Who We Are

What Matters to Us

Our Activities

Members

Social Updates

Who We Are

Young Salmon Farmers of BC (YSFBC) is a diverse group of young leaders representing virtually every aspect of BC’s salmon farming value chain. Our group includes farm/hatchery technicians and managers, water quality technicians, veterinarians, communicators, transportation, procurement managers, biologists, certification managers, and environmental specialists. Together, we aim to be an inclusive body that leads, informs, and sustains a positive dialogue about salmon farming in BC.

For many of us, Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland is our home. Fish, forests, and the ocean are our identity. We care deeply for those resources and want to protect them for future generations. 

Our focus is on the future, and we’re proud to work in a sustainable sector that feeds Canadians, including our own families. We’ve witnessed a positive dialogue change regarding salmon farming in our coastal communities. We are proud of our work and are confidently prepared to speak out against misinformation and disinformation. 

For many of us, coastal North Vancouver Island is our home. Fish, forests, and the ocean are our identity. We care deeply for those resources and want to protect them for generations to come.

What Matters to Us

Consider what matters to millennials working in the industry:

  • Climate Change
    The future of the mountains we climb in parks like Strathcona and the rivers we fish up and down the coast depend on today’s leadership on climate change. We’re proud to be a solution sector with the lowest emissions of all animal protein sectors.
  • Indigenous Peoples and First Nations Reconciliation
    We’re learning about truth and reconciliation from Indigenous Peoples and care deeply about our sector’s commitment to principles articulated in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). All salmon farms in BC now operate in partnership, agreement or negotiation with rights-holder First Nations. 
  • Innovation
    Our sector is made up of highly skilled and educated millennials from across Canada. Part of what excites us is constantly upskilling, innovating, and deploying ground-breaking new technologies that move our sector forward. 
  • Food Security
    During COVID-19, it has become apparent just how critical secure food systems will be for Canada’s future. By 2030, 60% of all fish consumed will originate from aquaculture. Raising healthy, tasty, and affordable salmon protein excites us “salmon nerds,” and we’re poised to help grow Canada’s Blue Economy. 
  • Wild Salmon and the Marine Environment
    We love fish. Wild salmon is part of who we are as Islanders. Science tells us that wild salmon and salmon farming can co-exist sustainably, but first, we must move away from the divisive dialogue of “this vs. that” and move toward “this and that.” 

Our Activities

  • Advocacy and Education: We are passionate about what we do and aim to raise awareness by attending events, conferences, information sessions, and podcasts. We host booths, panel sessions, or presentations such as with the Aquaculture Association of Canada Conference, BC Seafood Fest, 4-H BC Youth Program, Fleming College, UVic and UBC. 
  • Volunteering: We believe in giving back to our community. We have adopted a portion of Saratoga Beach near Campbell River, BC, which we are responsible for keeping clean during the summer season and maintaining accessibility. We participate in beach cleaning and volunteer with local habitat enhancement groups.  
  • Social Media: We believe social media is a powerful tool to increase awareness, education, and transparency in the sector. We live and work in rural coastal communities that are not accessible to many British Columbians. Our social media platform is to show who we are and what we do. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.  
  • Professional Development: We are committed to ensuring we always bring value to our members through professional development opportunities and quarterly socials. We have also recently teamed up with YoungFish in Norway and the Young Aquaculture Society in Scotland to build an international network of young professionals called the Next Generation Seafood Alliance. 

Young Salmon Farmers of BC Members

Emily Warren

I am originally from Ontario but moved to Vancouver Island after I completed my B.Sc. in Biology at the University of Prince Edward Island. I then completed a Diploma in Fisheries & Aquaculture at Vancouver Island University and an M.Sc. in Geography at the University of Victoria, where my M.Sc. research focused on the commercial feasibility of sea urchin aquaculture. From there, I became the Licence & Development Officer in the Environment & Sustainable Development department at Cermaq Canada, a salmon farming company that operates on Vancouver Island. In this position, I manage the licences and permits the sea sites and hatcheries need to operate, as well as environmental monitoring, regulatory reporting, and funding and development for new projects. I love being part of a sustainable food-producing industry that continually evolves to improve environmental performance and trial new technology.

Thomas Gannon

I am the Operations Manager at Aquatrans Distributors. I grew up in Langley, BC, and completed my Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Victoria in 2019. Aquatrans is a family business, so I grew up with the aquaculture industry as a large part of my life. I have always felt a sense of pride working in an industry that provides a sustainable food source for millions while supporting local coastal communities in BC. I'm very excited to be a part of a group of like-minded people and to learn more about the industry as a whole.

