Next Wave webinar series

Aquaculture's Trust Crisis

The global aquaculture sector, now supplying over half of all seafood consumed, stands at a pivotal moment. Production must increase substantially to meet projected demand as wild fisheries remain flat or decline, yet public opposition—fueled by concerns over escapes, disease transmission, antibiotic use, and habitat effects—has intensified in recent years.

In North America, particularly British Columbia's salmon farming industry, high-profile campaigns by environmental groups have led to moratoria, site closures, and heightened scrutiny from regulators. Misinformation spreads rapidly online, amplifying isolated incidents into broader distrust and complicating efforts to secure or maintain social license—the ongoing acceptance by communities and consumers that allows operations to continue.

This comes against a backdrop of workforce challenges. Many established professionals are nearing retirement, while attracting younger talent remains difficult due to perceptions of the industry as environmentally harmful or lacking innovation. Without fresh perspectives and skills in areas like sustainability tech and digital storytelling, the sector struggles to adapt and defend its role in food security.

The tension lies in balancing aggressive growth targets with deliberate trust-building. Rapid expansion can deliver economic benefits and protein but risks further alienating stakeholders if not paired with genuine engagement. Younger voices, more attuned to social media and transparency demands, could bridge this gap—but only if industry incumbents cede space for new approaches rather than dismissing them as naive.