Campbell River’s new mayor says he will be asking city council to support the work of the aquaculture industry.
Andy Adams said at last week’s inaugural council meeting that he wants the city to get behind the industry.
“We’re the centre for the aquaculture industry in British Columbia,” Adams said. “I will ask council to support executive director Jeremy Dunn and the BC Salmon Farmers’ Association and other aquaculture industries.”
But Adams was quick to point out that it needs to be a multi-pronged approach
He said council will need to “work with First Nations, provincial and federal governments to ensure this industry can grow in a sustainable and environmentally respectful manner, providing jobs and economic stability for families in (the) community.”
Adams noted that a strong, vibrant aquaculture industry could have a positive trickle-down effect.He said that institutions such as North Island College and the B.C. Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences would have the opportunity “to provide programs that expand the trades and skill sets in our students and make a significant difference in our community.”
Earlier this year, the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Ms. Gail Shea said that her government stood solidly behind the industry: “With the global demand for seafood expected to increase by 7% every year, it’s clear that aquaculture has great economic potential. Our Government supports aquaculture development that is both economically sound and environmentally responsible. Canada has a transparent regulatory system – one of the most rigorous in the world – to ensure that the industry is ecologically sustainable and protects our marine resources”.
And while the British Columbia government has been largely silent on the file since a lawsuit launched by an anti-salmon farming activist resulted in the transfer of regulatory responsibility for aquaculture being transferred to DFO, provincial agencies are now seen as holding back industry expansion due to the delay in approving tenures for new sites- a responsibility that still remains with the Provincial government.
Meanwhile, according to an article in the Campbell River Mirror, the new Campbell River Mayor wants to turn council's attention to aquaculture;
“We’re the centre for the aquaculture industry in British Columbia,” Adams said. “I will ask council to support Executive Director Jeremy Dunn and the BC Salmon Farmers’ Association and other aquaculture industries.” But Adams was quick to point out that it needs to be a multi-pronged approach. He said council will need to “work with First Nations, provincial and federal governments to ensure this industry can grow in a sustainable and environmentally respectful manner, providing jobs and economic stability for families in (the) community.”
Adams noted that a strong, vibrant aquaculture industry could have a positive trickle-down effect. He said that institutions such as North Island College and the B.C. Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences would have the opportunity “to provide programs that expand the trades and skill sets in our students and make a significant difference in our community.”
Adams said he wants the city to get more involved in the aquaculture industry and work with it to ensure long term growth and employment opportunities. "We are the centre for the Aquaculture Industry in B.C.," he said. "I will ask council to support Executive Director Jeremy Dunn of the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association, and the other aquaculture industries, and work with First Nations, provincial and federal governments to ensure that this industry can grow in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner providing jobs and economic stability for families in our community."
Adams said with a strong aquaculture industry, other local institutions can benefit.
He said North Island College and the B.C. Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences would have the opportunity to provide programs that "expand the trades and skill sets in our students and make a significant difference to our community."
