Wharfside January 2017
In this issue Something to think about: Bill-228. . . . . . . . 2 Ski racer embraces beach life in BC. . . . . . . 3 Marine Harvest nominated to purchase east coast farming assets. . . . . . . 3 Recognizing students’ outstanding achievements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Avoid slips and trips at home and at work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Breakfast with Santa a success. . . . . . . . . . . 5 Save the Date!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 A little help from friends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Did you Know? Hockey Night in Canada is the longest running TV show in North America. Campbell River estuary in 1921, image 15468 courtesy of the Museum at Campbell River
Trivia time! What two languages is Hockey Night in Canada broadcast in each week? Answer on Page 4
Comments about this Newsletter? Please email comments, articles and ideas to Ian Roberts, Director of Public Affairs, at ian.roberts@marineharvest.com
The importance of salmon estuaries Picture this: a single French horn sitting in the middle of the soccer pitch at Wembley Stadium. The horn’s tubing is a meandering river, the bell is a brackish estuary, and the rest of the stadium is the open ocean. Now, picture a tiny salmon starting its life at the horn’s mouthpiece, then navigating the tiny river and coming to rest and acclimatize at the estuary, before venturing off into a massive open blue. This visualization helps underpin the importance of salmon estuaries in a salmonid’s lifecycle, and retired biologist, Dr. Colin Levings, was determined to
help raise their profile as vital habitat for anadromous fish (fish that migrate from salt water to spawn in fresh water). Ecology of salmonids in estuaries around the world (Levings, 2016) is an important collection of what we know about salmon estuaries, as well as a look into critical knowledge gaps that can further assist conservation efforts. And recent conservation efforts by dedicated local groups on Vancouver Island are proving fruitful. Continued on page 2
Something to think about: Bill-228 This is my first of a 12 month opinion series that I hope will provide something to think about. Last month, our Canadian By Ian Roberts Parliament Director of Public Affairs considered a private members Bill C-228 introduced by Member of Parliament Fin Donnelly (NDP) that demands all ocean salmon
farms in British Columbia be moved onto land. Fortunately, common sense prevailed and the Bill was defeated by a vote of 215 to 80 with the vast majority of Liberal and Conservative Members of Parliament voting against it. For those who know little about salmon aquaculture, making the case for aquaculture to mass migrate onto land is surprisingly easy: one simply has to exaggerate the impacts of ocean farming while at the same time understate the challenges of raising salmon on land to market size. But the fact is, both systems
of fish production are important pieces of today’s modern salmon farming. Marine Harvest continues to invest millions of dollars yearly to maximize the benefits and minimize the impacts of both land-based and ocean-based farms. If this law proposal had prevailed all salmon farming in B.C. would have closed down within the next five years, destroying thousands of jobs, including yours. Rachel Blaney, the NDP MP for the North Island voted in favour of this proposed law. That should give us all something to think about.
The importance of salmon estuaries Continued from page 1
In 1969 the Comox Valley Chapter of the Steelhead Society began to ask why fish were not rebuilding in the Comox Valley’s Tsolum River. After decades of discussion, in 1997, funding was received from Fisheries and Oceans Canada for the Tsolum River Restoration Project. As a result of restoration efforts, the Tsolum River has recently had a return of naturally spawning salmonid species. The 2015 pink salmon return was estimated at 129,000 fish – as high as any historical record. 2
The Campbell River Estuary was once an “industrial mud pit” according to Nature Conservancy Canada. But in recent years, the estuary has undergone a dramatic transformation back into an area of rich diversity and beauty. These days, looking down into the shallow river water swirling lazily past the rocky shore, it is easy to spot dozens of finger-length Chinook fry milling about the weeds and algae. The river has hosted several historically-high salmon returns in the last decade. MarineHarvest.ca
Perhaps the words of angler/writer Roderick Haig-Brown (1908-1976) best summarize the importance of the freshwater phase for salmonids, stating “Take care of the rivers and streams and the rest will take care of itself.” If you would like to have your own copy of Ecology of salmonids in estuaries around the world, send an email to Leith.Paganoni@ marineharvest.com. We will award one person a copy. You can also order the book online at UBCpress.ca.
