BCSFA Statement on the $51M Marine Donut Project

STATEMENT FROM B.C. SALMON FARMERS ON CANADA'S OCEAN SUPER CLUSTER $51 MILLION PROJECT WITH THE WEI WAI KUM FIRST NATION AND BLUEGREEN ANNOUNCED IN CAMPBELL RIVER

Liǧʷiłdaxʷ TERRITORY/CAMPBELL RIVER, BC — The BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) congratulates Wei Wai Kum First Nation on its role in the $51 million Marine Donut Adaptation and Commercialization Project announced today by Canada's Ocean Supercluster and Bluegreen. 

“We welcome the Nation’s involvement and the investment in commercial-scale trials of new salmon-farming technology in British Columbia,” says Brian Kingzett, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. “Innovation and existing production can move forward together. Testing new systems can complement the continuous improvements already taking place across the sector—it’s not an either-or choice.” 

BC salmon farmers want to invest in new technology, strengthen partnerships with the First Nations in whose territories they operate and produce more Canadian-raised salmon at home, but certainty is needed. Any new technology must be evaluated under real BC conditions, including biological performance, environmental outcomes, operational reliability, energy requirements, and commercial viability. Today’s announcement recognizes the $1.2 billion B.C. salmon farming sector and the sustainable growth opportunities ahead.

The BC salmon farmers will continue to work collaboratively with First Nations partners, all levels of government, scientific experts, and other stakeholders, on a responsible path forward that balances economic development, environmental sustainability, food affordability, and the social well-being of coastal communities. The sector looks forward to following the trial, learning from its results, and understanding how those results will be independently measured and shared. 

ABOUT THE BC SALMON FARMERS ASSOCIATION 

The BC Salmon Farmers Association represents nearly 60 businesses and organizations throughout the value chain of finfish aquaculture in BC. Our members account for over 95% of the annual provincial harvest of farm-raised salmon in British Columbia. 

Farm-raised salmon generates over $1.2 billion for the provincial economy, supporting over 4,000 well-paid full-time jobs. Additionally, farm-raised salmon provides nutritious, high-quality protein that supports Canada’s food security and the Blue Economy 

BC salmon farmers are committed to reconciliation. All farms operating in BC are currently in agreement, negotiation, or established partnerships with First Nations in whose territories we operate. These agreements are founded upon recognizing First Nations’ right to exercise jurisdiction over the land, resources, and waters within their territories. 

For more information, visit bcsalmonfarmers.ca. 

For a comprehensive scientific summary of salmon farming in BC, read our Modern Science Review. 

MEDIA CONTACT  

Andrew Nixon
Community Engagement Coordinator 
BC Salmon Farmers Association 
Andrew@bcsalmonfarmers.ca
(250) 895-1761