BC SEAFOOD MONTH CELEBRATE - JUNE 7 - 16, 2019 / COMOX VALLEY - BC Seafood Festival
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CELEBRATE
BC SEAFOOD
MONTH
Proudly supported
Natural gas. Good for the catch of the
J U N E 7 - 16 , 2 0 19 / C O M OX VA L L E Y
BCSeafoodFestival.com #BCSeafoodFest
2 | JUNE 2019 | BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Reach For BC Seafood:
Events And Shell-ebrations
At The 13th BC Seafood Festival
On Vancouver Island!
C
reative chefs, endless
events, and sensational
seafood experiences are
featured at this year’s Signature
Weekend at the BC Seafood
Festival in the Comox Valley.
For those who are a lover of all
things seafood it’s time to mark
your calendars and buy your
tickets to the largest seafood
festival in Western Canada. The
13th annual BC Seafood Festival
is once again being held in the
Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, from and West coasts in a slurptastic seafood
June 7-16th. boil.
Back by popular demand, the BC Bounty! Seafood Brunch Cookout – June
Seafood Festival is featuring another 16th The ultimate brunch seafood cook-
fun-filled Signature Weekend, June 14 out offering the best BC seafood the
-16th, a perfect weekend for foodies West Coast has to offer.
who love to sample, slurp and savor BC Ceviche! Ceviche! Ceviche! MasterClass
seafood & spirits, music lovers, and fam- – June 15th Mix together two of the top
ilies who want to explore & learn about seafood chefs, with a whole lotta suc-
cooking and the benefits of seafood. culent BC seafood, and this MasterClass
Events and celebrations include: celebri- will be sure to take your ceviche making
ty chef demonstrations, cooking events, skills to the next level.
award-winning seafood tastings; inter- Visitors can enjoy other exciting
active & educational displays; and com- events, including the return for it’s
petitions all showcasing the bounty of second year, The BC Seafood Festival
BC seafood on festival stages. Chef Challenge presented by Garland
The 2019 BC Seafood Festival: Other Canada and FortisBC and a new Junior
Special Ticket Events include: Chef Challenge.Families don’t miss
Shucked! Oyster Bar Happy Hour – June out on the opportunity to devour the
14th. Kicks off the festival in style with delicious seafood alongside the larg-
the world’s largest oyster bar happy est Kids Interactive Zone. Here children
hour in Canada featuring delicious oys- will be able to explore numerous touch
ters from the pristine waters of Comox tanks, interactive displays and seafood
Valley. cooking classes.Tickets: For a limited
Baked n’ Boiled! Kitchen Party – June time, the “Limited Release” Signature
15th Brings together the best of the East Weekend Passes for the BC Seafood
Festival are available for pur-
chase. Tickets prices are $15.00
per Day Pass, $25 for the Weekend
Pass, and the Weekend Pass with
food vouchers is $70. For informa-
tion, Signature Weekend or other
event tickets, and accommoda-
tions, go to BCSeafoodFestival.
com or call the Vancouver
Island Visitors Center 1-855-
400-2882. Inquire about a Free
Signature Weekend Pass with
Stays at participating hotels while
supplies last!
BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL | JUNE 2019 | 3
Chefs Chefs Everywhere! With Delicious Seafood
To Eat At This Year’s BC Seafood Festival!
A storm of seafood chefs and demonstrations, cooking events, masterpiece and win the judges Paddy, will be returning in this
cooking competitions are tastings and competitions, all over with creativity and deli- “must-attend” event for oyster
heading to the 13th annual BC celebrating the bounty of fresh cious flavours! lovers!
Seafood Festival being held in BC seafood on festival stages. Other favourite events return Best Caesar in Town Competition
the Comox Valley, a regional “We are incredibly excited about for 2019: – June 16th. Where some of the
well known for its culinary boun- the chef lineup and seafood BC Seafood Festival Chef best mixolog ists in Br itish
ty and the largest producer of events at this year’s Seafood C h a lle n ge – P r e s e n t e d b y Columbia will showcase their
oysters in Canada. Festival,” says Nathan Fong, FortisBC and Garland Canada signature competition Caesar.
Chef Producer for BC Seafood – June 15th and 16th. The ulti- The Ocean Wise Chowder
T
he 2019 BC Seafood Festival 2019. “The festival mate seafood challenge using BC Challenge – June 16 th. Offers
Festival returns to the competitions have grown in seafood ingredients featuring tastings of delectable,
Comox Valley, June 7-16th, popularity and prizes, and this an exciting line-up of 12 chefs ocean-friendly seafood chow-
and will showcase an amazing year more chefs than ever are who will compete head-to-head ders where you vote for your
lineup of local and regional interested in competing. We are in black-box heats to present favourite, all in support of sus-
chefs, mixologists and oyster anticipating fast-paced compe- unique BC seafood dishes to tainable seafood. The winning
shuckers. And, visitors to the tition in the BC Seafood Chef a group of discerning Judges. seafood luvin’ Chef will receive
13th annual BC Seafood Festival Challenge once again, and we Featuring a top prize of $5,000 a chance to compete in the next
Signature Weekend, June 14 are excited about the new Junior to the winning chef and a sec- Ocean Wise Chowder Showdown
– 16 th , will experience more Chef Challenge featuring cooks ond prize of $1,500 awarded in Vancouver.
chef competitions and sea- from ages 8-12 years old.” by FortisBC. Tickets: For a complete list of
food demonstrations than ever Over 25 chefs from the Comox The Fanny Bay Oyster Shucking participating local and region-
before. V a l l e y, I s l a n d a n d L o w e r C o m p e t i t i o n – J u n e 1 5 th. al chefs, information, tickets
The BC Seafood Festival Mainland will be participating in next crop of aspiring junior Showcasing the fastest shuck- and accommodations, v isit
Signature Weekend 2019 fea- the Signature Weekend events. chefs who will test their culinary ers in BC competing for the BCSeafoodFestival.com. Or call
tures new and returning chefs The exciting new 2019 Junior skills. It will be a race against top prize. And, Guinness Book the Vancouver Island Visitors
par t ic ipat ing in numerous Chef Challenge will host the the clock to prepare a seafood World Record Holder, Shucker Center 1-855-400-2882.
