News we found of interest this week

April 10, 2015
News items we followed the week of April 7- 10, 2015

2014 a record year for B.C. agrifood exports
VICTORIA - B.C. agrifoods exports grew 11% in 2014, reaching the highest total ever, just short of $3 billion....B.C. exported about $453 million to the rest of the world, resulting in total B.C. agrifood exports of $2.96 billion to 150 countries. Seafood exports rose 10% to $981 million, with Atlantic salmon ($255 million), crabs ($102 million) and sockeye salmon ($90 million) as the top three products.
 
Demand for B.C. berries and seafood on the rise worldwide
Increased trade efforts in Asia cited as fuelling growth of seafood and agriculture exports
By Randy Shore, Vancouver Sun April 8, 2015
...Farmed Atlantic salmon, wild sockeye salmon and crabs are the top three seafood exports
 
Government of Canada Supports Innovation in British Columbia's Aquaculture Industry
April 8, 2015 – Nanaimo, British Columbia – Western Economic Diversification Canada
Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced funding of $667,000 to Vancouver Island University (VIU) to support a project that will enable them to purchase equipment and undertake a comparative analysis of new technologies in shellfish farming.
 
Underwater mural in the works
Campbell River Mirror, posted Apr 9, 2015
Staff of the Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences are accustomed to bringing the marine environment into their facility in downtown Campbell River. With a bit of funding help from the community, they may soon display that environment outside the building, as well.

Campbell River, we need your help.  BC CAHS would like to increase the local public awareness of the sea life in Discovery Passage through spearheading a mural project that features the local sea life that is found in Discovery Passage. Being a most prominent façade at the entrance to the Campbell River downtown, we think that the imagery would add immeasurably to a visitor’s impression of the city known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and also tie into the local neighbourhood design and existing mural artwork that is resident on Pier Street.
 
BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival celebrates ninth year
by  Contributed - Campbell River Mirror, posted Apr 7, 2015
In 2014, the BC Government proclaimed June as BC Seafood Month; no better month to do so thanks to June also being the month of the 9th annual BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival, June 12-21, which has become BC’s largest of its kind. Originally started as a dinner and one day event by the BC Shellfish Growers Association (BCSGA), the Festival has blossomed to be a 10-day extravaganza...New highlights for 2015 include Fresh Fest in the Marina, a live concert and salmon chef stations presented by the BC Salmon Farmers Association and North Island Chefs Association.

Shellfish festival promises to be bigger and exciting
Michael Briones/Echo Staff / Comox Valley Echo, April 7, 2015
...Comox Valley MLA Don McRae said it's a celebration that the world wants and "we have it right here in our own backyard." "It is a phenomenal opportunity for our community and the communities up and own Vancouver Island and the Mainland to share a phenomenal story." ...New highlights for 2015 include Fresh Fest in the Marina, a live concert and salmon chef stations presented by the BC Salmon Farmers Association and North Island Chefs Association.
 
Land-Based Operations Not Feasible for Industry: Aquaculture Association
VOCM , April 5 2015
Land-based aquaculture operations are not a feasible alternative for the industry. That's according to the Aquaculture Industry Association which was reacting to continued questions about the safety of open pen aquaculture operations and their impact on the marine environment.
 
Do your heart good by eating fish
Guelph Mercury, By Lisa Mooser, April 7, 2015
Including regular doses of omega-3 fats in your diet, specifically from fatty fish sources, can reduce your risk of heart disease for the long term. Research confirms that consuming approximately 3.5 grams of fish oil per week, the equivalent of about five ounces of salmon, is enough to insure that you will experience the cardiovascular heart benefits proven in research.
Recipes Aquaculture Aware @BCAquaculture   recently tweeted:
 
 
PAA Note: Make sure to bookmark the BCSFA recipe page, here is what you will find there:
  • Roasted Salmon and Green Vegetables on Spaghetti in a light cream sauce - by Patricia Chuey
  • Hearty Roasted Salmon Noodle Soup - by Patricia Chuey
  • Grilled Salmon Taco - by Chef Dave Ryan
  • B.C. Salmon Cakes with Kaffir Lemongrass Mayo - by Chef Dave Ryan
  • B.C. Salmon Spring Rolls & Chow Mein - by Chef Dave Ryan