Jeremy Dunn, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association, commented: “Salmon farmers in British Columbia have been asking for a modernised regulation of our farming practices for a number of years and are happy to see the Minister’s announcement.
“We expect the new regulation will formalise our current farming methods, encourage positive environmental practices, reduce red tape, and bring all government departments and agencies onto the same page. We look forward to the next steps ahead in formalising the new regulation.”
There are currently 120 licensed salmon farms in British Columbia (BC), with about 60 per cent active at any one time, producing an annual harvest of 70,000 metric tons. Salmon raised in BC waters is the province’s largest agricultural export and accounts for C$800 million towards the British Columbia economy. Salmon aquaculture is a diversified industry, which results in 6,000 jobs (direct, indirect and induced) in coastal communities, over 20 per cent of which are held by First Nations peoples.
BC salmon farmers have well established markets for products in the United States and Asia and are working to meet a growing demand. Farmed seafood accounts for 50 per cent of current global consumption and the United Nations estimates that aquaculture will supply close to 75 per cent of all seafood by 2030.
