Wharfside November 2016
In this issue Exciting research into sea lice resistance in coho salmon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 West to East and back again. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Donation doubled!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2016 Not for Profit award goes to… . . . . . . . 4 Shift into winter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Promoting a Blue Revolution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Proposed interior of Port Hardy’s Multiplex
Updated report card on the salmon farming industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Multiplex gets funding boost
Lucky winners take home salmon filets. . . 5
Marine Harvest has committed $250,000 toward an exciting new project with support for the District of Port Hardy’s proposed aquatic facility, the Multiplex Project.
donation from Marine Harvest is not only a financial contribution but recognition that the North Island is an area of viable business growth.
Marine Harvest Canada Managing Director Vincent Erenst says the large, one-off investment indicates the level of commitment the company has to the area.
“With this huge financial boost, we’re pleased that an important employer like Marine Harvest agrees with Port Hardy’s vision of building a strong and vibrant community.”
Salmon farmers help vessel in distress. . . . 6 Campbell River estuary cleanup. . . . . . . . . . . 6
Did you Know? The world’s largest totem pole is in Alert Bay, Canada.
Trivia time! How many countries is Marine Harvest represented in? Answer on Page 4
“Like Port Hardy, our company wants to grow, and by investing in this region we can ensure it remains a great place to live – for those living here now and for those yet to arrive. We want to be a part of the excitement that Port Hardy and the surrounding region have to offer.”
Following this announcement, a majority of voters in Port Hardy (77%) approved of the District’s plan to borrow up to half of the funds needed to build the $12 million Multiplex. Read more about the project at www.porthardy.ca
Mayor of Port Hardy Hank Bood says the
Comments about this Newsletter? Please email comments, articles and ideas to Ian Roberts, Director of Public Affairs, at ian.roberts@marineharvest.com
Save the date! Saturday, December 10th 2016
Breakfast with Santa for Marine Harvest employees and their families Campbell River Eagles Hall and Port Hardy Processing Plant
Exciting research into sea lice resistance in coho salmon A team of researchers on Prince Edward Island are mapping the pathways of lice resistance in a project that could shift the paradigm for Atlantic salmon and aquaculture. Dr. Laura Braden, a post-doctoral fellow in the Pathology & Microbiology Department at the Atlantic Veterinary College, is leading the research along with Department of Fisheries & Oceans and the Centre for Aquaculture Technologies. In 2015, Dr. Braden’s team flew 600 coho salmon from Vancouver Island to labs at Prince Edward Island, where they studied the rejection of sea lice at a molecular level.
Salmon lice attached on either the skin or fin of coho salmon were completely encapsulated by skin after five days.
“For Atlantic salmon, lice infection can cause damage to the skin, which can lead to many issues, including secondary disease,” Dr. Braden explains. “But we don’t see the same response in resistant species, like coho.”
Congratulations! Administration assistant Akhilaa Susheela was proud to present the Bob Minkler Memorial Bursary to Zachary Meadus. Zachary has completed two years of a Bachelor of Science at North Island College and will use the scholarship to transfer to the University of Victoria where he wants to major in Microbiology. See more available scholarships at MarineHarvest.ca.
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Other types of Pacific salmon have some resistance to sea lice, but none are as pronounced as the coho. “Pink salmon also reject the parasite but I’ve never seen a rapid tissue response like this before,” Dr. Braden says. Initial results demonstrate how juvenile Pacific coho salmon exposed to salmon lice are able to rapidly reject the parasite, with virtually no lice remaining on the fish after 10 days. And their results suggest that the fish do not simply reject the louse, but actually might be killing them. “It is absolutely incredible, these fish are very small and we challenge them with a lot of lice, but it doesn’t matter. Whatever mechanism is responsible for this response is extremely effective,” Dr. Braden says.
West to East and back again She returned to Vancouver Island to live in 2013, after being recruited by Marine Harvest from Dalhousie University.
Amanda Luxton travelled a lot when she was little, her father was in the navy, and as an adult she keeps moving around the world in her time off work. Amanda was born in Victoria, British Columbia, while her father was stationed there. One of her early family memories is crossing Canada in a truck, from west to east coast. She grew up in Nova Scotia.
in Halifax, and her parents own land in West Branch, Nova Scotia.
The freshwater technician has made the most of her camp schedule at Dalrymple freshwater hatchery – taking her time off to travel and explore the island and beyond. This schedule has allowed Amanda to visit Mexico, Hawaii, Australia, and parts of Europe.
“I loved animals and wanted to be a vet, which is what I originally went to school for, but after a while I realized it wasn’t for me, so I studied animal science at Dalhousie. It wasn’t until I took my first aquaculture course that I considered a minor in aquaculture and a career in the industry.”
From her home in Campbell River, she’s taken many road trips down the west coast of the USA, most recently to catch a Blue Jays game in Seattle.
“A lot of what I learned was instantly applicable, especially in water quality monitoring and the operation of recirculating aquaculture systems.”
“I like road trips because you have the freedom of stopping wherever you want,” Amanda says.
Amanda’s hard work and dedication have paid off with a recent promotion to supervisor at Marine Harvest’s Big Tree Creek hatchery. She’s looking forward to starting the new role in December, but she’ll miss the freedom of travel when she starts a regular five-and-two shift schedule.
