Why an Aquaculture Awareness Week?
Courier-Islander September 14, 2012
From the BC Salmon Farmers Association Did you know that the three largest companies who produce British Columbia's largest agricultural export - farm-raised salmon - are all based right here in Campbell River? Did you know that salmon farming provides around 4,500 jobs in the ComoxStrathcona region?
These are just a few of the pieces of information that we as salmon farmers want to share with our neighbours in the River City this week as we roll out our second annual Aquaculture Awareness Week.
Here's another key piece of information: Did you know this year the world's population reached nine billion people? What does that have to do with aquaculture? A whole lot.
There are more people than ever in this world and that number is growing every minute, every second. As the population grows, there are more and more people who need to eat - and we as global citizens need to think about how we can help. Canada has much to offer: land, freshwater - and British Columbia, and Campbell River, also have a rich coastline that already plays a key role in providing healthy protein to the world.
That's a big picture - but it's one the salmon farmers in your community are thinking about regularly. Our commitment to environmental protection, attention to responsible practices and dedication to the communities where we operate are all brush strokes in that big picture. Aquaculture will be critical in providing food for the future - and Campbell River farmers are already leading the way.
Chances are, there's a lot more to salmon farming than you already know - and the job of the BC Salmon Farmers Association is to raise that awareness.
That covers why having an Aquaculture Awareness Week is important. It's a week to celebrate, learn and share - and we are looking forward to answering questions that you have! Contact us anytime at info@salmonfarmers.org or by phoning 250-286-1636.
Of course, www.salmonfarmers.org is there anytime day or night for you visit and learn more yourself.
