Seafood Industry pumps millions into BC economy

British Columbia’s Salmon Aquaculture Industry: A Booming Sector Facing Unfounded Criticism

British Columbia’s salmon aquaculture industry, often under fire from critics wielding misleading data, has contributed over $1.5 billion to the local economy this year, creating approximately 1,600 jobs, according to a new independent study.

The study follows the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program’s recent decision to upgrade B.C. farm-raised Atlantic salmon to a “good alternative”—a distinction unique to B.C., making it the only region in the world where the entire Atlantic salmon industry has received this recognition.

Meanwhile, a new survey conducted at Hong Kong’s Seafood Expo, Asia’s premier seafood industry trade show, revealed that salmon is the second-most in-demand species. The volume of B.C.-raised salmon exported to Asia surged by 40% over 2015’s record levels, with more than 4.7 million kilograms of fresh salmon shipped abroad. China and Japan remain the top Asian destinations, while South Korea has emerged as a key growth market.

“Demand for B.C. farm-raised salmon has been at an all-time high for the past three years, coming from traditional markets such as Canada and the USA, as well as growing markets in Asia,” said Jeremy Dunn, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association.

Pushback from Activists and First Nations Opponents

Despite these economic and environmental achievements, opposition from activist groups and certain First Nations organizations—primarily those not benefiting from aquaculture revenue—remains persistent. These groups continue to advocate for a ban on coastal fish farms in B.C., often leveraging debunked science and tying the issue into broader treaty claims.

Several recent events have been used as media triggers to fuel anti-aquaculture sentiment, including:

• A fish farm escape in Washington State
• The occupation of two Marine Harvest fish farms by a small group of protestors
• The American-funded Sea Shepherd’s 2016 campaign against B.C. salmon farms

Industry supporters argue that these incidents have been distorted to paint a misleading picture of a healthy and sustainable aquaculture industry.

“B.C. salmon farmers are global leaders in achieving independent third-party certifications for environmental sustainability and food safety. Every salmon farm is certified through independent, audited programs, and over 40% of active production meets the Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s (ASC) salmon standard, developed by the World Wildlife Fund,” said Dunn.

“These distractions only take away from the crucial research underway to address the real issues affecting wild salmon,” he added.

The U.S. Funding Paradox

Ian Roberts, Director of Public Affairs for Marine Harvest, recently pointed out the irony of B.C. fish farms being targeted over an incident in Washington State, while American salmon farms operate with little controversy.

“It’s fascinating that the philanthropic money pouring into British Columbia from the U.S. literally passes through Washington, where an active salmon farming industry exists—just as it does in Maine,” Roberts noted in an interview with Business in Vancouver.

“The U.S. farms Atlantic salmon, yet American money has never been used to fight American salmon farming. The opposition seems to be uniquely focused on Canada.”

Agriculture policy strategist Will Verboven further criticized the reaction to the Washington escape, noting that anti-aquaculture activists continue to promote “debunked junk science” to mislead the public.

“Despite their wild claims, there is no evidence that Atlantic salmon crossbreed with local West Coast species or migrate upstream to reproduce,” Verboven said.

Myths vs. Facts: The Sea Lice and Disease Debate

Anti-fish farming activists frequently claim that B.C. salmon farms threaten wild stocks by spreading sea lice and disease. However, they conveniently ignore the large returns of pink salmon in recent years that contradict their argument. They also dismiss data from fisheries scientists who cite climate change and warming waters as the primary reasons for wild salmon population declines, not fish farms.

The Misconception of Land-Based Salmon Farming

A recent Huffington Post column by Vancouver business writer Marc Davis argued that open-net fish farms should be banned in favor of land-based farming. However, Davis failed to acknowledge the massive ecological footprint such a move would require:

• 4.16 billion liters of water would be needed just to fill tanks for producing 75,000 tons of salmon
• Canada’s current salmon production would require 136 square kilometers of land, the equivalent of 28,000 Canadian football fields

A global report, The Evolution of Land-Based Atlantic Salmon Farms, confirms that farming Atlantic salmon in their natural ocean environment remains the most responsible and sustainable approach.

By the Numbers: Economic Impact of B.C.’s Salmon Industry

A recent MNP LLP economic analysis of B.C.’s salmon aquaculture industry found:

• 37% increase in industry value over the past three years
• $1.56 billion total economic output, up from $1.14 billion
• 36% growth in GDP contribution, from $411.5 million to $557.8 million
• 33% rise in full-time employment, from 4,977 to 6,610 jobs
• 39% increase in government tax revenue, from $62 million to $86.1 million
• 8% increase in total farmed salmon production since 2002

B.C. salmon farmers continue to foster strong partnerships with First Nations, with:

• 20 First Nations and numerous Indigenous-owned businesses collaborating with the industry
• Farm-raised salmon remaining B.C.’s most valuable seafood product and top agricultural export, generating over $1.5 billion annually and supporting 6,600+ jobs

The BC Salmon Farmers Association represents 52 businesses and organizations involved in finfish aquaculture, helping deliver over $700 million worth of salmon (2016 value) to domestic and global markets.

Conclusion: A Thriving Industry in the Face of Misinformation

The B.C. salmon farming industry stands as a global leader in sustainability, economic impact, and environmental responsibility. While critics continue to rely on misinformation and foreign-funded activism, the industry remains committed to feeding the world sustainably, providing jobs, and supporting local communities.

As demand continues to rise, particularly in Asia and North America, B.C. farm-raised salmon is poised to remain a vital player in both the global seafood market and Canada’s economy.

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