Terra MacDonald

I am a veterinarian and the Fish Health Manager at Mowi Canada West. I grew up in Nova Scotia and graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island in 2017. During my time at veterinary school, I knew I wanted to become a fish veterinarian, and salmon were my main focus. I have worked all around the East Coast of Canada, working with various aspects of aquaculture, including regulatory, fieldwork, and within research labs, as well as taking part in externship programs in Norway and British Columbia. In my role, I am responsible for overseeing the health of the fish from egg to harvest, as well as the broodstock program. This includes organizing diagnostic screening, sea lice management, welfare monitoring and management, and prescribing treatments and medication where required.

The key skills required for my job include the ability to take the abundance of daily data we receive and formulate it into useful patterns that help to guide our sampling and treatment plans and other activities. Having a wide breadth of knowledge and being able to quickly switch focus from regulatory reporting to discussing a wellboat treatment and then looking at a biosecurity plan for a hatchery is important as well.

Richard Davis

I currently work in the vaccination services division as the machine technician for Fuerste Vaccinations, working with the NFT vaccination machine. I came from a background in mechanical trades and cooking in the hospitality sector. My current responsibilities are to maintain the NFT machines, train fellow crew on the functions and operations of the NFT machine, and maintain customer relations and confidence in the vaccination process. One specific project I am working on is building a portable vaccination trailer for easy access to remote hatcheries and allowing them to use machine vaccination. My goals for the future are to keep learning and progressing in aquaculture and to never give up on salmon farming as a career.

Terry Guest

With over six years of hands-on experience in the aquaculture vaccination industry, I have built a reputation for precision, leadership, and a deep commitment to quality. Starting my career as a Fish Handler at Fuerste Vaccination Services, I quickly demonstrated a keen eye for detail and an unwavering work ethic. My dedication and drive led to my promotion to Crew Supervisor, where I successfully oversaw vaccination logistics and upheld the company’s rigorous quality standards.

Most recently, I have been promoted to Production Manager, a role in which I now lead broader operational strategies, manages cross-functional teams, and ensures that Fuerste continues to set the benchmark for excellence in fish vaccination services.

Throughout my career, I have traveled extensively, sharing my expertise around the globe. From training crews and helping set up vaccination operations in Ontario—turning a one-off visit into an ongoing partnership—to learning from industry leaders during an intensive two-week training in Norway, my international experience has shaped my approach to innovation and continuous improvement.

Recently, I took an exciting step in my professional development by applying to write my Project Management exam. This decision reflects both my passion for leadership and my desire to build on the practical experience I've gained over the past six years in operations and logistics.

Rebecca Timmons

I have been a Freshwater Technician with Greig Seafood BC in Gold River, BC, since May 2023. I grew up in Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island, enjoying fishing and being out by the water. I graduated from Vancouver Island University with a BSc in Fisheries and Aquaculture in 2023. During my years at VIU, I knew that raising salmon was what I wanted to do. In 2019, I received the "Long Beach Lodge Resort - Sandy Miller Memorial Award for outstanding achievement and demonstrating interest and dedication to salmon.

I am working with our Broodstock, spawning and fertilizing eggs for production, sampling for fish health screening, and husbandry. With my science background, I bring knowledge of how our systems function and water quality, as well as a passion for fish health. I plan to continue working to gain experience, expand my skill set, and learn. As a salmon farmer, I have pride in the fish we produce and how it directly impacts the remote coastal communities we live and work in.

Benjamin Del Curto

As the Business Development Manager for OXZO, I am dedicated to helping aquaculture businesses achieve their production and animal welfare goals through cost-effective oxygenation and aeration technologies. I collaborate with customers to implement systems and strategies that promote fish health, enhance environmental conditions, and ensure sustainable growth.

I joined the aquaculture industry five years ago in Chile and have continued my journey here in Canada. For the past two years, I’ve been based in Campbell River, where I’ve enjoyed working with local farms around Vancouver Island.

I’ve developed a deep passion for aquaculture and can’t imagine working in any other industry. It offers a unique blend of office-based work and hands-on time at sea, which I truly enjoy. It’s a privilege to be part of this vibrant aquaculture industry in Canada and contribute to its development.

Kathryn Smith

I’m an aquaculture veterinarian with a focus on fish health and welfare. I graduated from Ontario Veterinary College in 2022, and soon after, I moved out to Vancouver Island, BC, and started working at Grieg Seafood, where I help ensure the well-being of salmon in both freshwater and saltwater. Alongside my work in aquaculture, I also provide veterinary care for cats, dogs, and pet fish, allowing me to work with various animals and expand my expertise.

Outside of my professional life, I’m passionate about exploring nature and outdoor activities like cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and scuba diving. I’m deeply committed to animal health and environmental sustainability, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the aquaculture sector and the care of companion animals.

Kaitlin Guitard

Co-director

I am the Fish Health and Food Safety Laboratory Manager at Mowi Canada West. In this role, I work closely with a team of veterinarians and fish health technicians to oversee fish health from egg to plate. Did you know that, like terrestrial farmers, fish farmers utilize the Five Freedoms to care for fish at every growth stage? As a part of the food safety team at Mowi, I help ensure that every piece of salmon distributed from our primary and secondary processing plants is safe to eat.

