Local Farmers Highlighted in Campbell River Aquaculture Week

Our members work every day to contribute to this community and yet, there are many things people dont 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 our key drivers in the community.

In July, Campbell River council approved a proclamation for Aquaculture Awareness Week September 17-21, following a request by the BCSFA. The proclamation recognizes the important role that aquaculture particularly salmon farming plays in Campbell River and the BCSFAs goal of better educating the public about their members operations and opportunities.

Aquaculture Awareness Week kicked off Friday with a special dinner at the local Seniors Centre and a surprise barbecue that raised over C$1,700 for the Campbell River Food Bank. The public should keep watch for contests and tour opportunities. All of this adds to the ongoing engagement that the association and its members has with events throughout the year.

We are all just so proud of what we do and proud of our community this is a great week to bring it all together, said Ms Walling. Having a week that highlights all the good work we do and helps to educate people is really something to celebrate."

This week was chosen as the BCSFA hosts their Annual General Meeting in Campbell River, which brings representatives from across the province. This year the AGM is sponsored by Aqua-Pak Noboco, Grieg Seafood, Mainstream Canada, EWOS Canada, the District of Port Hardy, Creative Salmon, Aquatrans Distributors and AKVA Group.

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 C$800-million to the provincial economy each year.