Brian Blanchard, Mt Cook Alpine Salmon
Q)Why aquaculture?
A)I grew up in Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, a small fishing town in eastern Canada with a 300 year plus history in fisheries and trade. We were naturally surrounded by the outdoors and water and I have a true affinity for water, fish farming has kept me connected and allowed me to travel the world. It just seemed to align with my personal goals and passions. It's what I always wanted to do. I have always believed that growing food is an invaluable skill.
Q)You spent three decades working across various sectors of the Canadian aquaculture industry, can you tell us briefly about some of your roles?
A) My first commercial exposure to aquaculture was in British Columbia farming Coho and Chinook salmon in the late eighties, this progressed to cod farming in Newfoundland with Sea Forest Plantation, who were the first to develop cod farming in Canada. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with some of the very best aquaculture researchers and pioneers in Canada at the National Research Council of Canada, located in Halifax Nova Scotia. This experience rolled into a long career with Halibut Farming in Canada before relocating to New Zealand. Throughout these years I was able to gain considerable experience with a number of species in projects all over the world including Canada, US, Chile, Panama, Iceland, Scotland, Norway and Saudi Arabia.
Q) During that time you saw the industry grow from humble beginnings to a $2billion industry – Can New Zealand achieve the same growth?
A) I believe it is about accessing and managing the aquatic resources that are available to use. New Zealand has been very successful in optimising the value from its cultured species and value-added is a great way of creating wealth out of the current production. Going forward the key to growth would be two fold: optimising the value out of the existing space and production and accessing appropriate space for growth. This can be both the near shore and far shore environment.
Q)You witnessed first hand the birth of the global anti-salmon farming movement, how has this shaped your approach to social licence?
A) I think it’s important to understand the driver of anti movements, they are often motivated by someone else’s agenda. Sometimes it is as simple as user conflict, other times it can be as complex as market manipulation; either way honesty and transparency must be the foundation of any of the discussions surrounding fish farming. No one owns the moral high ground and social licence is incredibly hard to achieve. We sometimes must accept that we need to research the facts, often needing to do thorough research to confirm the facts for decision makers, and this takes time. It’s important to listen to concerns and engage with those raising the concerns to work with us to find solutions. Often there’s a need to educate about the benefits of fish farming and dispel misconceptions; transparency and colloboration are key.
Q)You’re first job in the industry was working with Chinook salmon in Canada, now 30+ years, 10 countries and 6 species later, you’re back working with Chinooks at Mt Cook Alpine salmon – what has brought you back to them?
A)The quality of the salmon and the uniqueness of the environment is what brought me to Mt Cook Alpine Salmon. It is the finest tasting salmon I have ever tasted, we eat it often, and each time continue to marvel at how good it really is.
Q) Where would you like to see Mt Cook Alpine Salmon in 10 years?
A) I would like to see Mt Cook Alpine Salmon recognised globally as the finest tasting salmon in the world produced by one of the most sustainable farms in the world.
Q) How does the level of community support and understanding of aquaculture compare between New Zealand and Canada?
A) To be honest, it is night and day! In Canada, I would find myself engaged in a discussion defending the merits of aquaculture no matter where I went. In our local Twizel community the farms are celebrated for the employment contribution, the quality of the product, and the enhancement of the local canal wild fishery.
Q) What’s your vision for a sustainable aquaculture in New Zealand?
A) Aquaculture is sustainable globally just like any other form of farming that has stood the test of time. New Zealand is fortunate to be respected for all its products and a green reputation. The key maybe to communicating this fact better to the general public. I don’t think it was ever really an issue until the media started to create doubt and that doubt needs to be clarified immediately; that’s where government can play a role and in fact be the industry’s biggest champion.
Q) What can we do better?
A) Work with community and government to access appropriate aquatic resources to continue to expand the industry. Continue to train and improve the workforce in technical and managerial skills. Tell the story, engage and encourage young kiwis into the industry and make it a career of choice.
Q) How do you approach recruitment of farming staff in Twizel and what can the industry do to attract and retain quality staff?
A) We are creating and providing career opportunities for life-long employment, this takes time and stability to deliver as a company. That’s our vision and the challenge is to make that statement meaningful and tangible. It requires hard work by staff, technical competence, and is an egg to plate process involving hatcheries, farms, processing, sales and marketing and shareholder support. If we all do our part we can deliver the finest tasting salmon to the very best markets in the world – and that makes the vision a reality.
Q)You’ve worked with fish farming industries in Canada, Scotland, Italy, Panama, Chile and even Saudi Arabia –what stands out about the New Zealand industry?
A) The quality of the environment we work in.
Q) You’re about to become a grandfather for the first time – what’s the most important thing you’re going to teach your grandchild?
A) Respect the environment, work with mother nature and that rugby is a team sport.
