Canadian-owned land-based fish farm goes bankrupt
VeroBlue Farms demise adds to the scepticism around the financial viability and environmental sustainability of land-based fish farm operations. By Fabian Dawson SeaWestNews A Canadian-owned land based fish farm in Iowa has gone belly-up with over US$100 million in debt,…
Aquaculture gets a boost in U.K. and Australia
Scotland is the third largest farmed salmon producer in the world, and by volume, Scottish salmon accounts for Heathrow Airport’s biggest export. By SeaWestNews The United Kingdom has set aside C$8.6 million to fund 12 research projects as part of…
Noise about whales and salmon is not sound science say scientists
“With fake science, as long as you repeat it often enough it takes on a life of its own,” – Dr. Andrew Trites, director of UBC’s Marine Mammal Research Unit By Fabian Dawson SeaWestNews The noise made about the noise…
China set to harvest first batch of farmed salmon
First harvest of farmed salmon from mega ocean farm expected at next Chinese Lunar New Year China’s first batch of farmed salmon will hit the market ahead of the Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, next February, according to…
The science of uncertainty dogs the salmon farming debate
Both sides in the salmon farming debate recognize that there are gaps in research, studies and investigations but they disagree on what to do about it. The debate around fish farming in Canada has for the most part pit economics…
Canadian plastic challenge aims to clean up our oceans
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is looking for Made in Canada innovations from small businesses that will protect our marine environment and wildlife Do you have an idea that can help clean up our oceans? If you do, the Government of…
Salmon processing plant in Surrey smells of success
The diverse workforce at Marine Harvest’s salmon processing plant showcases a fresh take on rural farming creating urban opportunities By Fabian Dawson and Samantha McLeod SeaWestNews Ramandeep Singh Sekhon wrinkled his nose when told about a job at the fish…
A new name to reflect aquaculture pioneers
Aquaculture giant Marine Harvest changes name to MOWI and plans global rebranding exercise Marine Harvest, the world’s leading seafood company is changing its company name to MOWI to reflect aquaculture pioneers who founded the company more than 50 years ago….
Farmed or wild, salmon can help kids with asthma
Australian-Greek clinical study says fish which are rich sources of omega 3 fatty acids can reduce asthma symptoms in children By Fabian Dawson SeaWestNews A clinical trial led by La Trobe University in Australia has shown eating fish such as…
The aquaculture industry has a positive story to tell, but…
campaigns that oversimplify complex fish farming issues have left British Columbians in a fog of competing politicized agendas, contested science and misinformation, says a new study. By Fabian Dawson SeaWestNews Campaigns by environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) that oversimplify complex aquaculture issues…
Celebrate Deepavali with this Salmon Curry
Deepavali (Diwali) symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Considered one of the most popular festival of Hinduism, this festival is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs living around the globe. This…
Investing in the future of aquaculture in B.C.
B.C. aquaculture giants pump millions into new technology and sea vessels to strengthen commitments with First Nations partners and coastal communities By Fabian Dawson SeaWestNews If you think that salmon farming in Western Canada’s oceans is a sunset industry, think…
Hawaii says Aloha! to marine aquaculture
Partnership to raise Hawaii’s global visibility in marine aquaculture The University of Hawaiʻi and state agencies have formed a partnership to raise Hawaii’s global visibility in marine aquaculture and to capitalize on the commercial opportunities available worldwide. The partners are…
Turning the tide in Asia with aquaculture
Southeast Asia Fisheries and Aquaculture Initiative, is helping drive sustainable seafood production in Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Myanmar By John F. Kerry and Julie Packard Tip O’Neill said, “All politics is local.” It is just as applicable to…
Q&A with Dr. Diane Morrison of Marine Harvest Canada
Sharing science, caring about wild salmon and tech innovation drives veteran fish health expert, Dr. Diane Morrison, in her new role as managing director of Marine Harvest Canada West. By Fabian Dawson SeaWestNews As the new Managing Director of Marine…
Aquaculture a key theme at Blue Economy summit
Over 4,000 participants expected at Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Kenya that is co-hosted by Canada and Japan By Fabian Dawson SeaWestNews Over 4,000 participants from around the world will come together in Kenya next month for the Sustainable Blue…
Unsung hero wins aquaculture award
Alan Donkin helped drive significant innovations in fish nutrition for 40 years By SeaWestNews Alan Donkin’s significant innovations in fish nutrition has garnered him the 2018 Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Award. “Alan Donkin is one of the unsung heroes of our…
Broiled Salmon with Blistered Cherry Tomatoes
This Broiled Salmon with Blistered Tomatoes, by Chef Barton Seaver, is simple to make, and incredibly delicious. “Farmed seafood is an essential part of healthy diets and a healthy planet. Participating in the resilience of our communities and ecosystems is…
Farming salmon to save wild fish in B.C.
