A special week for salmon farmers
The Courier-Islander September 25, 2013
BC's salmon farmers are celebrating Aquaculture Awareness Week on Vancouver Island this week.
The annual event is aimed at raising awareness of the industry and also a chance to thank the thousands of hard-working men and women who make the industry a success.
"Our members work every day to contribute to their communities - and yet, there are many things people don't know about aquaculture," said Mary Ellen Walling, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. "Our goal during this week each year is to focus on building the understanding and pride in one of the key drivers for rural and coastal communities in BC."
Campbell River and Port Hardy councils have approved proclamations for Aquaculture Awareness Week September
Week September 23-27, following requests by the BCSFA. The proclamations recognize the important role that aquaculture - particularly salmon farming - plays in both communities and the BCSFA's goal of better educating the public about their members' operations and opportunities.
"As the public awareness aspect of Aquaculture Awareness Week has grown and changed over the years, this week has also evolved into a celebration of the contributions of those who work in our industry and the work they do to support the communities they live in," said Walling. "Volunteering with search and rescue, raising money for cancer research and supporting the local food bank are just some of the activities our workers are proud to take part in. Aquaculture Awareness Week affords the industry a chance to recognize those employees for that hard work and a chance to say thank you."
Aquaculture Awareness Week also coincides with the BCSFA's Annual General Meeting, which brings representatives from across the province.
Walling said they are grateful for the support of their sponsors this year, including the District of Port Hardy, Walcan Seafoods, Creative Salmon, Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems and their gold sponsor Skretting.
In the traditions of past years, the public should keep an eye out for special surprise events and opportunities to support local charities.
The BCSFA represents salmon farm companies and those who supply services and supplies to the industry.
Salmon farming provides for 6,000 direct and indirect jobs while contributing $800-million to the provincial economy each year.