RECEIVE 2 TICKETS OVER 30+ FESTIVAL CHEFS! FEATURING…
TO A 4-COURSE
WINE PAIRING DINNER
JUNE 14 - 16, 2019 40 KNOTS WINERY AT THE
PRIME CHOPHOUSE &
WINE BAR ON JUNE 9*
*while supplies last
Chef Nathan Fong Chef Jean-Francis Quaglia
WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR STAY WITH Fong on Food Provence Marinaside
ONE OF THESE PARTICIPATING HOTELS
$139/NIGHT
+ taxes based on double occupancy
$149/NIGHT
+ taxes based on double occupancy
$159/NIGHT
+ taxes based on double occupancy
Chef Andre Durbach
Il Falcone
Jinhee Lee
Foreign Concept
Visit BCSeafoodFestival.com to get your event tickets today! #BCSeafoodFest FOR MORE INFO 1-855-400-2882
4 | JUNE 2019 | BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
BCSeafoodonYourPlate.com
Daily Events & Tours From June 7 – 17 TH
@ BC Seafood Festival!
4 HOUR WHALE WATCHING TOUR GUIDED WHARF TOUR MANATEE HOLDINGS TOUR SIP & SAVOUR TOUR: PRESENTED BY
AMBASSADOR TOURS
June 7 - 17, 8:30 AM — 12:30 PM and June 8-9, 11, 14-16, 10:00 am & 2:00 pm June 11-15, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
1:15 PM - 5:15 PM Price: Free, registration required. All Price: $10 per person June 13, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Price: Adults: $139; Child: $117 ages welcome. Tour through Manatee’s Royston Hatchery Price: Adult: $95
Depart from local Comox Valley Hotel Depart from Comox Harbour Fisherman’s Wharf This public tour will feature an over- Get picked up & dropped off from your
Experience the beauty of Desolation Enjoy a guided walk of the Comox view of industry best sustainable hotel or home
Sound and the Salish Sea by boat, in Valley Harbour Authority Fisherman’s Seafood Industry practices with a tour A Comox Valley culinary adventure
search of the biggest and most excit- Wharf learning about the commercial of Manatee’s Royston Hatchery opera- includes appetizers and your choice of
ing marine animals! Full day tours will fishing industry while stopping at dif- tion including geoduck, sea cucumbers, wine or craft beer at 3 different restau-
provide guests with a BBQ lunch and ferent fishing vessels. Different gear scallops and oysters. rants in one night. Locations are kept
refreshments. types and fishing methods will be secret to maximize the fun and excitement.
discussed as well as costs associated
with being a commercial fisherman and FANNY BAY OYSTERS PLANT TOURS
DESOLATION SOUND benefits the industry provides to the CRAFT BREWERY TOUR:
YACHT CHARTERS – coastal communities. June 11 & 13, 10:00 am & 2:00 pm AMBASSADOR TRANSPORTATION
FISHING CHARTER/DAY TOUR Price: $15 per person
Tour through Fanny Bay Oyster’s process- June 14, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
June 8-13 & 15-16, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM ing plant Price: Adult: $95
LAND & SEA TOUR
Price: $1000 for 2 people Fanny Bay is home to the world-famous Depart from Old House
Depart from Comox Marina June 8-9, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 Fanny Bay Oysters; growers, proces- The Comox Valley Cider and Beer
Enjoy a Guided Fishing Trip or Day pm – 3:00 pm sors, and exporters of farm-raised Adventure Tour offers beer, cider, spirit
Tour on the water for 2 people on Price: $60 per person Pacific oysters and Manila clams. and food lovers an experience they will
board a 2018 20Dv Weldcraft 25′ Depart from Comox Marina Attendees will get to see how Fanny never forget! Our tours include custom
with Desolation Sound Yacht Charters. Guests will participate in a land and Bay Oysters processes and ships its air-conditioned transport, knowledge-
Picnic Lunch & Soft Drinks included. sea tour provided by Big Animal shellfish all over the world. able guides, tasty snacks, generous
Encounters and Ambassador Tours. tastings and complimentary drinks.
Trips will include a tour through Baynes
7 HOUR BIG ANIMAL Sound, with the hopes of encountering WINE TIME
ENCOUNTER some of the areas large marine sea NATURE WALK AT GOOSE SPIT
life, as well as a visit to Macs Oyster June 12, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Price: $95 per person June 15, 10:00 pm - 12:00 pm
Processing Plant to learn about the
Get picked up from a participating hotel Price: $0 and great for families!
June 8-13 & 15-16, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM shellfish industry.
in the Comox Valley Tour through nature rich Goose Spit
Price: Adult: $199; Child: $169 Learn about wine making from grape to Take a guided Beach walk with a
Depart from local Comox Valley Hotel glass. Tours will include trips to three Naturalist and learn more about the nat-
DAILY SAIL – DESOLATION SOUND
Spectacular scenery and a multitude of featured wineries, access to premium ural landscape surrounding the ocean
YACHT CHARTERS
wildlife encounters which often include; wines and a delicious picnic lunch all and the sea life that lives there.
Killer Whales, Humpbacks, Dolphins, June 10-16, 10:00 pm – 4:00 pm within for hours.
Sealions, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Price: $250 per person – Maximum 4
Colourful Seabirds. Presented by Big people COMOX VALLEY & GLACIER
Animal Encounters. Enjoy a day sail in Comox Bay and the SEAPLANE TOUR
Straight of Georgia with an experienced
June 15-16, 4:45 pm – 5:20 pm
local skipper.
Price: Adults: $179, Child: $90
Picnic lunch included.
Depart from Comox Marina
BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL | JUNE 2019 | 5
BCSeafoodonYourPlate.com
The Comox Valley produces
more than 50% of all BC shellfish.
Enjoy a flight over Strathcona Park and BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL beyond what you see by vehicle or DESTINATION SEMINAR –
the Insular Mountains and take in unfor- SIGNATURE WEEKEND by foot. And like all Island Joy Rides DESOLATION SOUND.
gettable views of the 6,430-foot summit tours, we’ve sprinkled in tastes of local
June 15-16, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm June 8 & 9, 2:30 PM
of the ancient Comox Glacier. Flights will food and refreshments at a few of our
Price: Buy a day or Weekend Pass Tickets: Free
also include aerial vistas of the City of favourite places along the way.
Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park International yacht training skipper and
Courtenay, Village of Cumberland and
The Signature Weekend (June 14 to 16) instructor Derek Harvey will talk about
surrounding Comox Valley.
is the jewel in the crown of the entire Desolation Sound and give out some
BC SALMON FARMERS
Seafood Festival! local cruising tips.
