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BC’S FARM-RAISED SALMON:

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HOW BC’S SALMON FARMERS ARE PRODUCING ONE OF

THE WORLD’S HEALTHIEST AND BESTLOVED PROTEIN SOURCES

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Determined assistant manager welcomes BC challenges For 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 Certified 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”

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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 financial 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 fishing 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. ◾

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BCSFA

MEMBER PROFILE

Started in 2001, Grieg and fuel deliveries in Seafood’s salmon farm support of the aquaculture sites are located on the industry. Grieg employs GRIEG SEAFOOD full-time nearly 100 east and west coasts of BC LTD. Vancouver Island and near persons from a halfto the Sunshine Coast. dozen rural aboriginal and Gold River is home to Grieg’s non-aboriginal communities on freshwater hatchery employing Vancouver Island and the Sunshine more than two-dozen technicians, Coast. Excluding payroll, the company maintenance staff and managers. contributes more than $70 million Like many other communities closest annually to area service providers to farm sites, small businesses and contractors. Grieg’s proximity to provide a range of services including its Canadian and American markets commercial transport, equipment means fresh salmon available year maintenance, water taxi, dive services around.

Environmental Commitment Grieg 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 financial 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

40 members strong…

College and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Jobs in the Aquaculture Industry As 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 fish health data. Science courses to understand the biology of salmonids, feeding and nutrition of salmon, fish health and husbandry are required of all farm employees, as well as first aid, boating, marine and safety skills. Other skilled workers in the industry include veterinarians, lab technicians, production managers as well as financial, health and safety re and human resource professionals.

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Corporate Giving Grieg 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. ◾

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 benefits 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 fish 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 fish 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 certified organic operation. The certification is to the Canadian Organic Aquaculture Standard that was first 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 Tlatlasikwala 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 first 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 fulfill 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 find sustainable salmon farm locations at Hope Island. http://www.returningtohope.com/ our-future/ ◾

Acklands Grainger is Canada’s largest distributor of industrial, safety and fastener products and are proud to support the aquaculture industry in Campbell River. We offer our customers the largest selection of in-stock brand-name products from the world’s top manufacturers and the largest exclusive private-label offering in the industry.

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Returning to hope...

C ti Salmon Creative S l and d Tl Tla-o-qui-aht i ht First Nation sign protocol agreement Creative Salmon and the Tla-o-quiaht First Nation recently finalized 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 Tofino, BC.

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Vision for the Future Aquaculture Awareness Week 2014 This 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. The salmon aquaculture industry is a significant part of the lifeblood of Campbell River. It is a major economic driver, accounts for more jobs than any other sector, and its contribution to our community is enormous.” Mayor Walter Jakeway, Campbell River.

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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 transparency. 1. All fish grown in BC will meet the requirements of external ‘Gold Standard’ environmental programs.

This is an important year for glob■ Creative Salmon is already producal seafood, as for the first time in ing North America’s only Certified history, more farmed seafood will be Organic Chinook salmon, and West consumed than wild seafood. This is Coast Fishculture’s Lois Lake Steelgreat news for the stability of wild head is recognized by the Vancouver stocks, and great news for communiAquarium’s Ocean Wise Program. For ties around the world that have built B.C. farmers of Atlantic salmon, who thriving economies based on raising were the first to collectively achieve aquatic species as nutritious crops for the Global Aquaculture Alliance’s Best human consumption over the last half Aquaculture Practices (GAA-BAP) century. standard, it means now working to What we are seeing is a “blue achieve the standard set by the Aquarevolution” that is just as culture Stewardship Council (ASC). transformative for feeding the It is the most recently developed and world as the green revolution was most demanding global sustainability 50 years ago. With the world’s certification system. Today less than population set to increase to over five per cent of the world’s salmon nine billion by 2050, including a farms have met this standard. We rapidly expanding middle-class, are committed to working to have all it is estimated that farm-raised B.C. Atlantic salmon farms meet this seafood will account for 75 per standard by 2020. cent of global consumption within ■ British Columbia is already home to the next 15 years. If aquaculture is North America’s first certified organic to continue to support the growing chinook producer in Creative Salmon, demand for protein sources, the industry will need to grow too. Wild fisheries around the planet are already heavily over-fished and exploited, and farmed seafood ONLY 2% is needed to meet the OF OUR FOOD increasing demand. The PRODUCTION COMES challenge for feeding the FROM THE OCEAN… YET IT REPRESENTS world’s growing population has always been how to achieve more intensive OF THE PLANET’S food production without SURFACE. more stress on the environ(FAO) ment. There is no doubt that in the early years, the global aquaculture industry, and our industry here in B.C., did not have the knowledge we do today about the marine environment. Taking our place in the blue revolution requires that we change to meet the highest standards of sustainability. Fortunately, this transformation has begun and the positive changes in the past few years have