I graduated from Dalhousie University’s Agriculture Campus with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. My early career involved working with dairy cattle, sheep, and horses, which highlighted the importance of growing healthy and sustainable food for Canadians. This passion made it easy for me to transition into the aquaculture industry after moving from the East Coast to the West Coast of Canada.

My first position as a smolt farmer for Mowi led to a role in water quality, eventually bringing me to my current position. In 2024, I was awarded the Young Professional of the Year award from the BC Salmon Farmers Association, a prestigious and integral recognition of my dedication to the Young Salmon Farmers and my commitment to aquaculture in Canada.

I am focused on being a voice for salmon aquaculture. My professional trajectory includes educating the public about sustainable food production and becoming involved in politics to support further utilizing our oceans to grow sustainable, healthy food for the world.

Mariano Garcia-Barandiaran

I’m an environmental specialist focusing on oceanographic events and aquaculture innovation. In 2024, I graduated from the University of Victoria with a BSc in Marine Biology and Oceanography. Soon after graduation, I moved to Campbell River and began working at Grieg Seafood. I specialize in monitoring low oxygen events and harmful plankton blooms around our farms, ensuring optimal conditions for salmon welfare and growth. My work combines analytical expertise and hands-on environmental monitoring to understand the ocean around us.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I’m passionate about protecting marine ecosystems and advancing sustainable practices in the industry. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors and staying active. I’m excited to continue contributing to innovative solutions that benefit aquaculture and the environment.

Michelle Franze

Co-founder and Co-director

As the Manager of Communications, Partnerships, and Community for the BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA), I represent businesses across the finfish aquaculture value chain and play a pivotal role in strategic communications, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.

I am also the co-founder and co-director of the Young Salmon Farmers of BC (YSFBC) and co-founder and board member of the Next Generation Seafood Alliance. I am passionate about fostering an inclusive and informed dialogue on sustainable seafood and empowering young professionals in the sector.

With a degree in Marine Biology from Dalhousie University and over eight years of experience in aquaculture, my career began in a scallop hatchery in Prince Rupert, BC, where I witnessed the sector's potential to support rural communities and sustainable food production. I also serve as a member of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Public Trust Working Group. I am committed to advocating for food security, responsible seafood practices, and innovation in the global seafood sector.

Madison Logan

My name is Madison Logan. I grew up in Whitehorse, Yukon, which cultivated a passion for wildlife and environmental stewardship. My interests led me to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. I graduated from vet school in 2021, and after a few northern and Saskatchewan winters, I made the move to Vancouver Island. I spent 2.5 years working in small animal practice before embarking on a new adventure in the aquaculture sector in 2023.

Throughout my career, I have developed a strong interest in animal welfare, herd health and disease management. Working in the aquaculture sector has provided me with a unique experience as a veterinarian. As fish health experts in the industry, our team follows populations of fish from egg to harvest while closely monitoring fish health status throughout their lifecycle. Most people do not expect me to say “fish vet” when asked what I do for work. I often explain that it really isn’t different from working with dogs and cats - I screen for health concerns, diagnose and make treatment decisions.

Rachel Strassburger

I am a Research and Development and Quality Assurance Assistant at Taplow Ventures Ltd., working alongside a team that produces feed for Salmon Farms along the BC Coast. I am currently involved in quality assurance for feed production, as well as research focusing on factors affecting welfare and production losses on salmon farms.

I am a recent graduate from the University of Guelph with an MSc in Animal Science and numerous years of experience in various animal production systems, research facilities, and medical facilities. I am new to aquaculture but have a strong background in animal nutrition, welfare, physiology, and production systems. I am passionate about sustainability and animal welfare and have always loved being close to the water. I look forward to working with and learning from producers, researchers, and other aquaculture professionals as I integrate into the industry!

Peter Park

Since 2023, I have been serving as Technical Manager for Skretting North America, based in Vancouver. In this role, I make key decisions on the organization’s strategy and bridge the gap between sales and innovation by leading both the Feed Formulation and Product Management departments. Raised in Toronto, Ontario, I graduated with both my Bachelor’s and Master of Science at the University of Guelph, later spending two years in nutritional and sales roles in Ontario’s swine and dairy sectors before moving to BC.

While my role relies heavily on spreadsheets, reports, number-crunching and critical thinking, some of the most memorable achievements in my fulfilling career in aquaculture thus far are from the public speaking and teaching opportunities I have had in conferences, workshops and internal meetings. Exchange of new ideas and always maintaining curiosity through asking questions; describe the highlights of the interactions I have with people in the industry.