Ski racer embraces beach life in BC By Gina Forsyth
For Samantha Gilbert (Sam), Assistant Manager at the Swanson Island site, success is measured by job satisfaction. She’s feeling very satisfied these days. Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Sam is a former ski racer who has been “skiing since before I could walk, thanks to my dad. She holds an Environmental Technologist diploma from the Marine Institute in Newfoundland. Her postsecondary education included water and plankton sampling and coastal zone management. “It transferred well to aquaculture,” says Sam. Sam worked for Marine Harvest during her third year work term and was offered a full-time position in May 2015. Since moving to Campbell River, Sam is
enjoying hiking and appreciates the sandy beaches that are so different from the east coast. “I do love this coast,” says Sam, adding that she’s looking forward to skiing again. Sam started at Glacier Falls and was faced with a steep learning curve, which she adapted to well. Sam was promoted to her current role in early summer, 2016. Her responsibilities include daily scheduling of the staff ’s time, ordering feed every shift, and managing and training two employees. Sam would like to send a shout out to the former manager of Swanson Island, Brad Hallam, for being “the best boss I’ve ever had”. She also credits her colleague Rob Smith for showing great patience with her training.
Marine Harvest nominated to purchase east coast farming assets Marine Harvest has been nominated by the Receiver of all the assets owned by the Gray Aqua Group of Companies (“the Company”), to purchase the Company. The acquisition price on a cash and debt free basis is CAD 15 million. The Company is based on the East Coast of Canada and is currently in receivership.
The assets purchased include one hatchery in New Brunswick, two farming licenses in New Brunswick, seven farming licenses in Newfoundland, and one processing plant in Newfoundland. Currently no fish has been stocked in the above mentioned licenses. In addition, the Company has applied for 17 farming licenses in Newfoundland MarineHarvest.ca
which are yet to be approved. Closing of the transaction is subject to signing a final purchase agreement as well as approval by the Court of Queen’s Bench of New Brunswick. The full announcement is available at marineharvest.com.
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Recognizing students’ outstanding achievements One of our 2016 summer students was awarded the Marine Harvest Salmon Aquaculture Scholarship at Vancouver Island University. Ryan Borschneck will receive a $1500 scholarship to support his second year of study in the Fisheries and Aquaculture program. Port Hardy Processing Plant Maintenance Manager Andy Beech presented the << Andy Beech (right) presents the scholarship to VIU’s Ryan Borschneck
scholarship to Ryan at a ceremony in Nanaimo in December. Ryan said he really enjoyed working with Alex Taylor’s team at Midsummer Island in the summer and got a lot out of the experience. For more information on Marine Harvest bursaries and scholarships, please visit marineharvest.ca/people/scholarshipaward--bursary-information/
Avoid slips and trips at home and at work Work during the winter requires special attention to avoid slipping and falling. Even after workers clean snow, salt work areas and ensure they have proper footwear and equipment, it is important for everyone to be continuously aware of these hazards and to learn to walk safely on slippery surfaces and invest the time to eliminate hazards whenever possible.
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In cold temperatures, approach with caution and assume that work areas are slippery and icy.
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Extend your arms out to your sides to maintain balance.
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During the day, wear polarized glasses. These may help identify problematic areas that may be a slipping hazard.
Here are some pointers you can use to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you:
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Walk in designated walkways as much as possible.
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During bad weather, avoid footwear with smooth soles and heels.
If you must carry a load, try not to carry too much; leave your hands and arms free to balance. Keep your hands out of your pockets. You can enhance your balance and help break your fall with your hands free if you do start to slip.
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Watch where you are stepping. The best control is keeping a sharp mind on the task, and in the winter season, navigating the work site is a task in itself.
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Use the hand railings and three point contact whenever possible.
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Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles or transitioning to floats or structures.
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Take short steps or shuffle for stability. It also helps to stop occasionally to break momentum.
MarineHarvest.ca Answer: English and Punjabi
By Dan Pattison, Health and Safety Advisor
Breakfast with Santa a success
Gabriel Osorio, Emma Gordon, Julio Osorio and Ryley Gordon
Christmas crafts, music, presents, photos and Santa delighted Marine Harvest families at breakfast parties in
Campbell River and Port Hardy in December. The photo booth in Campbell River was a
huge hit. Contact your HR elves (Lindsey, Shylo or Tina) to get pics of your children with Santa.
Save the Date! The Marine Harvest Management Conference will take place on Friday, January 27th at the Maritime Heritage Centre in Campbell River. Staff expected to attend have now received email confirmation. The conference will be followed by an evening reception for staff and partners. MarineHarvest.ca
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A little help from friends There was a team effort from Marine Harvest staff to deliver Christmas gifts to the House of Prayer in Alert Bay. The annual donation was organized by Mike Dobbs and Maurice Isaac, shopped by Allison King, and delivered by Randy Cramer and Jeff Noel on the Salmo III.
Check out the MHC Facebook page for winners of a recent winter photo competition. One of the prizes went to Gina Gardin from Ocean Falls for this beauty pano!
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