Ep41: Restoring Wild Salmon in the Cowichan with Parker Jefferson

It has been found that 70% of wild fish populations are either fully used, overused, or in crisis from overfishing. And with food demand projected to increase by 50% by 2050, there is simply not enough fish in the sea for fishing to be sustainable. Fish farming, otherwise known as aquaculture, is intended to supplement this demand. In fact, salmon aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production system in the world- although not without its own share of controversy. Parker Jefferson is a fly-fisherman in Cowichan, Canada, and has been an integral part of the success story for wild salmon in that area. We talk about the environmental and social importance of protecting these animals but also address how we can make choices that lessen the negative impacts of salmon aquaculture.HighlightsHow are salmon culturally important to the First Nation Tribes of Western Canada?What are the negative impacts of salmon aquaculture in that area?How has Parker's community come together to restore and protect the populations of wild salmon in the Cowichan?How can salmon aquaculture lessen its negative impacts?What YOU Can DoChoose wild or certified fish (some certifications can be found in the Resources below).Use a guide such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Guide to help make responsible choices, either on your phone or printed. The Environmental Defense Fund also has a guide called Seafood Selector.Ask "where did this fish come from" at restaurants and grocery stores. The more people who make it known that they care, the more businesses will ask their suppliers and distributors the same.Eat more plant-based mealsResourcesAlexandra Morton CertificationsGlobal Salmon Initiative Marine Stewardship Council (wild-caught fish) Aquaculture Stewardship Council (farmed fish) Best Aquaculture Practices Certification Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it at https://forcesfornature.com/becoming-a-force-for-nature-free-guide/If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and review! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!What difference for the world are you going to make today?Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?