ASSOCIATION PUBLIC TOURS
Foodies will love the abundance of fresh
HELICOPTER TOURS
BC seafood and local beer, wine and June 8 & 15
June 15-16, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm spirits. Take in action-packed compe- Tickets: $60.00 SHUCKED! CANADA’S LARGEST OYS-
Price: Tours range from $49-$210 per titions including the Fanny Bay Oyster Departs from Campell River Marina TER BAR HAPPY HOUR
person Shucking Competition, Best Caesar in Guests will travel through Strathcona
June 14, 3:30 PM - 6 PM
Depart from the Courtenay Airpark Town Competition, and the BC Seafood Park to Gold River by shuttle to meet
Tickets: $45
Enjoy one of three tours that provide an Festival Chef Challenge, presented by the water taxi. You’ll travel in a covered
overview of sights in the surrounding FortisBC and Garland Canada. boat through beautiful Nootka Sound to
area. The City Tour at $49 per person the salmon farm.
4 COURSE WINE PAIRING DINNER
includes an overview of Comox and
WITH 40 KNOTS WINERY
Courtenay; the Island Tour at $149 BOUNTY! A BRUNCH SEAFOOD
per person includes a 20-minute tour COOKOUT HOMALCO WILDLIFE & CULTURAL June 9, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
around Hornby and Denman Island; and TOURS - PEOPLE, WATER, LAND Tickets: $85
June 16, 9:30 am – 11:00 am
the Comox Glacier Tour at $210 per per- Enjoy a 4 course dinner paired with
Price: $95 per person June 7-9, 14-17
son includes a 30-minute tour over the wines from 40 knots winery.
Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park 8:15 AM - 4:15 PM
Comox Glacier.
Enjoy rubbing chefs with expert sea- Tickets: Adults & Youth $395.00
food chefs as they guide you through Minimum Age 12 years
SEAFOOD & BEER
the creation of a delicious seafood Departs from Campbell River Marina
CEVICHE! CEVICHE! CEVICHE!
dish, that you get to enjoy! Expert The water and land of Bute Inlet June 12, 6 PM - 7 PM
MASTERCLASS
mixologists will be on hand to whip up provided the Homalco with Tickets: $20
June 15, 9:30 am – 11:00 am perfectly paired cocktails to keep the transportation, food, shelter, medicine Come sample 30 Seafood bites over 3
Price: $50 per person kitchen party going! and more. Legends were born here and courses paired with beer. Money raised
Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Homalco stories became interwoven goes towards the Charity Shore Rider
Two of the province’s top seafood chefs with characters representing the Cleanup. This is a 19+ event.
will let you in on the tricks of their PRIME CHOPHOUSE & WINE BAR creatures with whom they shared the
trade for creating a seafood ceviche SHELLFISH AND SEAFOOD BUFFET earth and sea. Join us to uncover the
that will be the talk of countless sum- stories of the bears, the ǰɛnxʷ (salmon), SLURP! GIN & OYSTER SOCIAL
June 16, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
mer parties to come! the χʷomaɬkʷu people and much more.
Price: $55 per person June 12, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
You may even see χawgəs (the Grizzy
Prime Chophouse & Wine Bar, Courtenay Tickets: $20
Bear) or Mexaɬ (Black Bear) while
Enjoy a Seafood Buffet provided by
BAKED N’ BOILED! exploring the Orford estuary.
Courtenay’s Prime Chophouse & Wine
KITCHEN PARTY
Bar alongside a signature 40 knots TERROIR MEETS MERROIR LONG
June 15, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Winery Mimosa. TABLE DINNER
SAFETY AT SEA SEMINAR – DESOLA-
Price: $85 per person
TION SOUND YACHT CHARTERS June 13, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park, Comox
Tickets: $150
DISCOVER THE COMOX VALLEY CYCLE June 8 & 9, 12:30 PM
Enjoy a special long table dinner and
Break out the fiddles when East- TOUR Tickets: Free
winery tour of 40 Knots Winery.
coast meets West at a good old-fash- Comox Marina
ioned seafood boil! Simmering pots June 8-17th, 1 PM - 5 PM International yacht training skipper
will chock-full of local shellfish and Tickets: Adults $109, Child $89 and instructor Derek Harvey, will go
there’ll be tasty sides to go with. Plus Starting and finishing at the Comox over checklists and how to be prepared
craft-spirit tastings and, of course, Valley Harbour, and weaving our way before heading out on the water.
plenty of music from The WhiskeyDicks! through trails surrounded by lush
forests, open roads with expansive
views, and paved paths that will allow
our guests to explore the community
6 | JUNE 2019 | BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
BC Seafood on Your Plate
featured Chefs & Restaurants
Andre Slone Frank Pabst Richard Kevin
Durbach Romano Blue Water Benson McKellar
Il Falcone Atlas Cafe Cafe Ocean7 Prime
Restaurant, Chophouse
Kingfisher and Wine Bar
Resort
Welbert Choi Bob Hullin Morgan Dai Fukasaku Kevin Frisch
Forage Avenue Bistro Wilson Fukasaku of Toscanos
Q at the Prince Rupert Trattoria
Empress
Alex Lavroff Chris Andraza Carmen Stephan Nigel
Garden Bistro Fanny Bay Ingham Halliwell McMeans
@ O’Rourke’s Oyster Bar The Pointe Martine’s Blackfin Pub
Peak Cellars Restaurant Bistro
Mixologists Ronald
St. Pierre
Jeff Hall
The White
Amber Bruce Kumiko Locals Whale
The Keefer Umeno Restaurant Restaurant
Bar Chicha
Restaurant
Featured Chefs & Restaurants
Sabrine Katie Ingram Aaron Rail Bobby Jean-Francis
Dhaliwal Elisa Kingfisher Milheron Quaglia
Pourhouse Oceanside West Provence
Resort & Spa Restaurant Marinaside
BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL | JUNE 2019 | 7
Charlotte Eva Chin Isabel Chung Nathan Fong Tabitha
Langley Boulevard The Fong on Food Ramsey
Restaurants Kitchen & Wildflower, Match Eatery
Canada Oyster Bar Fairmont and Public
Chateau House
Whistler
Ricardo Lee Cooper Hamid Shelome Tim Pawsey
Valverde Coquille Fine Salimian Bouvette Hired Belly
Ancora Seafood Nextjen Chicha
Restaurant
Matthew Ned Bell Jesse Weimer Shucker Jada Berg
Sullivan Ocean Wise Locals Paddy Private Chef
Maple Leaf Restaurant The Ceili
Sports & Cottage
Entertainment
Dominic Juraj Dado Rob Schreier Lesley Stav Wes Erikson
Fortin Bishop’s Land and Sea NVICA, 4TH NVICA, 4TH
Q at the Restaurant Brewing Generation Generation
Empress Fishing Fishing
Quang Dang Lars Sonam Yolanda
Derek Bendig
Top Table Jorgensen Pontsang MacLaren
The
Group The 1410 World Custom
Wildflower,
William Tell Bier House Gourmet
Fairmont
Restaurant Catering
John Carlo Dominic
Felicella Fortin
BC Culinary Q at the
Vote&Win! BC SEAFOOD ON YOUR PLATE
COMOX VALLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Team Empress
*Content ends June 16th
8 | JUNE 2019 | BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
FESTIVAL TUESDAY, JUNE 11 SATURDAY, JUNE 15
AT A GLANCE
REPEATING EVENTS REPEATING EVENTS
FOR THE DAY FOR THE DAY
REPEATING FRIDAY, JUNE 7 SUNDAY, JUNE 9
EVENTS
REPEATING EVENTS REPEATING EVENTS HELICOPTER TOURS
FANNY BAY OYSTERS TOUR
FOR THE DAY FOR THE DAY 9 AM – 6 PM
10 AM / 2 PM
Fanny Bay Oysters Courtenay Airpark
LOOK FOR THESE SYMBOLS IN WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12 CEVICHE! CEVICHE! CEVICHE!
