BC’s Blue Revolution with Laura Windatt

“The crucial issues facing salmon farming in BC is securing the industry as a sustainable source of food protein…after all we are just trying to provide food for the world.”

By Samantha Bacchus McLeod
SeaWestNews

The newly unveiled Youth Council of the BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) is all about greening forward for sustainable aquaculture to feed Canada and the world. This strong group of young individuals, who are already making waves in aquaculture, will act as advisors for concepts brought forth by salmon farmers and as seafood ambassadors for BC. Over the next few months, SeaWestNews in a special series of Q and A presentations, will explore how members of BCSFA’s Youth Council play a role in British Columbia’s Blue Revolution. This segment on BC’s Blue Revolution features Laura Windatt, Commercial and Customer Development Manager, AKVA group North America, and member of the BCSFA Youth Council.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am Ontario transplant living in Campbell River, although my family still lives in Ontario, I have made my new family members all over Vancouver Island.

Where did you study Marine Biology?

I went to school at Dalhousie University for Marine Biology.

What do you do in salmon farming?

I work in the technology provider side of the aquaculture industry as the commercial and customer development manager for AKVA group North America.

What inspired you to join the aquaculture industry?

I am a fish nerd and I come from a farming background which inspired me to join the aquaculture industry. While completing my degree at Dalhousie, I completed one aquaculture class and was hooked- I wanted to make a difference providing food for the world and doing it sustainably.

What do you think are the most crucial issues facing salmon farming in BC?

The crucial issues facing salmon farming in BC is securing the industry as a sustainable source of food protein…after all we are just trying to provide food for the world.

How do you see the future of fish, both farmed and wild, in BC?

The future of wild fish in BC is gloomy unfortunately if the pressure of fishing is not adapted. The future for farmed fish in BC is bright as it is the answer for sustainable ocean & food security.

What Is your favourite body of water?

My favourite body of water is the pacific ocean as it is so vast and different…an for fun I like to top mountains and play in the ocean.

Your favourite seafood dish and why do you like it?

Farmed Salmon Sushi! The texture is wonderful, the taste is fresh & it is great knowing that it came from a sustainable industry.