September 24, 2018

Campbell River – Chefs and scientists gather for aquaculture summit

Campbell River – The Salmon Capital of the World – will host Seafood West to celebrate and discuss the latest advancements in aquaculture.

By Samantha McLeod

Some of the world’s top fisheries scientists and chefs will gather in the Western Canadian coastal city of Campbell River this week to celebrate and discuss the latest advancements in aquaculture.

The BC Salmon Farmers Association’s summit – Seafood West – will be held in conjunction with the 2018 34th Annual General Meeting of the association on September 27 and 28th, 2018 in Campbell River aka Salmon Capital of the World.

“The AGM and Summit are a great opportunity to come together, to celebrate this important industry and look at the latest technology and advancements in aquaculture,” said Shawn Hall, a spokesman for the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA).

“Salmon farming is important to B.C., supporting almost 7,000 jobs while providing about three-quarters of the salmon harvested in the province each year on just 0.05% of our coast.

“At this event we will celebrate our successes, explore the opportunities ahead, and focus our dialogue on ideas and actions that can allow our industry to continue to grow in concert with the environment, with wild salmon, and with the communities who depend on it,” he said.

Delegates will hear from chefs, a world renowned marine scientist, representatives from the federal government working on Canada’s agri-food and aquaculture’s strategy, and the BC Salmon Farmers Association’s new executive director, former provincial government deputy minister John Paul Fraser.

The emphasis will be on the value of independent science, partnerships, realizing potential, and telling our story, added Hall.

Here is a list of the key speakers at the event:

Chef Barton Seaver – Executive Chef and Sustainable Seafood Innovator

Topic: Turning the Tide on Positive Stories

As an author, chef and sustainable seafood advocate, Barton will share his perspectives on the importance of positive stories to influence and impact others. Stories that go well beyond environmental metrics, and embrace culture, economy, health and quality of life.

Dr. Richard Beamish – Emeritus Scientist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Topic: International Salmon Expedition

Dr. Beamish will provide an overview of trends in the state of the wild fisheries in the North Pacific. Details and aspirations for his upcoming international salmon expedition will be shared.

Marco Valicenti – Director General, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Topic: The Future of Salmon Farming: Implementing the Barton Report

From a high-level overview of the Barton Report, Mr. Valicenti will discuss the objectives of the federal government’s Economic Growth Council, with a detailed look at the recommendations of the AgFood table, which positions Canada’s aquaculture and Agfood sector for long term growth.

Chef John Carlo Felicella (pictured) – Culinary Team British Columbia

John Carlo will be one of our featured chefs for the Seafood West Reception at Shelter Point, creating a culinary delight to tantalize your taste buds.

BCSFA will announce a new partnership with BC Culinary Team as it works towards gold medal status and world recognition while representing BC at the 25th Culinary Olympics in Germany in 2020.