PECEPTION - THE REALITY THAT DRIVES AQUACULTURE INNOVATION IN COASTAL BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA  

Following the Western Canada "gold rush" era of fish farming development in the 1980's, a variety of environmental issues resulting from suboptimal farm site selection and problematic operational protocols generated immediate public awareness and a first impression of this new industry sector.   Subsequently, the public became increasing 'informed' on the issues, although primarily via the media and through a number of newly formed environmental NGO's and individual activists - unfortunately all promoting a strong and unwavering negative perspective of the industry.  The first in a series of industry growth moratoria and formal government inquiries was completed in 1987, concluding that industry must be much more closely regulated and careful consideration of growth be incorporated into coastal zone management on the Canadian west coast.  The result of these initial events has been the development of the most stringent regulatory framework for aquaculture in the world, with a business environment that can be described as nothing short of challenging.  

Ironically, the majority of the environmental issues that were associated with the industry start-up in the 1980's were quickly resolved through proper farm siting, a comprehensive regulatory structure, and as a result of applied research and innovation in the production process itself.   Nevertheless, the initial public perception of aquaculture (immediately linked to fish farming in BC) is continually reinforced by the media and eNGO's, and thus remains the primary driver in coastal resource politics, regulation, aboriginal community relations, and in research and innovation.    This talk will provide examples (e.g., closed containment systems, IMTA, regulatory science) of how public perception has been galvanized in British Columbia, and how ongoing industry and institutional R&D/innovation addresses these perceptions … and the spin continues (in both direction).