The BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) has announced the appointment of Brian Kingzett as its new Executive Director. He is assuming the position immediately, replacing Ruth Salmon, BCSFA's former Interim Executive Director since February 2022, who will be leaving the Association upon her retirement.
Brian Kingzett holds a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree from the University of Victoria and a Master of Marine Biology from Simon Fraser University, and has 35 years of experience in the environmental and aquaculture sectors. Throughout his career, he has built up what the association describes as a "unique combination" of local and overseas professional experience, something that is sure to be useful in his new position.
In the midst of a transition from open-net pen aquaculture, aquaculture sector is at a key moment in British Columbia, Canada, as recognized by the new Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association.
"We have a lot of work ahead as we accept the challenge of the Federal government's transition process and further reconciliation with our Indigenous partners", he said. "I have devoted my entire career to seafood sustainability, and I am looking forward to helping the sector realize its potential as part of Canada's Blue Economy", he added.
Kingzett is well acquainted with the BCSFA as he joined the association in July 2021 as Director of Science and Policy. According to the release, in that position, "Brian navigated the sector through important new policy development areas, fostered new collaborative research initiatives, and enhanced the Association's science communications and public education efforts".
The BC Salmon Farmers Association has welcomed the appointment through its Chair and Managing Director of Mowi Canada West, Diane Morrison. "We are very pleased to have Brian onboard as the new Executive Director", she said. "He's been a valuable member of the BCSFA team and in his new role, his experience and knowledge of the sector ensures the Association is in good hands", Morrison stated.
Having been replaced by Kingzett, BCSFA's former Interim Executive Director, Ruth Salmon, will be leaving the association upon her retirement. She was Executive Director of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance for ten years and has been a member of the BCSFA team since 2018.
The BC Salmon Producers Association includes more than 60 companies and organizations along the fish aquaculture value chain in British Columbia. Its members represent over 95% of the annual provincial harvest of farm-raised salmon in BC. Farmed salmon is BC's highest-value fish product, the province's leading agricultural export, and generates over $1.2 billion for the BC economy, creating thousands of jobs.