MASTERCLASS
THE ADJACENT CALENDAR FOR 9:30 AM - 11 AM
REPEATING EVENTS
DAYS THE FOLLOWING TOURS SATURDAY, JUNE 8 FULL DAY/HALF DAY
FOR THE DAY Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park
ARE OFFERED: GUIDED FISHING
REPEATING EVENTS CHARTER BC SALMON FARMERS
FOR THE DAY Check website for times ASSOCIATION PUBLIC
CVHA Wharf FARM TOURS
4 HOUR WHALE WATCHING TOUR 9:45 AM - 3:30 PM
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM / 1:15 - 5:15 PM LAND & SEA TOUR Departs from Campbell River
WINE TIME
Departs from Campbell River 10 AM - 12 PM / 1 - 3 PM
CVHA Wharf 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM NATURE WALK AT
Multiple venues GOOSE SPIT
7 HOUR - BIG ANIMAL ENCOUNTER FULL DAY/HALF DAY
COMOX ISLAND IRON - 10 AM - 12 PM
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM GUIDED FISHING CHARTER SLURP! GIN & OYSTER SOCIAL
SMALL BOAT START Goose Spit
Departs from Campbell River Check website for times 3 - 5 PM
10:30 AM / CVHA Wharf
CVHA Wharf Comox Marina Park BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
FISHING CHARTER/DAY TOUR COMOX ISLAND IRON - SIGNATURE WEEKEND
COMOX VALLEY IRON - SUP TECHNICAL RACE SEAFOOD BITES & WINE
9 AM – 4 PM 11 AM - 5 PM
MIXED/ NOVICE/YOUTH START 6 - 7 PM
Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park
CVHA Wharf START Cascadia Liquor Store
10:45 AM / CVHA Wharf
9 AM / CVHA Wharf COMOX VALLEY & GLACIER
DAY SAIL
BC SALMON FARMERS
OCEANFEST CONTINUES THURSDAY, JUNE 13 SEAPLANE TOUR
10 AM - 4 PM 11 AM / CVHA Wharf 4:45 PM / CVHA Wharf
CVHA Wharf ASSOCIATION PUBLIC REPEATING EVENTS
FARM TOURS COMOX ISLAND IRON - FOR THE DAY BAKED N’ BOILED! KITCHEN
9:45 AM - 3:30 PM KIDS RACE PARTY
GUIDED WHARF TOUR Departs from Campbell 12 PM / CVHA Wharf 6 - 9 PM
10 AM / 2 PM River Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park
CVHA Wharf K’ÓMOKS FIRST
NATIONS - COOKING
DISCOVER THE COMOX VALLEY
LAND & SEA TOUR
10 AM - 12 PM / 1 - 3 PM DEMO SUNDAY, JUNE 16
FANNY BAY OYSTERS TOUR
CYCLE TOUR CVHA Wharf 12 PM / CVHA Wharf 10 AM / 2 PM REPEATING EVENTS
1 – 4 PM Fanny Bay Oysters FOR THE DAY
OCEANFEST - SAIL BOAT SAFETY AT SEA
Comox Marina Park SEMINAR
STADIUM RACING / VAN TERROIR MEETS MERROIR
ISLE TT MATCH RACE 12:30 PM
HOMALCO WILDLIFE & CULTURAL 5 – 9 PM
SERIES - FINALS Comox Marina Park 40 Knots Winery
TOURS
11 AM / CVHA Wharf
8:15 AM – 4:15 PM COMOX ISLAND IRON - SIP & SAVOUR TOUR
Departs from Campbell River COMOX ISLAND IRON - AWARDS 5:30 – 9:30 PM HELICOPTER TOURS
WOMEN START 12:45 PM Multiple venues 9 AM – 6 PM
MANATEE HOLDINGS 11 AM / CVHA Wharf Comox Marina Park Courtenay Airpark
HATCHERY TOUR
COMOX ISLAND IRON -
DESTINATION FRIDAY, JUNE 14 BOUNTY! A BRUNCH
11 AM SEMINAR - SEAFOOD COOKOUT
Manatee’s Royston Hatchery SUP LONG COURSE START REPEATING EVENTS
DESOLATION SOUND 9:30 - 11 AM
11:15 AM / CVHA Wharf FOR THE DAY
2:30 - 3:30 PM Departs from Campbell River
SAFETY AT SEA SEMINAR Comox Marina Park
SHELLFISH & SEAFOOD
12:30 PM BUFFET
4-COURSE WINE
Check website for Comox Marina Park
PAIRING DINNER WITH 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
The Prime Chophouse & Wine Bar
COMOX ISLAND IRON - 40 KNOTS WINERY
detailed schedule MEN’S START 4:30 - 6:30 PM SHUCKED! CANADA’S BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
The Prime Chophouse
information and to 1 PM / CVHA Wharf
& Wine Bar
LARGEST OYSTER BAR HAPPY
HOUR
SIGNATURE WEEKEND
11 AM - 5 PM
DESTINATION
purchase tickets SEMINAR - DESOLATION
MONDAY, JUNE 10
3:30 – 6 PM
Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park
Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park
SOUND COMOX VALLEY & GLACIER
BCSeafoodFestival.com 2:30 - 3:30 PM REPEATING EVENTS CRAFT BREWERY TOUR SEAPLANE TOUR
Comox Marina Park FOR THE DAY 5:30 – 9:30 PM 4:45 PM / CVHA Wharf
Multiple venues
COMOX ISLAND IRON -
AWARDS GALA DINNER BY THE SEA *Events accurate at the time of print.