“We’re preserving wild stocks by serving fresh, farm raised salmon grown right here in B.C.” – Walter Schoenfelder, sport-fishing guide and lodge owner By Walter Schoenfelder As a sport-fishing guide and lodge owner who has spent a lifetime on the…
‘Island Good’ set to become ‘island better’
“There is lots of heart and soul in what goes into growing food on Vancouver Island… you grew up here…so why not eat what is grown on the island” – John Paul Fraser, executive director of the BC Salmon Farmers…
“I think this would be a shame for British Columbia”
Minister warns that B.C.’s polarized salmon farming debate threatens a viable and sustainable food source for the world By Fabian Dawson & Samantha McLeod SeaWestNews The polarized debate over fish farming in British Columbia is threatening a viable and sustainable…
First Nations’ eco-knowledge vital for new salmon policy
“It is our responsibility to engage with First Nations, to find common ground, and work together through shared values.” Jeremy Dunn at the AquaSur conference in Chile By Fabian Dawson SeaWestNews The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs wants First Nations’…
A plea from Ucluelet to save their community
“Please Sirs, for the love of this community, the salmon and the whales, help me find a solution that benefits everyone in coastal communities,” – Lynette O’Brien SeaWestNews The coastal community of Ucluelet fears that Canada’s Department of Fisheries and…
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…
Ocean to Table video series demystifies farmed seafood
Ocean to Table: stories of farming, food, and conservation BY: Aquarium Of the Pacific The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific’s Seafood for the Future program, NOAA’s University of Southern California (USC) Sea Grant, and partners have released a new video…
Sea change coming for aquaculture in Canada
Federal and B.C. governments outline road map for the future of the aquaculture industry as International Year of the Salmon kicks off By Fabian Dawson SeaWestNews Canada will adopt an area-based management approach to aquaculture that would include identifying appropriate…
Shelter Point Sunshine-Glazed Salmon
Sunshine and sea air are the unofficial ingredients of both the fresh farm raised salmon, and the Shelter Point Sunshine Liqueur, which are all grown on Vancouver’s North Island. The symbiotic relationship between the two main ingredients created a dish…
Salmon sleuths on the hunt for “likely suspects”
The International Year of the Salmon aims to bring people together to share and develop knowledge more effectively, raise awareness and take action The International Year of the Salmon (IYS), which launches in Vancouver tomorrow, will involve an exhaustive hunt…
“I know that what we do is the right thing.”
A love for real science and real experiences underlines Kenny Leslie’s advocacy for salmon farming Kenny Leslie thrives on real science and real experiences to drive his passion for salmon farming in B.C. A graduate of Environmental and Sustainability Studies,…
Chef Cori Wheeler is a woman in aquaculture
Cory Wheeler and her partner Pierre Conroy are Red Seal chefs, and Marine Harvest staff members. They both manage the charity BBQ. Chef Cori Wheeler said the experiences she gained, through working with the community, and through catering salmon farmers’…