Growing fish on land will exacerbate climate change
Sounding the alarm about climate change, 80,000 scientists across the world call for immediate cuts to global Greenhouse Gas Emissions, which will increase substantially, should Canada decree salmon farmers grow fish on land. By Fabian DawsonSeaWestNews More than 80,000 scientists…
Sea lice report on BC salmon farms has a surprising finding
New report by activist-scientist concedes that BC salmon farmers are managing sea lice levels well. By Fabian DawsonSeaWestNews A new report aimed to show that BC salmon farmers are undercounting the amount of sea lice on their fish, has demonstrated…
“Salmon are a precious gift to all of us”
After an illustrious career in fisheries and aquaculture spanning four decades, Dr. Jim Powell retires from his role at the BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences By Fabian DawsonSeaWestNews From lecture halls to laboratories, to salmon farms and while addressing…
Study looks at names for seafood grown in labs
New study evaluates what name should be used on labels for seafood products made from the cells of fish or shellfish to best meet regulatory and consumer acceptance criteria. By SeaWestNews Companies seeking to commercialize seafood products made from the…
What you need to know about eating seafood and COVID-19
Farmed finfish and shellfish are a safe choice for consumers say a diverse group of scientists By SeaWestNews If there is one animal protein that you can consume without concern during the current COVID-19 pandemic, its seafood, say a plethora…
How do salmon know where they were hatched?
Researchers get closer to one of nature’s most enduring mysteries By SeaWestNews How salmon find their way back to where they were hatched has been one of nature’s most enduring mysteries. Researchers in Oregon State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences…
Salmon sleuths set sail again to study secrets of the sea
“The research conducted on this ship offers hope and promise to all who are concerned about wild salmon” By Fabian DawsonSeaWestNews A dozen scientists from Canada, U.S. and Russia set sail today from Vancouver Island for the Gulf of…
Seafood sleuths go viral to keep B.C. oyster farmers shucking
Three new studies announced to protect and bolster oyster farming in British Columbia By SeaWestNews Seafood sleuths are set to embark on three new studies to figure out what is causing oyster-related illnesses in British Columbia. Several outbreaks from 2015…
Feed for thought on the future of food from the sea
Aquaculture industry has made steady progress in using insects and vegetables instead of wild fish as food for farmed fish. By Fabian DawsonSeaWestNews The aquaculture industry has begun to make tremendous strides in finding alternatives to marine ingredients and developing…
Salmon sleuths plan another expedition to uncover secrets of the sea
“While we know a fair amount about the lives of salmon close to shore and in our rivers and streams we really don’t know much about their lives in the open ocean” John Paul Fraser, B.C. Salmon Farmers Association. By…
Vet nets 2019 Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Award
“At a time when so many people and groups seem to be against aquaculture, it’s great to look out and see so many people who believe in fish farming and are dedicated to its sustainability.”– Dr. Leighanne Hawkins of Cooke…
Fish farms do not need to test for B.C. strain of virus
Decision follows an eight-month scientific review on the issue of transfer of live fish from land-based hatcheries to open-ocean net pens By SeaWestNews The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has determined that there is no need for testing of…
Seaweed sleuth offers a ‘kelp-ing’ hand for B.C.’s coastal communities
Cascadia Seaweed aims to become the largest producer of seaweed in the Pacific Northwest By Fabian DawsonSeaWestNews For many, seaweed is perceived as little more than slimy marine debris on the beach. For Dr. Stephen Cross that slimy debris holds…
Unleashing the potential of sustainable aquaculture
The expected growth in demand for fish and fish products needs to be largely met from aquaculture. – United Nations FAO report By SeaWestNews Genetic improvements in aquaculture will significantly boost the world’s sustainable food supply for future generations, states…
Campbell River gets its wet lab dream
Campbell River’s dream to have a Salmon Centre of Excellence gets a boost with federal funds for a wet lab By Fabian DawsonSeaWestNews Campbell River’s dream to have a Salmon Centre of Excellence got a boost this week with Ottawa…
Canada seeks experts for new aquaculture science committee
“A successful aquaculture industry is important for feeding the world’s growing demand for seafood products without putting more pressure on wild stocks” – Govt. Of Canada By SeaWestNews The Government of Canada today reaffirmed its commitment to implementing evidence based…
Scientist gets top award for a ‘lousy’ choice
Dr. Simon Jones honoured as a new report states salmon farming companies have slashed medicinal sea lice treatments by 50 percent in six years By Fabian DawsonSeaWestNews Dr. Simon Jones made a ‘lousy’ choice when pursuing his career in ocean…
New studies reaffirm PRV is not a salmon killer
Two new scientific studies dismantle key claims made in court by fish farm opponents. By Fabian DawsonSeaWestNews Two new studies have reaffirmed that the piscine reovirus (PRV) is not a salmon killer in British Columbia, dismantling key claims made in…
Scientists set sail to unlock salmon secrets
“We are all anxious to see and learn about the findings, so that we can better tackle the problems together,” John Paul Fraser, executive director of the B.C. Salmon Farmers. By Fabian DawsonSeaWestNews Berthed at Vancouver’s Ballantyne Pier under wintry…
Scientists go fishing for salmon answers
B.C. salmon farmers among the first to step up and sponsor a $1.2-million Gulf of Alaska science expedition. By Fabian Dawson and Samantha McLeod SeaWestNews Every winter, much of the world’s salmon congregates in the Gulf of Alaska. It is…
Dr. John Nightingale gets Humane Hero Award
Vancouver Aquarium is perhaps the “greenest” cultural public institution in Canada, thanks to Dr. John Nightingale By SeaWestNews Renowned animal advocate, conservationist, and educator Dr. John Nightingale has been awarded the prestigious Humane Hero Award by America’s first national humane…
Letter from top US seafood scientists about salmon farming
Don’t make decisions about salmon farming in “a climate fueled by fear and propaganda” warn top scientists in Washington. AN OPEN LETTER TO THE WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE: As representatives of the scientific community, we are alarmed that the Washington state…
Scientist refutes WFC claims regarding farmed salmon
Washington state scientist refutes NGO claims farmed fish affects native fish populations Genetic specialist says the Wild Fish Conservancy has ‘misused scientific literature to exaggerate risks.’, reports intrafish.com The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is refuting claims made by the…
Expert panel to provide credible aquaculture science
Panel will help government remain a strong, science-based regulator of the aquaculture industry (Pictured) Canada’s chief science advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer By Seawest News Canada’s chief science advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, will lead an independent expert panel to provide recommendations…
Why are there deformed fish in salmon pens?
In any animal population there are individuals born with deformities, or who suffer from stunted growth or injuries. This is no different in a fish population, and although rare, the protection of the farm enables “poor performing” individuals to survive….