3:30 PM 5:30 – 10 PM Please visit our website for updates.
Comox Marina Park Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park BCSeafoodFestival.com
BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL | JUNE 2019 | 9
BCSeafoodonYourPlate.com
BC produces over 100 different
seafood products from our waters.
Treat Dad to an Epic Father’s
Day Featuring a Ton of Delicious Seafood!
A
re you looking for great ideas for fami-
ly fun on Father’s Day? Plan on having
a seafood adventure with the entire
family at this year’s BC Seafood Festival in
the beautiful Comox Valley on Vancouver
Island. Discover how delicious and healthy
seafood can be during the 2019 BC Seafood
Festival Signature Weekend from June 14
- 16, 2019.
Cheer on celebrity chefs, mixologists and
oyster shuckers as they fight their way to
win prizes including the coveted $5,000
top prize from the Fortis BC Chef Challenge.
Signature Weekend ticketholders sample,
savour and slurp the freshest BC seafood
while enjoying featured BC wines, ciders
and live music performances. Tickets for
kids under 12 are free with the purchase
of Signature Weekend passes!
Treat Dad on June 16th to Bounty! A Brunch
Seafood Cookout! Dads and seafood lovers
get schooled by top seafood chefs to cook
brunch during this hands-on intimate VIP
cooking experience creating AND eating
a delicious seafood dish. Mixologists will
prepare cocktails to set-off this brag-worthy
seafood brunch in style. Have Dad taste
the weekend away at all the Tasting and
Beverage stations featuring kelp and sea
asparagus ice cream, artisan smoked oys-
ters, wild BC halibut ceviche tacos and
Kids Zone Touch Tanks more!
Family fun in the Kids Interactive Zone
returns with touch tanks and interactive
displays. Learn about wildlife rescue, sus-
tainable seafood and aquaculture. Kids
can visit the Storytime tent, play games
and enjoy all things seafood! Get your little
ones cooking in our Kids Seafood Cooking
Classes for 5-12 years and 10-15 year olds!
New for this year, “Learn to Shuck” classes
for 12-18 year olds with sessions available
during the Signature Weekend. Classes
are FREE!
Sign-up for the new Junior Chef Competition
for a chance to compete to win an amazing
$1,000 RESP contribution provided by
Seafood tastings throughout the Signature Weekend! SEE SIGNATURE WEEKEND | PAGE 10
10 | JUNE 2019 | BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
SIGNATURE WEEKEND
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 (no food) $25, Saturday or Sunday Day Pass
$15. Enter now to win the Shuck-It! Let’s Go!
Mindset Wealth and bragging rights! Four Geataway contest. This culinary adventure
junior chefs aged 8-15 will be selected prize getaway for two includes:
to compete. Just like in the big leagues, • Two roundtrip flights with Air Canada
there will be a twist ingredient the junior to the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) from
chefs must incorporate into their dishes. anywhere in BC,
And what’s a competition without a race • A three-night stay at the Holiday Inn
against the clock? The junior chefs will have Express & Suites,
just 45 short minutes to prepare a seafood • Transportation to all events and activ-
masterpiece and win the judges over with ities with Ambassador Transportation
their creativity, plate presentation and, of • Two All-Access Passes to the BC
course, delicious flavours. Seafood Festival Signature Weekend
Baked n’Boiled Kitchen Party is a must-at- June 14 to 16!
tend event for the entire family! Break out • Half day Wildlife Tour with Big Animal
the fiddles where East coast meets West at a Encounters
good old fashioned seafood boil! Simmering • Two $100 dining cards to seafood
pots that are chock-full of local shellfish restaurants
along with tasty sides are part of the fun • Two tickets on a Sip and Savour Tour
along with music from The Whiskeydicks! For more information about the Comox Valley,
BC Seafood Festival 2019 Signature accommodation, tickets and all the incredible
Weekend pass tickets are now on sale at events, go to BCSeafoodFestival.com or call
BCSeafoodFestival.com. Weekend Pass the Vancouver Island Visitors Center 1-855-
with 50 food vouchers $70, Weekend Pass 400-2882. Kids Cooking Classes – FREE!
SUPPORTING REGIONAL
AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION
Learn more at:
www.islandcoastaltrust.caBC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL | JUNE 2019 | 11
Natural gas. Good for
the catch of the day.
Whether you’re grilling, searing or frying, cooking seafood requires a precise heat — so it’s no
surprise that the temperature control offered by natural gas makes it the top choice for restaurants
everywhere. And with natural gas ranges and cooktops, you can bring these professional culinary
standards into your own kitchen.
That’s energy at work.
Connect with us
fortisbc.com/cookingwithgas12 | JUNE 2019 | BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Sample the diverse tastes of BC the next time you’re creating in the kitchen. From the finest seafoods, to spicy condiments and farm-fresh veggies, BC food products are among the best in the world. Reach for BC and feel good about supporting local growers, producers and the economy. Pass the kimchi!
BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL | JUNE 2019 | 13
14 | JUNE 2019 | BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
BC Seafood Expo 2019 To Showcase Bounty Of Our Oceans
By SeaWestNews industry leaders, international buyers, Underwater Harvesters Association International Year of the Salmon – Pacific
S
ome of BC’s top chefs will join scores distributors, and educators for every type (UHA), a non-profit association formed in Region.
of seafood buyers, Seafood Industry of fish, seafood, and seafood related prod- 1981 to represent the 55 British Columbia The International Year of the Salmon is
experts, industry leaders and gov- ucts and services. geoduck and horse clam licence holders. a 5-year outreach and research initia-
ernment representatives to network, meet The program is also packed with educa- Association members also include crew tive of the North Pacific Anadromous
and grow the seafood industry at the 2019 tional sessions covering, seafood busi- members from the harvesting vessels Fish Commission and the North Atlantic
edition of the BC Seafood Expo. ness and leadership, Seafood Industry, and the geoduck wholesalers located in Salmon Conservation Organization, with
The event in Comox Valley on Vancouver food safety, policy, sustainability, trace- British Columbia. There are currently 34 a focal year in 2019. The year aims to
Island on June 12 and 13 is one of the ability and transparency. First Nations participating in the fishery. raise public awareness, gather stake-
largest seafood industry trade events in “The BC Seafood Expo is a great oppor- “We are a big supporter of the Seafood holders, stimulate science and inspire
the Pacific Northwest. tunity to bring everyone together to talk Expo as it provides a platform to show- action to protect salmon.
