Farmed salmon from Kitasoo/Xai'xais: raised to preserve local natural resources
For the people who live in Klemtu, B.C., salmon farming is more than an industry, it's a means of fostering the environment and community for generations to come.
Providing employment and a sense of pride for this First Nation community
Canada is one of the four largest producers of farmed salmon in the world.
Every year, the Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nations people of Klemtu, B.C. produce 6,000 tonnes of farmed Atlantic salmon. That's five per cent of Canada's national production.
Farming technician Darren Edgar says the aquafarm has not only been an economic boon to the community, it has created a sense of pride and self-esteem.
"We have at least one person in every household that has a job, that can provide for their families."
Chef Ricardo Larrivée takes a tour of the ocean facility to learn how these fish move from hatchery to ocean to processing in a lifespan of three years.