The Women in North America Aquaculture Summit is set to take place virtually on Sept. 7.
Moderated by Communications, Partnerships and Communities Manager of the B.C. Salmon Farmer Association (BCSFA), Michelle Franze, and Grieg Seafood B.C. Regulatory Specialist Sam Tomkinson, the event is seen as one to highlight the contributions of women to what some many see as a male dominated industry.
“I felt I had been underestimated at the beginning of my career,” said Tomkinson, who has had stints with Marine Harvest Group, Grieg and Mowi Canada West for the past five years. “I don’t see this as the case anymore.”
Panelists will include Emily Warren, who is a Licence and Development Officer for Cermaq Canada. Warren says trying to forge a path in a career within the industry can at times be challenging, especially for newcomers.
“In terms of specifically fish farming, this has been historically seen as male dominant,” said Warren. “However, I have met so many amazing women within this industry. In leadership positions, colleagues and other women on this panel. They inspire me to keep pushing forward every day.”
Other panelists include Environmental Specialist Kirstyn Hallberg, Aquaculture Veterinarian Kathryn Smith, and Fish Health and Food Safety Lab Manager of Mowi Canada West Kaitlin Guitard.
Guitard says that being inclusive is vital to ensuring a prosperous future within the aquaculture industry. That does include the further involvement of First Nations.
“With experience in fish farming reaching a third generation of Indigenous peoples, this bodes well for the future of our sector,” said Guitard. “Fish Farm companies have looked to engage stakeholders and rights holders to better understand risks associated with their business and to find solutions to real and legitimate concerns.”