The Expo is wrapped around the 2019 BC about the business…It is really the only case to British Columbians the sustain- The highlight of the two-day Expo is the
Seafood Festival which will be held from time every year that the entire seafood ability of our fisheries,” said Grant Dovey, Flying Fresh Air Freight International
June 7 to 16. business gets together in BC,” said Jeremy UHA’s executive director. Buyers’ Reception.
“The Festival is now the largest seafood Dunn, director of public affairs for Mowi “Much of our harvest is exported to Asian Helmed by Brendan Harnett, Flying Fresh
festival in western Canada and the Expo Canada West. markets and our primary interest is con- Air Freight Cargo is Canada’s top perish-
and Trade Show components this year has The Seafood Expo also brings attention to necting with international buyers at the able freight forwarder. Close to 70 per
attracted a record number of exhibitors, both the farmed and wild fisheries sector Expo and looking for leads” he said. cent of its’ business involves seafood
delegates, buyers and suppliers,” said here in the province, said Dunn The buyers’ delegation to this year’s and the company moves about 16 mil-
John Watson, executive director of the “Seafood is an incredibly important busi- expo is the largest of its kind, organizers lion kilos of Canadian farmed salmon,
Comox Valley Economic Development, ness for BC, having local, regional and said. They include buyers from China, wild fish, lobster, geoduck, halibut and
the organization that collaborates with a national leaders gain a greater awareness Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Vietnam and oysters all around the world.
wide range of seafood organizations and and understanding is really important.” Singapore. Award winning food stylist, Nathan
institutions to develop the Expo annually. he said. Other members of the international dele- Fong, Fong on Food, is the event’s Chef
“It is an excellent opportunity to show- As in previous years, Mowi which oper- gation, organized by the Ministry of Jobs, Producer, has brought together a dozen
case your services to a diverse range of ates salmon farms around Vancouver Trade & Technology chefs for the International Buyers’
both wild fishery and Seafood Industry Island, where 600 people produce and Global Affairs Canada, hail from USA, Reception with a wide range of talents
sectors and leaders.” 45,000 tonnes of sustainable farm-raised Ukraine, Poland, Uzbekistan, Turkey and from around the Comox Valley, Vancouver
The expo features dozens of trade show Atlantic salmon each year, will be staging Serbia. Island and BC.
exhibitors, leading speakers in their fields farm tours for buyers and chefs. One of the keynote speakers this year
and provides a venue to network with A n o t h e r o f t h e e x h ib i t o r s i s t h e will be Mark Saunders, director of the SEE BC SEAFOOD EXPO | PAGE 15
JUNE 7 - 16 ENTER TO
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BCSeafoodonYourPlate.com
More than 9,000 British Columbians
are employed in the seafood sector.
Drop By And Meet The 2019 BC Seafood Expo Trade Show Exhibitors
• Coastal Sea Products • SOGDA Limited • Poseidon Ocean Systems Ltd. • Ocean Wise, Vancouver Aquarium
• Business Development Bank of • Foodmetrics Laboratories • Buy BC • Harbour Authority Association of
Canada • Hummingbird Cove Lifestyles Ltd • BC Salmon Farmers Association BC (HAABC)
• Coast Capital Savings Credit Union • Island Coastal Economic Trust • Fisheries and Oceans Canada • Vancouver Island University
• Creative Salmon Co. Ltd. (ICET) • Pacific Sea Cucumber Harvesters • truLOCAL
• Export Development Canada • Mowi (Marine Harvest Canada) Association • Coastline Market
• Farm Credit Canada • MNP • Pacific Urchin Harvesters • BC Shellfish Growers Association
• Gindara Sablefish • Traceability Funding Programs Association • Blundell Seafoods
• Great Little Box Company • Underwater Harvesters Association • RiverFresh Wild BC Seafood • White Box Food
• Grieg Seafood • Walcan Seafood Ltd. • Vancouver Island Salt Company • Excel Career College
• Global Affairs Canada • DB Schenker of Canada • AgriMarine • River Select Fisheries
• Canadian Kelp Resources. Ltd • Cermaq Canada • Export Navigator
BC SEAFOOD EXPO
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
Did You Know?
Canada exported a record $6.6 billion in
fish and seafood products in 2016.
Fish and seafood are among Canada’s
largest exports of food products.
Canada’s most valuable species exported
in 2016, were, lobster, Atlantic salmon,
snow (queen) crab and shrimp.
Lobster remains Canada’s top species
exported in terms of value, with over $2
billion worth in 2016.
Aquaculture is the fastest growing food
production activity in the world and a
growing sector in Canada. About 45 spe-
cies of marine and freshwater finfish,
shellfish and aquatic plants are now avail-
able.
In 2015, the Seafood Industry industry
generated over $1 billion in GDP, gener-
ating close to $3 billion in total economic
activity.
Approximately 72,000 Canadians make
their living directly from fishing and fish-
ing-related activities.
About BC Seafood Expo Trade Show 2019
The BC Seafood Expo Trade Show 2019
will provide businesses the opportunity
to meet face-to-face and showcase their
products & services to seafood buyers,
exporters, distributors and other provid-
ers from throughout BC and the pacific
northwest.
For more information and how to register
go to bcseafoodexpo.com16 | JUNE 2019 | BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Campbell River Home To Canada’s Largest Commercial Diving School
DiveSafe International Boasts In-Ocean
Commercial Dive Training
C
AMPBELL RIVER - “DiveSafe
International is Campbell River’s
best kept secret.”
So says Kelly Korol, co-owner and Director
of Training at DiveSafe International Ltd.
Founded in 2005 by Kelly and his wife
Catherine, DiveSafe International has
grown to become the nation’s largest
commercial diving school.
Kelly’s deep relationships with Canada’s
dive industry and Island Seafood Industry
companies (built over his over-35-year
diving career), coupled with the institu- The classroom during a DiveSafe surface supply course in early 2018
tion’s reputation for top-tier training pro-
grams, helps students find job placement
at an astonishingly high rate.
