Wharfside
February 2013
In this issue The Marine Harvest barbeque team: giving back to the community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 In-house invented underwater “fish vacuum” proves itself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Hatchery and home: a lovely combination for new parent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 HURRY!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Conserving salmon on Vancouver Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Big Tree Creek staffer profiled at ‘Beyond Expectations’. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Great exercise and a lot of fun!. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Safety ‘InSites’. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Ijsbeer Zwemmen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Do your kids attend any of the following educational institutions?. . . . . . . . . . 5 ‘Soar’ magazine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Salmon charity BBQ applications now online. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Where do we farm salmon in BC?. . . . . . . . . . 6
Did you Know? A group of frogs are called an army and a group of owls are called a parliament.
Trivia time! According to Guinness, where is the longest street in the world? Answer on Page 4
Comments about this Newsletter? Please email comments, articles and ideas to Ian Roberts, Communications Manager at ian.roberts@marineharvest.com
The Marine Harvest barbeque team: giving back to the community If you ever have the chance to help out at a MHC salmon barbeque or a food show event – do it. You may be surprised at the conversation about our business of salmon By Clare Backman, farming. While Sustainability we sometimes see Programs Director newspaper articles critical of our business that appear loud and fierce, we rarely hear from this small, yet vocal group at a food event. We certainly don’t ignore criticisms and concerns – heck we have a robust regulatory framework that was built as a response to them – but the reality of a day volunteering to hand out salmon to support a charitable cause is very different: it’s a lot of fun! At my first event I learned that safe set up and operation of our very cool BBQ trailer was a key element of a successful event so I set my mind to learning the procedures for set up and take down. I also learned that a Food Safe course was a good idea if I wanted to make sure that all this great salmon was going to remain a healthy food choice after passing through my hands. So that was a must do course that I quickly got under my belt. Since then I’ve been at several BBQ and food show events and the main theme that weaves through all of them is that people come out to these community fund raisers
to have fun and support a good cause - be it the Food Bank, the Cancer Society or the SPCA. Something very special happens every time: people are all blown away by the Marine Harvest staff and BBQ trailer and the way we give back to the community by donating our time and thousands of dollars of our very excellent salmon. The questions I find myself answering are “where can I buy your salmon?” or “where are your farms located?” I find that I say a lot of “you’re very welcome” and “glad you enjoyed eating our salmon”. There may also be questions like “why Atlantic salmon?” or “what do you feed them?” but there’s always one of us who can provide a simple answer. People usually ask honest questions in a non-critical manner. Community fundraisers are ‘smile fests’, not political debates! At the end of each BBQ season I count myself fortunate to have met many Marine Harvest staff members that I didn’t know before and to have received the heartfelt thanks of hundreds of North Islanders for helping to raise funds for worthy causes. I can’t wait to sign up for BBQ events in 2013 – you should too!
HURRY! Only a few free tickets left for MHC staff! See page 3
10th ANNUAL AQUACULTURE GOLF TOURNAMENT GLACIER GREENS GOLF COURSE SEPTEMBER 11Th, 2010
Rocky Boschman inspects airlift pipe used for Marine Harvest designed pump system
In-house invented underwater “fish vacuum” proves itself By Gina Forsyth
Two years of research, development and testing by Marine Harvest Canada’s Operations Department has paid off with the successful introduction of a custom built airlift pump system that safely and efficiently recovers fish from the bottom of net pens.
naturally occurring event, such as a summer plankton bloom, may cause an increase in fish mortality, a unit can be shipped and deployed very quickly.
The system is temporarily installed into the pen and easily removed with the assistance of a large crane, according to Rocky Boschman, Marine Technical Services Manager. Operated from the surface, air is injected into hoses which are attached to the equipment’s bodies at depth and creates a strong vacuum that sucks the fish up to the water’s surface and directly into sealed containers.
“The in-house development of this system is something we’re very proud of,” said Rocky, adding that knowing the company is well prepared for rare mortality events gives a new level of peace of mind to site staff and managers alike. As part of the company’s ongoing “be prepared” strategy, staff training and annual equipment maintenance is completed each year in May. Comprehensive written standard operating procedures that are stringently followed were also developed by staff. Only employees who have been thoroughly trained operate the equipment.
