What is a farmed salmon? Understanding the life of a seafood commodity from ocean to table

Farmed Atlantic salmon is one of the worlds most valuable and widely traded seafood commodities. It is a significant component of Canadas agrifood sector, and is BCs largest agricultural commodity. It provides much needed employment in rural, remote and sometimes aboriginal communities in BC. However in BC, the sector has been consistently challenged by social license; a constraint that reflects the diverse perspectives about farmed salmon. This research project is aimed at better understanding these perspectives by following the fish along the commodity chain from its production in BC to consumption in California, and documenting the values and meanings, both positive and negative of people who touch it along the way. This may improve dialogue contributing to social license as the sector pursues new and increased market opportunities in Canada and abroad for this globally traded species.

Faculty Supervisor:

Rosaline Canessa

Student:

Michele Patterson

Partner:

Grieg Seafood

Discipline:

Geography / Geology / Earth science

Sector:

Environmental industry

University:

University of Victoria