“Right now, we have two companies that
are taking all the divers they can get from
us,” says Kelly. “There will always be a
few students who take our courses out of
general interest, but every graduate who
wants a job can get one almost immediate-
ly. We often have students graduate on a
Friday and starting work at a well-paying
job on Monday of the following week. For
those interested in a career in commercial
diving, we essentially have a 100 per cent
employment rate.” DiveSafe’s industry connections and
DiveSafe International offers two main reputation for high-quality training helps
programs. The five-week Commercial students find jobs immediately after
graduating
Scuba program trains students to work
in scuba equipment down to a maximum
depth of 130 feet. With this international remain current in diving skills and knowl- Students are able to hone their skills an ocean environment, getting first-hand training
certification, Commercial Scuba graduates edge. DiveSafe International is a fully cer- with tides, current, weather and marine life
have opportunities in a variety of indus- tified trade training institution, governed
tries, including Seafood Industry, seafood by the Private Training Institute Board company to this day. Cathy continues to students from all over the globe.
harvesting, environmental inspection div- and the International EQA (Education co-lead the company with the official title “We called the company DiveSafe
ing, vessel maintenance, scientific diving, Quality Assurance Organization). of CFOO (Chief Financial and Operations International because we want to have an
the film industry and more. “I’ve been a commercial diver since 1984, Officer). international reach,” says Kelly. “We’ve
The 21-week Surface Supply program pro- and I’ve worked extensively all over the “It’s a marriage made in heaven,” says had a lot of students from countries like
vides students with an internationally-rec- west coast and Alberta, focussing heav- Kelly. “She is the administration whiz, Russia, France, Egypt, Ireland, Mexico,
ognized certification. Graduates acquire ily on the Vancouver Island area,” says and my business partner. She handles all etc.”
an Unrestricted Surface Supply Diver cer- Kelly. “I’ve worked in almost all aspects of our administration, dealing with every- The company is now large enough to look
tification (50m) with Commercial SCUBA of commercial diving, including Seafood thing from student loans to liaising with at expanding outside of Canada. Cathy
& NITROX endorsements. They can work Industry, construction, hydro dams, sea- government regulatory bodies. I’m the and Kelly have already been making
in the industries above, but also have food harvesting, and more. brawn - handling the operations, running inroads to build their second location in
the certification to work in construction “In 1997, I began working with North the boats, and teaching.” Costa Rica, and are currently looking at
diving (dams, hydro projects, engineering Island College as an instructor in their In 2007, the company added on its an eventual overseas expansion.
inspections, infrastructure, etc.), confined commercial diving program. In 2005, UnRestricted Surface Supply/Underwater “We are Canada’s largest diving school,”
area diving, offshore oildfield industry, Cathy and I decided to start our own com- Welder program. Since then, DiveSafe concludes Kelly. “We certify more divers
geoduck industry, and underwater weld- pany, initially offering only the commer- International has steadily grown, housing than any other school in Canada, and
ing. cial scuba program.” a staff of 10 administrators and instruc- we do it in an ocean environment, so
All DiveSafe International, instructors In the beginning, Kelly taught courses tors. Today, they train more students than our divers have world-class first-hand
are fully certified commercial divers with alongside Peter Budden, who began as any other diving school in the country and training with tides, current, weather and
years of experience and recognized teach- a part-time instructor. As the company are competing on the world stage. marine life.”
ing certificates. These instructors still grew, Budden moved into a full-time posi- DiveSafe International has a growing Find out more about DiveSafe International
work in the commercial diving industry to tion, and he remains an integral part of the international reputation, attracting programs at www.divesafe.comBC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL | JUNE 2019 | 17
Island Aquaculture Feeds Globe, Local Economies
Comox Valley, Campbell River, First Nations Groups Among Industry’s Beneficiaries
A
s global demands for sus-
tainable food sources grow,
Vancouver Island communi-
ties are benefitting from a thriv-
ing Seafood Industry industry.
According to the United
Nations’ Food and Agriculture
Organization, the world’s pop-
ulation is expected to exceed 9
billion by 2050.
The organizations’ State of World
Fisheries and Aquaculture 2018
draws attention to the role of
fisheries and Seafood Industry
in meeting food, nutrition and
employment needs for millions.
The report states, “Total fish pro-
duction in 2016 reached an all-
time high of 171 million tonnes, of
which 88 percent was utilized for
direct human consumption….This
production resulted in a record-
high per capita consumption of Aquaculture is a growing industry that’s sending product all around the globe
20.3 kg in 2016.” PHOTO: GRIEG SEAFOOD
The report goes on to say that the
annual global growth of fish con-
sumption has been twice as high
as population growth since 1961.
Whereas in 2000, roughly a quar-
ter of global seafood production
came from capture fisheries and
Seafood Industry, by 2016, that
number grew to 46.8 per cent.
With the largest coastline in the
world and a wealth of lakes and
rivers, Canada is well-equipped
to contribute to these global
needs.
In December of last year, the
Canadian Aquaculture Industry
Alliance (CAIA) released its State
of Farmed Seafood in Canada 2018 Richard Harry, Executive Director, Aboriginal Aquaculture Campbell River is home to offices for three of the world’s largest
report. Association Seafood Industry companies: Cermaq Canada, Grieg Seafood BC,
Highlights indicated continued PHOTO CREDIT: HTTP://WWW.SEAFOOD INDUSTRY.CA and Marine Harvest Canada
strength and increased revenues.
In 2017, total farmed seafood addition, the area produces more tenures; Show, which will be held from Strathcona Regional District into
revenues increased to $1.392 oysters than any other community • Purchase an established and June 12-13 this year. account, this number jumps to
Billion nationwide, in spite of a in Canada. In spite of its success, integrated farm and process- Campbell River is another major 505 employees, which is 2.55 per
slight decrease in production and however, the region’s industry is ing operation; industry hub, housing offices cent of the region’s total employ-
exports over 2016. not yet growing fast enough to • Apply for tenure and develop for three of the world’s leading ment.
