Welcome to the office of BC salmon farmers

The Craft of Salmon Farming in British Columbia. A hard place to get to but a good place to be, say craftsman salmon farmers in British Columbia

Salmon farming is more than a job, it’s a way of life for those who work in British Columbia’s remote yet gorgeous coastal waters. It’s about balancing tradition, sustainability, and the love of producing a nutritious food source for people around the world.

The pristine waters of the West Coast provide the ideal environment for raising fish, making British Columbia a leader in aquaculture. And here are two farmers from Skuna Bay.

Craftsman farmers like Steve Munro and Mike Cooper are at the heart of this thriving industry, showcasing their dedication to sustainable practices and a profound respect for the natural beauty that surrounds them.

For over a decade now, Steve Munro has been raising fish in the pristine waters of Nootka Sound in British Columbia.

“Being a salmon farmer was a convenience at first, I needed a job…If I had known how fulfilling the work was, I would have gone to school and pursued a career in aquaculture years ago,” says the Skuna Bay craftsman farmer.

Munro says the best thing about being a salmon farmer is having the opportunity of working outdoors in some of the best waters in the world while growing a viable resource for people to eat.

So how does he eat what he grows?

“All ways… raw, poached, barbequed, open fire, and baked. There isn’t any way I wouldn’t eat salmon!” says Munro.

For Mike Cooper, another Skuna Bay craftsman farmer, the west coast of Canada is one of the most beautiful areas in the world.

“It’s amazing that I get to call it my place of work,” says Cooper.

“I am most proud about what I have chosen to do for a living. Being a part of the Skuna Bay team brings me great pride…working amongst some of the most passionate and talented farmers in the industry and seeing the reactions we get from the salmon we raise makes this job very easy to love,” says Cooper.

His favourite way to eat this fish? Cajun spice grilled with a little butter until blackened.

Salmon farming is a vital part of British Columbia’s economy and culture, providing a sustainable and delicious food source for communities across Canada and beyond. Craftsman farmers like Munro and Cooper are not only producing high-quality salmon but also contributing to the stewardship of the coastal environment. Their passion for their work and the pride they take in their craft are evident in every aspect of their efforts.

If you’re inspired to try Mike Cooper’s favourite way to enjoy salmon, here’s a quick recipe:

Cajun Blackened Salmon Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
2. Rub the salmon fillets generously with Cajun seasoning.
3. Melt butter in the skillet or brush it onto the grill grates.
4. Cook the salmon fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until the seasoning is blackened and the fish is cooked through.
5. Serve immediately with your favourite sides and enjoy the bold, smoky flavors!

Whether it’s grilled, baked, or sashimi-style, the salmon raised in British Columbia’s pristine waters is a testament to the dedication and skill of its farmers. Taste it for yourself and experience the craftsmanship behind every bite.

Watch this video to see the Skuna Bay craftsman salmon farmers story.