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 The Association endorsed the recommendations in the federal government’s Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River, including 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. The workshops are engaging scientists, fisheries experts, fish health specialists, academics, conservationists and government to discuss risk, review research, and identify knowledge gaps.

■ 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. This is exemplified 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 Tlatlasikwala First Nation on Hope Island. 4. Members of the BCSFA are committed to proactively sharing useful, timely and accurate information with the public and other stakeholders about the industry, its practices, the latest research and the activities of our Association. ■ This is to include information on the health of our fish and our environmental monitoring. Salmon farmers are developing new proactive communications tools to ensure we are being timely and transparent in our operations.

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

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Coastal Pioneers

Hearty Farmers

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 Farmers Association. 1984 was a big year. It was the year the first 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.

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Bay Sea Farms, Tofino 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

It’s odd to think that the pioneers

by the formation of the BC Salmon

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Photos courtesy Odd Grydeland – Circa 1984

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 Tofino. Initial optimism was based on the success of rearing juveniles but the technology for cultivation of adult salmon had yet to be developed. The 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. The fish pens were relatively small

PASSION

PRESENTATION PERFECTION

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 first half of their life before being transferred (at a much larger size than in the 1980’s) to marine based farms. The 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 financing – 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

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”. The early days were certainly low-tech though, here salmon farmer Odd Grydeland, circa 1986, is shown doing paperwork on his farm. That’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 smallscale operations, with small businesses or even families running individual sites. For the first 15 years of the business there wasn’t much growth. Farmers were busy learning how to farm fish: which species were best to farm, how to finance the operations through the two to three year lifecycle, and what the best feeding process was. continued on page 8

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Eco-Conscious Farming – for now and tomorrow Over the last 30 years, salmon farming techniques have improved

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

dramatically - thanks to a strong

Advanced Diet

culture of innovation and continuous improvement. British Columbia’s salmon farmers are among the best in the world when it comes to raising healthy fish. 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 modifications. The integration of new technology, combined with advanced fish 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.

Innovative Technology Modern salmon farming is a complex business that must deliver fresh fish to market on an ongoing basis, while at the same time ensuring a safe workplace and a soft environmental footprint with marine life. Every farming practice is intended to help stressfree, healthy fish grow. Keeping the environment healthy is key to the success of our fish. This includes employing the latest in high definition camera technology to get an up-close look at how the fish 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, reduced the feed requirements of fish, almost eliminated 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 final market size of about five to six kilograms. The pens the fish live in are large and provide ample space for the fish to grow – in fact of

Feeding salmon on the farm is the most crucial practice in growing salmon efficiently. The feeding of fish 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 significant research to reduce the amount of marine based ingredients in the feed. Whereas 20 years ago, a farm-raised salmon’s diet

Lifecycle Approach BC’s salmon farming sector is fully integrated producing its own brood fish for the eggs needed in hatcheries. The 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 technologically advanced. Each is equipped with vaccination facilities 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 filtered and reused. This reduces fresh water requirements by more than 90%.

may have included up to 50% fishmeal and fish oil, today it represents a small part of the diet. Current salmon feed formulations contain less than 18% fishmeal and oil. Farm-raised salmon are amongst the most efficient 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). This efficiency 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.

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British Columbia farm-raised salmon is delicious, nutritious and fresh year round BC FarmRaised Salmon. Sustainable and Nutritious

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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 space 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.

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

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

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

2014 is the first 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.

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

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

■ 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

Healthy diet:

Salmon, whether it is captured in the wild or raised on a farm, is a healthy and nutritious food that offers health benefits 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 (160°F) IS THE RECOMMENDED INTERNAL COOKING Sometimes called nature’s heart medicines, omega-3 fatty acids help repair TEMPERATURE FOR heart damage and strengthen heart muscles. Omega-3s can also raise your good SALMON 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.