Island communities, including meet global demand. a start-up farm which could Seafood Industry companies: In addition, the strength of
the Comox Valley and Campbell Invest Comox Valley published a include the potential to add Cermaq Canada, Grieg Seafood C amp b ell R i ve r ’s S e a f o o d
River, are reaping the benefits list of investment opportunities new species in the future; BC, and Marine Harvest Canada. Industry industry results in the
of a growing demand for Seafood currently available to interested • Develop a seed nursery to According to the City of Campbell growth of support service pro-
Industry. parties. provide oyster and clam seed River, the industry provides direct viders, including transportation
For instance, the Comox Valley They includes the following: to the industry; employment to approximately (e.g. land or sea-based freight),
has grown to become BC’s larg- • Purchase an existing shell- • Develop new input supplies. 385 people in the community, technical support services, scien-
est producer of shellfish in BC, fish farming operation; One way the Comox Valley pro- and accounts for almost a quarter tific and marine support services,
bringing in 51 per cent of the • Purchase and upgrade small- motes this industry is through its of Seafood Industry employment
province’s annual production. In er scale or underutilized annual BC Seafood Expo & Trade in the province. Taking the whole SEE AQUACULTURE | PAGE 1818 | JUNE 2019 | BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
AQUACULTURE the next five years, and 8,230 additional
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 jobs earning over $410 million within 10
years.”
equipment, supplies, and processing. “There’s huge potential for First Nations
2015 statistics indicated that northern groups to benefit from Seafood Industry,”
Vancouver Island was responsible for said Richard Harry, Executive Director of
approximately 40 per cent of BC’s annual the Aboriginal Aquaculture Association
proportion of GDP generated by salmon (AAA) in a 2018 interview. “A big challenge
farming. to many First Nations is access to capital
Province-wide, Seafood Industry is and lack of equity, so we work to connect
responsible for the creation of roughly Aboriginals with the industry, using joint
7,000 jobs. Nation wide, farming and ventures and partnerships, and building
production activities provide full-time skills and training.”
jobs for more than 26,000 Canadians, who Harry and his team are already involved in
earned an estimated $1.2 billion in total the fin fish side of Seafood Industry, with
wages in 2017. various Aboriginal communities generat-
CAIA’s annual report demonstrates that ing revenue from arrangements facilitated
First Nations groups also reap the benefits by the AAA.
of a thriving Seafood Industry industry. The AAA is also working to help First
It states that “more than 40 Indigenous Nations people break into new and grow-
communities are directly or indirect- ing Seafood Industry practices. For exam-
ly involved in farming seafood across ple, as geoduck farming is rising in pop-
Canada….In addition to those Indigenous ularity, Harry and his organization are
communities already participating in farm- helping to secure funding and contracts
ing seafood, there are many others whose that enable First Nations to participate.
traditional territories have the biophysi- “Some of the economic development
cal capacity to support farmed seafood funds we need are missing, as many First
development. We estimate that future Nations are interested in getting involved
growth of the industry in partnership with in Seafood Industry, especially shell-
Indigenous communities could deliver fish,” says Harry. “With geoduck farming
3,480 additional jobs for Indigenous Certain Island Seafood Industry products, like geoduck, are in high demand in Asia
peoples earning $170 million within in SEE AQUACULTURE | PAGE 19 PHOTO: GEODUCK.ORG
The Comox Valley has grown to become BC’s largest producer of shellfish in BC, bringing in 51 per cent of the province’s annual production. In addition, the area produces more
oysters than any other community in CanadaBC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL | JUNE 2019 | 19
BCSeafoodonYourPlate.com
AQUACULTURE government was adopting the recommen-
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 dations of the United Nations Declaration
on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
specifically, we’re actively searching for (UNDRIP), which we felt would hopefully
the capital required to initiate some of have a positive impact on our indigenous
these projects. It’s in its infancy, but we’re relationships. We created the Indigenous
looking forward to a breakthrough soon.” & Community Relations division in sup-
Grieg Seafood BC provides one example port of what we felt would be construc-
of private Seafood Industry companies tive change with the implementation of
working closely with First Nations com- UNDRIP principles.”
munities to help them benefit from the In spite of the enormous economic benefit
economic growth. to Island communities and the growing
Grieg’s Marilyn Hutchinson has been serv- global demand for farmed seafood, the
ing in the newly created position of direc- Seafood Industry industry is not without
tor of Indigenous & Community Relations its critics, particularly surrounding issues
division. Hutchinson suggested the cre- of environmental protection.
ation of the division in 2018 in order to Those working in Seafood Industry, how-
develop and maintain strong relationships ever, contend that much of the coverage
with the communities that are home to referring to the sustainability of farmed
Grieg Seafood’s farms. seafood misrepresents current industry
In a recent interview with writer Bonnie trends.
Waycott, Hutchinson state, “Building CAIA’s State of Farmed Seafood in Canada
relationships with local communities has 2018 report emphasized the industries The industry’s environmental practices are supported by regulations from both federal
been a part of Grieg Seafood for nearly a efforts to “minimize environmental inter- and provincial governing bodies, as well as international requirements and third-party
decade now. We saw that our provincial actions through measures such as proper sustainability certifications
siting, management of habitat impacts, shellfish farmers, whose product had been
and escape prevention measures — com- declared safe for consumption.
pliant with international standards for “Readers should question the headlines,”
social, environmental and food safety says Winterburn. “Farmers regularly test
responsibilities.” shellfish destined for raw consumption in
The industry’s environmental practices the retail market and follow regulations
are supported by regulations from both to minimize hazards related to contam-
federal and provincial governing bodies, ination of the water in which they farm.
as well as international requirements and They volunteer their time to participate
third-party sustainability certifications. in government programs to monitor water
Last year, the Island’s shellfish industry quality and are proactive in closing farms
suffered from misrepresentation in the when potential hazards are identified.”
media. According to W interburn, B r it ish
“In the Winter of 2016/17 and again in Columbians have many misconceptions
the Spring of 2018, industry was doubly about the Seafood Industry industry.
impacted by outbreaks of norovirus and “Shellfish farming provides a net gain to
the accompanying media, which spoke the overall health of surrounding ecosys-
broadly to the product, rather than spe- tems,” she says. “We do not add food or
cifically to the problem,” said Darlene chemicals to the water.
Winterburn, Executive Director of the BC “Shellfish are filter feeders who get their
Shellfish Growers Association (BCSGA) in nutrition from the water and, in fact,
a Business Examiner interview. clean the water in which they live as they
“The outcome has been consumer miscon- feed. Many cities, including New York,
ceptions that subsequently result in lower and many areas, including Chesapeake
levels of confidence in the product and Bay, have reintroduced shellfish to
losses in sales.” restore water quality and improve local
According to Winterburn, only five farms ecosystems.”
in a single, small geographic region were To find out more about the Seafood
Tim Johnson working, Seafood Industry technician on Grieg Seafood BC’s Nootka Sound closed due to potential contamination Industry industry, visit www.Seafood
farms in traditional Mowachaht Muchalaht territory off the west coast of Vancouver Island this Spring. However, incomplete media Industryassociation.ca, www.bcsga.ca,
PHOTO: GRIEG SEAFOOD coverage adversely affected the rest of or www.bcsalmonfarmers.ca.20 | JUNE 2019 | BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
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