OTTAWA, ON - The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) announced today the official launch of its National Youth Council.

"Seafood farming is a young and growing sector for Canada. We are delighted to be attracting top-caliber young people to create a strong and sustainable future. The diversity and strength of these young people is a testament to a bright future for our sector," said CAIA Executive Director, Timothy Kennedy.

CAIA established this National Youth Council to connect young professionals in Canada’s aquaculture sector, to propose and develop ideas for the flourishing of the sector, and to be ambassadors for the sector.

"We have brought together a group of fourteen young people from across the country – seven women and seven men – to represent the growing presence of youth in this science, sustainability and future-oriented sector,” said Kennedy. “Representing six provinces, they are excited and eager to share their knowledge and passion for seafood farming. We look forward to their ideas and energy.”

“We hail from across Canada’s thriving seafood farming sector: finfish to shellfish, land-based to net-pens, freshwater to marine, industry to research,” said RJ Taylor, inaugural Youth Council Chair. “And we all share the same passion for advancing this incredibly dynamic and sustainable sector. Thank you to CAIA's board and staff for this opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals in the time ahead!"

The Council members will convene their first face-to-face meeting at Canada’s Farmed Seafood Policy Conference 2018 in Ottawa, Ontario on November 27th. Conference delegates will have the opportunity to learn more and to meet the council member at a dedicated breakfast event to open the event.

CAIA National Youth Council member photos and biographies are available here: http://www.aquaculture.ca/youth-council.