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Workshops show a future for sustainable salmon aquaculture in BC is taking shape
Over 100 participants from countries including Chile, Norway, US, Denmark and Canada came together in Campbell River, BC, this week to discuss the latest developments in closed containment salmon aquaculture.
But the diversity amongst workshop attendees goes far deeper than geography; workshop participants included salmon farmers, equipment suppliers and buyers, First Nations, government, research institutions and conservationists.
The closed containment industry for fish production is gaining strong momentum globally. During the sessions, representatives from both planned and operational closed containment projects shared updates on emerging technologies that could further improve the biosecurity and environmental performance of the finfish aquaculture industry in Canada. Presentations were given by leading researchers in important areas such as aquaculture systems, genetics and breeding, feed, fish health and welfare and harvest quality. In addition to new research, information was shared about the technology that is now operational, with product coming off the line in several countries.
Workshop participants remarked on how they valued this opportunity to share knowledge. “We should compete on performance and productivity, not on knowledge” stated Thue Holm of Atlantic Sapphire, a 1,000 MT Atlantic salmon farm in Denmark with plans to build a 3,000 MT facility in the Eastern US.
“Buyers are enthusiastically supporting the development of this sustainable technology. In addition, large new investments are being readied by significant players – which will dramatically expand the market over time” said Eric Patel from the Salmon Aquaculture Innovation Fund’s Donors Advisory Committee.
Tides Canada believes that building solutions by bringing diverse parties together in a space of dialogue is effective and essential to establish priorities, collaboration and a vision for the future that includes all stakeholders.
Catherine Emrick, Senior Associate, Aquaculture Innovation, Tides Canada said:
“It was an amazing group. The buzz in the room about projects already being developed and opportunities to use technology in new and innovative ways was incredibly energizing. I left the workshop with a strong sense that a future for sustainable salmon aquaculture in British Columbia is taking shape. ”
The workshops were funded by the Tides Canada Salmon Aquaculture Innovation Fund, made possible by a grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation in partnership with a group of Canadian donors.
- Learn more about Tides Canada’s Salmon Aquaculture Innovation Fund here.
- See the Aquaculture Innovation Workshop program here.
- Find out how you can support through the Salmon Aquaculture Innovation fund here.
Presentations and summary notes from the workshops will be posted online in approximately one month.