Three identical units that weigh upwards of 800 pounds each are housed at two locations central to Marine Harvest’s farming locations. In the rare case that a
Health and safety concerns regarding contract scuba divers in the pens have also been significantly reduced since the pump system was first introduced in 2011. With
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stringent regulations limiting the length of time divers can be underwater at any one time, the use of surface controlled equipment means that employees can take as much time as needed to complete the job without worrying about divers’ well-being. “Our on-site staff can get a good start and have the bulk of the work done immediately, so divers simply complete the final clean up,” explained Rocky. The price tag for one unit is $15,000, but costs are quickly offset by reduced use of contract scuba divers. “The Operations Department reminds themselves of the motto, ‘The difference between disaster and adventure is preparation’”, explained Rocky. “And, we have all year to plan for a couple of days of adventure.”
Hatchery and home: a lovely combination for new parent By Gina Forsyth
Cecilia Plecas was 10 years old when she was introduced to the aquaculture industry through her mother, Maureen Ritter. “I remember picking eggs at the hatchery and enjoying how methodical it was.” Years later as an adult, Cecilia made the move to the industry. When her maternity leave started in late October, Cecilia was working at Big Tree Creek hatchery near Sayward, north of Campbell River. She’s involved with the egg incubation process which includes removing the less healthy eggs and ensuring ongoing cleanliness. Cecilia has also been responsible for first feedings once the eggs are further developed.
A 2005 graduate of Vanier High in Courtenay, Cecilia was born in Duncan on southern Vancouver Island and lived in Nanaimo and Gold River before settling in Black Creek, south of Campbell River. Of course a conversation with Cecilia these days would simply not be complete without the subject of the newest addition to the family, the “lovely” Trace Alexander, born November 9 to Cecilia and her partner Ben Schoenfelder, who is part of the Marine Harvest Projects Crew. Cecilia’s interest in fish extends to her volunteer work. In 2005, as a summer student at the Oyster River Enhancement Society (ORES), Cecilia appreciated the opportunity to work outside, feeding fish,
doing lawn maintenance and dismantling beaver dams on the Oyster River. “It was really cool,” she says. Since then, she’s continued to give of her time to ORES by feeding fish on weekends. Cecilia also has a passion for horses, especially Beau, her 17 year old quarter horse. “I would love for Trace to ride when he’s older”.
HURRY!
10th ANNUAL AQUACULTURE GOLF TOURNAMENT
Hurry! Only a few free tickets left GLACIER GREENS for MHC staff to attendGOLF theCOURSE 14th SEPTEMBER 11 , 2010 Annual BC Aquaculture Achievement Awards being held on February 1:00PM SHOT GUN START 6:30 PM DINNER 23rd in Campbell River. Contact Ian TEXAS SCRAMBLE FORMAT COST: $100.00/PERSON Roberts at ian.roberts@marineharvest. TO BOOK YOUR TEAM OF FOUR CONTACT com for tickets and don’t forget to DAVE ASHCROFT AT: dave.ashcroft@marineharvest.com nominate friendby or anGreens Pro Golf Carts are to beareserved eachcoworker team by calling for Glacier Shop @ (250) 339-6515 and are at a first come, first served basis award! Nomination forms are online SUPPORT POSITIVE AQUACULTURE AWARENESS at http://www.farmfreshsalmon.org/ nomination-form. Th
Conserving salmon on Vancouver Island Conserving salmon is a passion for fish farmers and many hard-working volunteers. A new (and short!) video produced by Marine Harvest Canada highlights some of
the Vancouver Island salmon conservation projects that MHC has assisted with. Check it out! http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=aSh2q_DZhRo MarineHarvestCanada.com
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Big Tree Creek staffer profiled at ‘Beyond Expectations’ Jody Atkinson has always loved the outdoors: camping, studying nature and knowing how to take care of herself in the wilderness. It’s a love that was nurtured as she grew up a member of Girl Guides of Canada – and a love she hopes to share with others now as she leads a guide unit in Campbell River. Read the complete profile at http:// bcsfabeyondexpectations.wordpress.com
Jody Atkinson, Photo courtesy of BC Salmon Farmers Association
Great exercise and a lot of fun! Marine Harvest has been a proud sponsor of the “Stingers” for the past 8 years. The coed soccer team plays in the Campbell River Mixed League which competes indoors during the winter and outside in the spring.
Safety ‘InSites’ By Dan Pattison, Health and Safety Advisor
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The Bullard Company is credited with being the first to develop hard hats for miners around 1915. By 1919, the hard hat design was complete and patented as the “Hard-Boiled Hat.” It was made of canvas, which was
steamed, and then covered in black paint. •
The first recorded building project that required hardhats occurred in 1933, when construction began MarineHarvestCanada.com
on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Chief engineer, Joe Strauss, wanted employees to be safe and issued mandatory hard hats for all workers. Answer: Yonge Street in Toronto is 1,896 kms long.
