News and Blogs of interest this week

March 28, 2014

The following is a recap of News and Links we found of interest this week:

Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans

New jobs created by stronger rules, say BC’s salmon farmers
BCSFA, Wednesday, March 26, 2014
NANAIMO - Better rules would mean better opportunity for BC’s salmon farmers, a senate committee was told today by representatives of the sector.
 
Aquaculture projects offer 'huge' opportunity
Robert Barron / Daily News, March 27, 2014
Aquaculture projects along B.C.'s coasts and across Canada provide "huge opportunities" for employment and economic growth, according to Senator Nancy Greene Raine...She said B.C. is unique in national discussions concerning the aquaculture industry in that the issue has become "polarized" between those who are against it and the industry itself. "It's the citizens of this province that are caught in the middle," Greene Raine said in Nanaimo on Wednesday where the latest round of hearings were held. "I believe we should be growing fish and that it can be done sustainably. At the end of the day, there is no solid evidence that salmon farms here impact wild salmon stocks."

Video: Island aquaculture leaders tell Canadian senators change needs to come soon
CTV News VI, March 26, 2014
 
Salmon farming in British Columbia could be a $3.5 billion industry by 2035, representing some 20,000 jobs.
Odd Grydeland, FishfarmingXpert, March 28, 2014
Canada: A Government committee hears from industry associations, supportive local government and frustrated environmentalists, unable to make their case.
…Some of the more noticeable reports surrounding the meeting include these comments:
  •  By Nancy Greene-Raines, the only Committee member from B.C.: Aquaculture projects along B.C.'s coasts and across Canada provide "huge opportunities" for employment and economic growth. B.C. is unique in national discussions concerning the aquaculture industry in that the issue has become "polarized" between those who are against it and the industry itself. "I believe we should be growing fish and that it can be done sustainably. At the end of the day, there is no solid evidence that salmon farms here impact wild salmon stocks." (Nanaimo Daily News)
  •  By Colleen Evans, President and CEO of the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce: Aquaculture is an important part of the economic fabric of Campbell River and we are glad these Senators are coming to learn more about how they can help it achieve its full potential and be an even greater part of our community. The potential new jobs and economic opportunity this could create in a community like Campbell River is exciting. (The Fish Site)
  •  By Jeremy Dunn, Executive Director of the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA): While BC’s salmon farming community currently contributes $800-million (~€524 million) to the provincial economy, it could grow to $1.4 billion (~€920 million) by 2020, resulting in 8,000 total jobs. By 2035, it could reach $3.5 billion (~€2.3 billion) and 20,000 jobs. All the sector needs is legislation that better speaks to the work of the province’s ocean farmers. We are looking forward to the Senators touring our members operations, and having the opportunity to share our positive outlook on the sector in Canada. We know that strong rules about salmon farming are important to the public, and we welcome the stringent standards that a stand-alone Aquaculture Act would bring, as our members have shown their determination to meet and exceed high expectations. (BCSFA)
  •  By anti-salmon farming activist Alexandra Morton: I will comment more later, but that was a very, very difficult day. I was unable to communicate the risks, so much so I had to ask one of them after if I had been called a "liar". It was very disappointing. (Alexandra Morton on Facebook)

 http://www.fishfarmingxpert.com/index.php?page_id=81&article_id=104668

 BCSF'S Dunn says 20,000 jobs possible with Aquaculture Act
Neil Cameron / Campbell River Courier-Islander, March 28, 2014
B.C.'s salmon farming contributes $800 million per year to the provincial economy but could grow that to $1.4 billion by 2020 and $3.5 billion by 2035 if a proper Aquaculture Act for Canada was in place. That's what BC Salmon Farmer's Executive Director Jeremy Dunn told a standing senate committee in Nanaimo Wednesday… Campbell River Mayor Walter Jakeway spent one hour in front of the committee and was impressed with their handling of the issue…"The Nanaimo Senate sessions on aquaculture were informative and the senators are well aware of most issues," said Jakeway. "They asked good, deep questions, and are beginning to formulate potential recommendations/solutions. Their collective ability to read people was impressive and they worked well together at asking difficult questions from numerous directions."

 PAA Note: For your reference we have all of the above and some information links about the Senate Committee posted on our website News Page at:

15th Annual BC Aquaculture Achievement Awards
 
Having fun at the 15th Annual BC Aquaculture Achievement Awards
We have lots of event  pictures posted in a Photo Album on our Facebook page at:
 
We also have them posted on our website at
 
 Campbell River Mirror E-Edition
Check out Page 26 and Page 4 of the E-Edition of the Campbell River Mirror
Page 26 for Scene and Heard pictures and article
Page 4 for Positive Aquaculture Awareness Thank you to All our Supporters ad
 
News Release: Long-term commitment and innovation recognized at the 15th aquaculture awards
Positive Aquaculture Awareness, March 23, 2014
People who have helped improve the aquaculture industry in BC through innovation and community support were the focus of the 15th Annual BC Aquaculture Achievement Awards night.
The 2014 award recipients were:
 
  • Business of the Year Award: Grieg Seafood BC Ltd.
  • Environment Award: Jeff Muma, Marine Harvest Canada
  • Leadership Award: Jason Pearson, Cermaq Canada
  • Long-Term Achievement Award : Daryl Misky, Marine Harvest Canada
  • Outstanding Employee Performance Award: Steve Fukui, Cermaq Canada
  • Outstanding Manager Performance Award- Megan Sorby, Sable Fish Canada
  • Rookie of the Year Award: Alvin Mati, Creative Salmon Company Ltd.
  • Outstanding Contributor to our Communities Award: Dave Bailey, Creative Salmon Company Ltd and Roger King, Marine Harvest Canada
  • Honorable Mentions: Dr. Ray Peterson | Mary Ellen Walling | Dr. Sonja Saksida

 http://www.farmfreshsalmon.org/long-term-commitment-and-innovation-recognized-15th-aquaculture-awards

Pictures are posted on our Website and our Facebook page.
 
Honorable Mention Award Nominees
Positive Aquaculture Awareness, March 23, 2013
Dr. Ray Peterson, Mary Ellen Walling, Dr. Sonja Saksida
PAA Note: Nomination Comments are posted at this link
 
We hope everyone had a great time and we look forward to seeing you next year.
Of Interest
 
The side of Marine Harvest that escapes the radar
Courier-Islander / Campbell River Courier-Islander, March 21, 2014
It's a part of their operations that never seems to make the radar. But Marine Harvest Canada's experience raising Atlantic salmon to market size in tanks on land is now in its second decade.
 
Wild Salmon News
 
Potential record Sockeye salmon run has fish industry reeling ... in a good way
Sun News, March 27th, 2014
VANCOUVER -- There's reason for fish lovers -- and fish workers -- to rejoice this year. Early indicators point to a record run of Sockeye salmon this summer up and down the west coast. There could be as many as 72 million Sockeye return just in the Fraser River alone.
 
Video: The sockeye salmon population is booming despite heavy fishing.
Sun News, March 27, 2014  (4:37 min)
PAA Note: Some interviews of interest in this news video.