thrive in our area.

The key to finding the best way to support industry and the natural environment relies on ongoing scientific research, the Mayor noted.

According to the Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA), Jeremy Dunn, this public vote of confidence speaks volumes about the area’s appreciation for the industry, as well as institutes a desire for continuing research to ensure a sustainable future for salmon aquaculture in BC.

“The City of Campbell River is showing support for sustainable aquaculture”, Dunn said to Fish Farming Expert.

He added that this statement by the city demonstrates their respect for science-based decisions and respect for the industry.

Huge potential for the area

"Aquaculture, including farm-raised salmon, is BC's number one agricultural export and the province's second most valuable agri-food – and demand continues to grow for this valuable product," said Rose Klukas, the City's economic development officer.

"The head offices of Canada's top salmon aquaculture companies are based in Campbell River and their collective business is now worth more than $1 billion to the B.C. economy. The direct and indirect jobs the industry creates have become some of the highest paying, most stable jobs in the area," Klukas said.

"There is no other industry operating in our area with future potential like aquaculture," added Adams.

Exceptional corporate citizens

The Mayor also applauded the industry for their consistent community support over the last two decades.

"Over the last 15 to 20 years, salmon farmers have become part of the fabric of the Campbell River community," he said.

"Visit one of our many playing fields or ice arenas and you'll see the names Cermaq, Marine Harvest and Grieg Seafood on rink boards, scoreboards and jersey fronts. Our youth have been given opportunities to participate in recreational activities that wouldn't be what they are without the support of these companies."

"Salmon farmers also volunteer, donate products and help raise money at community events and for pretty well every charity in town," Adams added.

"Salmon farmers donate more than $600,000 and about 30,000 pounds of fresh salmon each year, with most of these donations staying in our community," said Klukas.

There is room for everyone

The press release concluded that the marine ecosystem and wild fish stocks are of primary value to the community, but this is not at the expense of supporting a key local and regional industry.

It went on to state that Campbell River wants to be a part of the solution that determines how to best support aquaculture and keep the natural environment thriving.

"The community needs great people, a diversified economy, a sense of working together and philanthropy. The people involved in salmon farming help bring these qualities to Campbell River and contribute immensely to our pride in being the Salmon Capital of the World," the Mayor concluded.