Seafood e-Bulletin
November 2025
The source of program information, engagement opportunities, important updates, and upcoming events for seafood producers and processors in British Columbia
Programs and Funding Opportunities
- Knowledge Transfer Program
- Become a Buy BC member
- Join the Canada Trade Mission to Mexico
New Resources
- Kelp Nursery Production in B.C. video series
- Research brief: Is seawater buffering with soda ash harming your Pacific oysters?
Events
- Bridging B.C. and the European Union with CETA: A Practical Guide to Diversification
- IntaFish: International Salmon Week 2025
Updates
- Premier's Task Force Recommendations
- Norovirus Season Update
Reminders
- Renew your Provincial Receiving and Processing Licence
Knowledge Transfer Program
The 2025 Knowledge Transfer Program is open to receive applications. The program will remain open until funds are fully allocated.
The objective of the Knowledge Transfer Program (KTP) is to increase the competitiveness, resiliency, and innovation of the provincial agriculture and food sector through facilitated knowledge and technology transfer.
KTP is a cost-shared program designed to support B.C.’s producers and processors in adapting to changing environmental, production, and market conditions. Organizations can receive up to 75 percent in cost shared funding for eligible activities, including expert-led sessions, hands-on training, and on-farm demonstrations.
For a successful application, organizations must show how the activities will transfer knowledge and/or build the skills of agriculture and seafood producers or processors with active operations in B.C.
Become a Buy BC member
Calling all producers, processors, retailers, farmers’ markets, and industry associations. Apply to get the Buy BC logo and add it to your packaging and marketing materials—for free.
Buy BC members are also eligible for the Buy BC Partnership Program.
The Buy BC Partnership Program is a fundamental component of Buy BC that provides up to $2 million in cost-shared funding annually to local producers, processors, and associations to support their ability to undertake local marketing activities that increase consumer awareness and sales of B.C. agriculture, food and beverage products.
Join the Canada Trade Mission to Mexico
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy, will lead a Canada Trade Mission (CTM) to Mexico. This trade mission will help Canadian exporters, businesses and innovators position themselves in the important and growing Mexican market by showcasing their capabilities and competitiveness while facilitating long-term, diversified trade and investment opportunities. Interested companies should visit the website for more information. The deadline to apply is November 28, 2025, 23:59 PT.
Kelp Nursery Production in B.C. two-part video series
In support of innovations in agriculture and aquaculture, AgriServiceBC presents two videos on Kelp Nursery Production in BC. Kelp is one of B.C.'s important natural resources, and the demand for growing kelp is increasing with developing commercial markets and needs for restoration activities. B.C. recognizes the environmental and economic importance of kelp and is dedicated to sustainable resource management and industry development. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has partnered with the Center for Applied Research, Technology, and Innovation (CARTI) as part of North Island College (NIC), to advance the understanding and technology of harvesting and growing kelp spores for commercial and restoration availability. NIC's Seaweed Innovation Lab will show you the steps for harvesting, preparing, and growing healthy kelp spores on commercial spools.
Part 1 shows the kelp harvest and spore collection methods while describing the harvest regulations and NIC’s programs.
Part 2 shows the lab techniques for successful growth of spores on spools into kelp ready for outplanting.
Bridging B.C. and the European Union with CETA: A Practical Guide to Diversification
Join delegates from the European Union (EU) and its Member States, for a special event on how British Columbian businesses can take advantage of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the EU. This event will serve as a technical workshop for developing tariff resiliency and diversification opportunities, featuring presentations from the federal and provincial governments.
Date: Thursday November 27, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: 1400 Segal Centre, Simon Fraser University – Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings St, Vancouver BC, V6B 5K3
Come learn about the many opportunities available to deepen trade and investment flows between B.C. and the EU, in addition to practical guidance on how to succeed in the EU.
This event will also serve as an opportunity to discuss how businesses are experiencing ongoing trade disruptions with federal and provincial officials, and share perspective on deepening the province’s economic resilience.
To request registration, click the 'register' button below and email the address to indicate you are interested in attending.
IntaFish: International Salmon Week 2025
Join IntraFish this December as we bring to you, International Salmon Week 2025, a unique digital event that aims to delve into the major salmon-producing regions around the world.
Over the course of five days, IntraFish will take a deep dive on the global salmon industry through a series of regional panel sessions, and one panel dedicated to understanding how technologies are driving the industry forward. We invite you to join the discussion as industry leaders provide insights into local regulatory landscapes, environmental concerns, market trends, and technological advancements across the salmon value chain.
- Day 1: Asia-Pacific
- Day 2: Norway
- Day 2: Innovation & Technology
- Day 3: North Atlantic (Scotland/Faroes/Iceland)
- Day 4: North America
- Day 5: Chile
Premier's Task Force Recommendations
On August 22, 2025, the Premier’s Task Force on Agriculture and Food Economy published 6 recommendations (external policy advice) for government consideration including the following that directly affect seafood:
- Eliminate PST on all agriculture, aquaculture, and food inputs and equipment
- Remove the motor fuel tax paid by seafood producers
Norovirus Season Update
As colder months bring a higher risk of norovirus, proper handling, storage, and transport of shellfish is essential. Please review the Seafood Industry Notice and the BC Live Oyster Record Keeping Requirements Infographic as a reminder of the regulatory requirements.
Renew your Provincial Receiving and Processing Licence
To safeguard public health, individuals and businesses conducting certain activities in the seafood industry such as receiving fish and processing fish, must be licensed. As current licences expire on December 31, the Seafood Inspection Program has begun sending renewal notices to operators to ensure continued compliance. For more information about licence requirements, please visit the Seafood Industry Licensing webpage.
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