70°C

Salmon are the most efficient eaters on any farm – land or water. It only takes 1.2kg of feed to make 1kg of product. Farming efficiency 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.

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More coastal pioneers… continued from page 6

As regulation and standards increased and technology developed, the capital requirements became too costly for many of these businesses to survive. This 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 fish husbandry.

Evolving Practices Salmon 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 Pacific Biologic Station. 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-security programs. The 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. They 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 researchers travelled to Norway in the mid 80’s with Oddvin Vedo an economic development officer for the Sunshine Coast Regional District to familiarize them on the Norwegian salmon farming industry. They 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 fish 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 efficiently, and has a more docile temperament than Pacific salmon species. Government regulators were comfortable with the rearing of Atlantics in pens because they knew that the potential environmental risks associated with any escape would be low, having failed at trying to colonize the species in the Pacific in the early part of the 20th Century. By 1981, the total harvest of farmed salmon in BC was 180 tonnes. Today the sector produces about 70,000 tonnes.

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A part of coastal communities

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Job Spotlight: Aquaculture Technician 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 benefits 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, fish 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 firmly 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 benefits 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. ◾

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Top 10 reasons to eat more salmon…

B BC farm-raised salmon have higher Omega 3 levels than most other fish sources and is recommended as an important addition to a nutritious diet. C Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial in preventing heart disease and reducing the risk of cancer, as well as lowering cholesterol levels.

Salmon is one of nature’s superfoods

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 beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions. I There are no hormones or genetic modification used to enhance growth in BC’s farm-raised salmon. K Health Canada recommends two to three portions of fish per week, with at least one portion being an oily fish 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

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- Internationally Recognized - Nationally Supported

- Locally Owned - Island Values

1860 Antonelli Road, Campbell River, BC V9W 4R6

Tel: (250) 287- 3505 Fax: (250) 287-3501

www.seymourservices.ca

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RECIPE

Over 65 different tasty combinations to choose from Pan-Fried Farm Fresh Salmon Steak with Green Curry Aioli The BC Salmon Farmers Association booth at food shows is always a popular one – partly because of this delicious and simple recipe. Serves 8 Ingredients ■

2/3 cup (150 ml) mayonnaise

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

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2 tsp (10 ml) green curry paste

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1 tbsp (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil

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

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 (160°F) IS THE 2 minutes each side. RECOMMENDED INTERNAL COOKING Remove from pan and TEMPERATURE FOR serve top aioli. Serve SALMON immediately.

Happy 30th Anniversary to the BC Salmon Farmers Association!

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Toll Free: 1-877-949-8781 Email: sales@hardybuoys.com www.hardybuoys.com

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 shellfish operation that is beneficial to the ocean’s ecology.

Discover the top 3 reasons why aquaculture is a smart investment:

www.manateeholdings.com/top3reasons

www.sustainableaquaculture.ca Pioneering sustainable change through aquaculture

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

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Get schooled in salmon farming. Come for a visit!

Get in in Getschooled schooled salmon farming. salmon farming. Come for a visit! Come for a visit!

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 five hours and cost $50.00 including lunch.

Visit bcsalmonfarmers.ca for more information

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

80’ Self-Propelled Landing Craft Tugs, Workboats, Crew boats & Research Vessels Crane & Ramp Barges Aquaculture support Marinas, Dockage & Anchor Installation & Inspections General Marine Construction & Salvage Scientific Research & ROV Services

departing from Campbell River. Tours last about hours and cost $50.00 including lunch. Visitfive bcsalmonfarmers.ca

for more information

Visit bcsalmonfarmers.ca for more information

Proud Supplier to the BC Salmon Farmers

Phone: 250 871 8870 Fax: 250 871 8873 www.searoamermarine.com

CAMPBELL RIVER NETLOFT LTD.

• 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

baileysplasticfactory@hotmail.com

Tel: 250.286.3249 • Fax: 250.287.2475 Toll free in North America: 1.866.NET.LOFT (638.5638) 4225 Midport Rd. Campbell River, BC CANADA V9W 5A7 www.crnetloft.ca • crn@connected.bc.ca