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.

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.

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.

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.

I am a dedicated Crew Supervisor for Fuerste Vaccination Services. I am known for my expertise in management and quality control. With over six years of experience, I have built a reputation for my attention to detail and dedication to ensuring high-quality standards are met and exceeded. I started as a Fish Handler, and through hard work and commitment, I was able to get promoted to Crew Supervisor. I now oversee all logistics for the company and ensure quality standards are met. What we do at Fuerste Vaccinations is an extremely important part of helping the industry provide a fantastic product to consumers.

I have travelled all around the world, vaccinating fish. Some highlights were spending a month in Ontario helping set up and train crew on how to vaccinate rainbow trout. That went so well that they are now a repeat customer for us and have their own machine. I was also fortunate enough to spend two weeks in Norway, learning from some of the best in the industry.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.