Often her trips serve a dual purpose of seeing her family who are willing to travel to meet Amanda in various locations. Her brother works for the Royal Canadian Navy
Donation doubled! Father and daughter team Dave and Julia Ashcroft were pleased to handover a matching Marine Harvest donation of $635 to Stephanie Arkwright from the BC SPCA. The dog-loving Ashcroft family volunteers every year on behalf of Marine Harvest at the Campbell River Paws for a Cause animal walk, cooking salmon meals with all proceeds going to the animal shelter. This year they raised $635 from sales and this amount was doubled by the company. MarineHarvest.ca
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2016 Not for Profit award goes to… Vancouver Island North Habitat for Humanity was awarded the Not-for-Profit Award, sponsored by Marine Harvest, at the recent Campbell River Chamber of Commerce business awards. MHC is also contributing to the charity’s upcoming fundraising dance on November 5 at the Eagles Hall. Get your tickets from the ReStore or at HabitatCRDance.eventbrite.ca L-R: MHC finance director Phil Petrosouvich presents the Not-for-Profit Award to ReStore general manager Ellie Karras, Habitat for Humanity executive director Pat McKenna, Campbell River volunteer manager Lorraine Holden, Mark Holden, Comox volunteer manager Terri Perrin.
Shift into winter The most important protection we have for winter driving is our BrainSafe training. Use your judgment to and slow down whenever conditions are less than ideal. Always reduce speed when approaching areas that may be icy, including shaded areas, bridges and overpasses. Remember, driving slower is safer. Maintaining vehicle control is also important. Steer gradually to avoid a skid. Accelerate gently, turn slowly, and brake carefully and early. Avoid quick movements that could put you in a spin. Anticipate turns, stops, and lane changes well before they occur.
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What controls can you put in place to improve safety? •
Ensure you have winter-rated tires. These are winter tires or all-weather tires that display the mountain and snowflake logo.
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Bring warm clothing when travelling long distances in the winter in case of breakdown or accident.
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Check weather reports before you leave http://www.drivebc.ca or call toll free 1-800-550-4997.
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Ensure the vehicle is regularly inspected and well-maintained.
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Do a thorough pre-trip inspection.
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Ensure your vehicle has the required emergency equipment on board. Vehicle safety kits are available in the Basware purchasing catalog.
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Drive to the conditions and not the speed limit!
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For more information visit shiftintowinter.ca
Make sure you have winter washer fluid and a long handled scraper.
MarineHarvest.ca Answer: 24
By Health and Safety Manager Blaine Tremblay
Promoting a Blue Revolution
Updated report card on the salmon farming industry The 2016 sustainability progress report is voluntary, public disclosure of social, environmental, economic and animal welfare performance from BCSFA members. It also has some neat graphics and handy facts for people interested in aquaculture. Download a copy today from bcsalmonfarmers.ca/category/ news-releases/
A new exhibit at California’s Aquarium of the Pacific titled “Vanishing Animals” provides a good reminder to visitors about our history that has seen many a land animal go extinct. It also reminds us that we still have the opportunity to avert a similar path in the ocean. The conservation section of the exhibit speaks to how we can learn from endangered species that were brought back from the brink - and how responsible aquaculture can also play an important conservation role. The Aquarium recognizes that marine aquaculture will play an increasingly important role in
meeting the growing demand for seafood, stating that with the best available science and technologies, “seafood can be produced with fewer impacts relative to other animal proteins.” The Aquarium’s Seafood for the Future initiative recognizes Marine Harvest Canada as a Producer Partner for its commitment to farming responsibly. Learn more about Seafood for the Future at www. aquariumofpacific.org/seafoodfuture/ marine_aquaculture.
Lucky winners take home salmon filets Three local residents won 10 pounds of Marine Harvest’s Sterling salmon each after entering a draw at a recent Marine Harvest charity barbeque. The freshly frozen filets were delivered to their doors by Chef Cori Wheeler last month. MarineHarvest.ca
Charlotte Stubbs entered at Paws for a Cause in Campbell River, Holly Reusch entered at FILOMI Days in Port Hardy, and Leanna Le Fevre was part of Campbell River’s Dragon Boat Festival. It was her first race and she paddled in the survivor boat. 5
Salmon farmers help vessel in distress Several times a year Marine Harvest’s salmon farmers are called upon to rescue mariners along the British Columbian coast. The farmers are always happy to help out and ensure the safety of boaters. Below is a little thank you from two people who recently had to call upon our Okisollo farm for help: We wanted to send you a message of thanks to your wonderful staff at Okisollo. Our boat broke down on its maiden voyage very close to the farm. We were able to use the kicker and make it to dock. The staff came out to greet us and told us they would help if we couldn’t get in touch with anyone else. After calling the coast guard we were unable to get help from any one. Your staff came
One quarter certified! and checked on us a few times and when we found no other help they kindly offered us the assistance needed. We offered to pay for fuel or give them a bottle of wine as a thank you and both offers were politely declined. You have a great group of people working the farm and we are deeply appreciative of the excellent help your staff provided us. Sincerely, Renee Desautels and Kris Cann
Following the certification of Glacier Falls, Goat Cove and Ghi-Ya (Bull Harbour), Marine Harvest Canada has certified 25 per cent of its active salmon farms against the Aquaculture Stewardship Council standards. With the goal of 100% certification by 2020, the company is ahead of schedule and continuing to make good progress. Congratulations to all employees involved in the audits.
Campbell River estuary cleanup “This is great,” said Jake Smith during a lunch break for a dozen volunteers from several organizations that made good on a plan to clean up a Campbell River estuary trail from debris.
Kevin, Akhilaa, and Kelsey getting stuck in.
Jake Smith, public works manager for the Wei Wai Kum (Campbell River) First Nation, had taken the lead in organizing Ducks Unlimited BC, The Nature Trust BC, Wei Wai Kum and Marine Harvest Canada to assist in cleaning up a 200 metre section
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of trail near the Campbell River estuary that had, for years, been neglected and abused by litter bugs. At the end of the day a large refuse container was full and a beautiful wooded trail was brought back to life. “You can hear the birds really chirping today,” Jake noted as the cleanup ended. “They must like the way the trail looks too.” To see more photo of the estuary clean up, visit our Facebook page.
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