Amanda Luxton

I am currently the Manager of the land-based Tsulton Broodstock Site with Mowi Canada West. My responsibilities at this site vary depending on the time of year. In early summer, I will receive broodstock and take care of them, water quality, flows, and husbandry until the fish are ready to spawn. During spawn season, the main responsibilities are collecting milt, sorting females, spawning the fish, and sending beautiful eggs down to our hatchery in the South Island.

I have been with Mowi for 12 years, spending my entire career in the Freshwater Department. I have learned many different systems ( RAS, Flow-Through, Lake system) and the different stages of the salmon lifecycle (egg—smolt—brood).

Professionally I was given the opportunity to be in the inaugural class of the Future Leaders Program with the Fisheries Council of Canada, learning more about this industry, the wild fisheries and all the steps involved on both sides. Being able to still learn and try new things has only added to my passion for aquaculture.

Samantha Hartley

I am a Broodstock Technician with Mowi Canada West. I grew up in a small town in New Brunswick. I went to NBCC St. Andrews, where I took an aquaculture technician course. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to work on the ocean, and aquaculture was the perfect opportunity to do so.

I am lucky to have worked on this coast for about 8 years and 2 years on the east coast working for Mowi Canada East. I have also gotten the opportunity to travel to Mowi operations in Scotland and see how it compares to ours here in Canada. I have worked in every department of salmon farming within our company. From the hatchery to the processing plant, I have experienced it all. My daily responsibilities consist of water quality, fish husbandry, and, in general, helping to care for our fish and farm. Broodstock is an interesting place to be and is my favourite because we get to do more intricate work more frequently than at a normal site. I plan to be in this industry for a long time, if not for the rest of my working career.

Kirstyn Hallberg

Social Media and Content Director

As an Environmental Specialist at Grieg Seafood BC, I oversee environmental monitoring across all farm sites and implement mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of unfavourable environmental conditions. Beginning my career as a farm technician, I advanced through roles including Assistant Site Manager before moving into my current position. With years of experience working along the west coast of Vancouver Island, I bring deep regional knowledge and a specialized interest in identifying harmful algal species. I’ve shared my expertise internationally, presenting at conferences such as the International Symposium for Aquatic Animal Health and the International Conference on Harmful Algae. In my role, I collaborate closely with farm teams to help address environmental challenges in real time. I’m driven by the evolving nature of environmental work and continually adapt our strategies to meet emerging conditions and standards. My goal is to remain at the forefront of sustainable aquaculture practices in a changing global climate.

Ken Horsfield

I am the Instrumentation and Control Technician with nearly three years of experience at InWater Technologies, where I specialize in maintaining and building life support systems for the salmon farming industry.

Outside of work, I enjoy outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, woodworking, and maintaining recreational vehicles for exploring the backcountry.

Emily Taylor

I am a Biology Technician at Creative Salmon in Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation territory in Tofino. Creative farms are Pacific species of salmon – Chinook – and is Canada’s first certified organic salmon farm. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Dalhousie University, and since joining Creative Salmon in Spring 2024, I’ve been involved in environmental monitoring, fish health assessments, and supporting our team’s commitment to sustainable and organic aquaculture practices.

I grew up close to the ocean and have always felt a deep connection to marine life and coastal ecosystems. That lifelong connection has shaped my passion for sustainable aquaculture and the need to balance food production with environmental responsibility. Outside of work, I enjoy surfing and diving—two hobbies that help me stay connected to the waters I care so much about in both my personal and professional life.

Rachel Commandant

I have an Honours Bachelor of Environmental Management – Wildlife Conservation and Management specialization, which is a degree focused on the study of natural resources, particularly wildlife, and their management within ecosystems. Shortly after graduation, I began work at Grieg Seafood as an Aquaculture Technician, which was key in the development of my knowledge and skills as they pertain to fish husbandry.

In 2020, I started my current position as the Fish Health Treatment Coordinator within the Fish Health and Environmental Monitoring Department. My primary responsibility is to determine the delicate balance between fish welfare and handling outcomes. This involves constantly adjusting to variables, such as fish health and environmental conditions, through collaboration, monitoring, research, data collection, and review of information while adhering to internal and external regulatory requirements.

Randi Robinson

I grew up in Campbell River, surrounded by the fish farming and processing industry. With my family owning a salmon processing plant, I developed a deep appreciation for the people and dedication that drive aquaculture on the coast. That early connection inspired me to pursue a role where I could contribute to its sustainable future.

Now as a Key Account Manager at Seawise Innovative Packaging, I help seafood companies transition from non-recyclable materials to our fully recyclable packaging solutions. Seawise is a Campbell River based company focused on reducing waste and supporting environmentally responsible practices within the seafood sector. Growing up on Vancouver Island, the ocean has always been a big part of my life, I’ve spent countless hours on the water and around marine life, which makes protecting it something I care about deeply.

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