B.C. commits to sustainability
Sponsored by BC Salmon Farmers Association
Vancouver Province, September 25, 2014
The world is in the midst of a ‘blue revolution’ that is as transformative as the green revolution was 50 years ago.
With wild fisheries exploited and overfished, farmed seafood will be critical for feeding the growing global population.
In fact, 2014 marks the first year that over half of the world’s seafood is farmed, with projections showing this number is expected to grow to 75 per cent in just 15 years.
The challenge, however, with intensified salmon farming has always been preserving the natural environment and growing the industry in a sustainable way.
As a result, B.C. salmon farmers are celebrating Aquaculture Awareness Week, September 21 – 27, in communities throughout Vancouver Island and reaffirming their commitment to sustainability.
Growing sustainably and responsibly
By 2020, B.C. aims to be the first region in the world to be certified by ‘Gold Standard’ environmental programs, a goal which includes having all farm-raised Atlantic salmon certified to the standards set out by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). Currently, less than five per cent of the world’s salmon farms have met this stringent standard.
B.C. is the first and only salmon farming region to have all of its Atlantic salmon certified by the Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices program.
The province is already home to North America’s first certified organic Chinook producer in Creative Salmon, and West Coast Fishculture’s Lois Lake Steelhead is recognized by the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program.
As the industry looks to sustainably and responsibly grow, they look do so with the support and partnership of the First Nations whose traditional territory they seek to operate in.
This is exemplified by new site applications underway with both the Ahousat First Nation in Clayoquot Sound and the Tatlasikwala First Nation on Hope Island. Currently, B.C. salmon farmers are partnering with coastal First Nations on 17 economic and social partnerships.
B.C. farmed salmon sets global standards
The industry’s partnerships with First Nations groups, combined with the integration of new technology and advanced fish health research, has enabled the industry to grow into a socially and economically vibrant part of the British Columbia landscape.
Today, B.C. farmed salmon is recognized around the world as a naturally healthy and environmentally responsible product that sets global standards for quality and sustainability.
Learn more at bcsalmonfarmers.ca