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Ijsbeer Zwemmen mmitment: Innovation and co on lm serving fresh BC sa every day
Jacob Koomen, Maintenance Supervisor at Dalrymple Nursery, (aka “The Flying Dutchman”) took the Polar Bear Swim challenge on New Year’s Day for the first
time. Way to go Jacob! Hopefully the toque helped keep him nice and warm? (Can you figure out what the title says?)
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If you’re flying with Pacific Coastal Airlines this month, check out the February edition of ‘Soar’ magazine in the seat pocket in front of you. You’ll not only enjoy an article about BC salmon farming but also see Marine Harvest’s advertisement featuring Lauren Edgar!
Do your kids attend any of the following educational institutions? • • • • •
Kitasoo Community School North Island College Port Hardy Secondary School North Island Secondary School Vancouver Island University
If so, please let them know that Marine Harvest has made scholarships and bursaries available at these locations. More MarineHarvestCanada.com
information can be found on our website at http://www.marineharvestcanada.com/ careers_scholarships.php 5
Salmon charity BBQ applications now online Last summer, Marine Harvest Canada’s salmon barbecue trailer cooked up over $15,000 for local charities in Campbell River, Port Hardy, Port McNeill and the Comox Valley. If you know of a deserving society or charitable group, please be aware that Marine Harvest is now booking fundraising events for this summer. Better hurry, the application deadline is March 15th. Details are available on our website at www.MarineHarvestCanada.com
Where do we farm salmon in BC? The 2012 update of the BC Salmon Farmers Association’s “Out Migration Map” is now available online at http://www.salmonfarmers. org/active-salmon-farm-map-showssmall-footprint. This map not only identifies active farm sites during the spring of each year since 2007, but also shows the relatively small footprint of BC salmon farms on the BC coast. These maps may also assist in future research by providing historical record of which sites have been active, or not.
Number Site Name 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47
Althorpe Arrow Bell Brougham Chancellor Church House Conville Bay Cyrus Rocks Doctor Doyle Duncan Farside Goat Cove Hardwicke Humphrey Rocks Jackson Pass Kid Bay Koskimo Larsen Lees Bay Lochalsh Mahatta East Mahatta West Marsh Bay Midsummer Monday Rocks Phillips Arm Port Elizabeth Potts Bay Raynor Sargeaunts Pass Shelter Bay Shelter Pass Okisollo Sonora Point Swanson Island Thorpe Point Thurlow Island Wicklow Point
Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Site Name Bare Bluff Bawden Bedwell Binns Cormorant Dixon Bay Fortune Channel McIntyre Lake Millar Channel Mussel Rock Ross Pass Rant Point Saranac Island Westside Barkley San Mateo Brent Island Burdwood Cecil Island Cliff Bay Cypress Harbour Maude Island Raza Island Simmonds Point Sir Edmund Bay Venture Point Wehlis Bay
Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Site Name Ahlstrom Atrevida Barnes Bay Bennet Point Cliff Cove Concepcion Culloden Esperanza Gore Hecate Kunechin Lutes Creek Muchalaht N. Muchalaht S. Newcomb Salten Site 13 Site 9 Steamer Point Vantage Williamson
Queen Charlotte Sound
15
22
Klemtu 27
21
Qu
40
ee
41 12
Port Hardy
3
11
n
Ch
30
ar
36
lo
tte
22
St
ra
19
32 23 29
25
20 18
47
it
2 31
45
21
44
Port McNeill
35
B r i t i s h
20
34
28
18
1st Year 2nd Year
13
33
1
1st Year 2nd Year
C o l u m b i a
37
10 4
24
25
6
46
43
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Location dots on this map are for illustration purposes only and are not to scale. In reality, all active BC salmon farms structure can fit within the area shown here (less than 1 km2).
42 17
7
3
23 9
8
5 12
Campbell River
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Powell River 1
P a c i f i c
1st Year 2nd Year
O c e a n
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6 2 21 14 20 17 16
6
St
9 4
11 2
2007 Out Migration Site Locations
8 10 12 3 13
1
ra
it
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Port Alberni Tofino
(Operational Sites during March 1 – July 1. Not all sites active throughout entire out-migration period. Map reflects all farms that had any activity between March 1 and July 1 – even if only for a small portion of that time)
Nanaimo
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11
G
18
eo
15
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Vancouver
North Vancouver Port Coquitlam
ia
Chilliwack
Surrey Langley White Rock
Sidney
Mount Vernon
Juan de Fuca Strait
Puget Sd.
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Abbotsford
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