By Abdullahi Lukman
Young professionals, particularly those under 40, are playing an increasingly critical role in the global seafood industry, especially in aquaculture.
With the sector employing over 58.5 million people worldwide, a substantial portion of this workforce is composed of younger individuals whose passion for sustainability and innovation is driving the future of the industry.
The demographic trend reflects a broader shift toward greater environmental responsibility and cutting-edge solutions, as younger workers bring new ideas and approaches to the table.
This shift is especially visible in regions like British Columbia, where salmon farming is a major industry.
In the province, the aquaculture sector supports more than 4,500 jobs, with approximately 1,000 positions held by Indigenous people, both directly and indirectly.
These jobs, many held by young workers, offer competitive wages with average annual median earnings ranging from $36,665 to $65,863.
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These figures highlight the vital role young professionals play not only in sustaining the sector but also in boosting local economies and communities.
To harness this momentum and elevate the voices of younger generations in seafood production, the newly launched Next Generation Seafood Alliance (NGSA) aims to connect young professionals across borders, industries, and supply chains.
Through its first phase, the NGSA is focusing on building regional seafood networks and fostering global collaboration.
By creating platforms for these young leaders to collaborate, the alliance hopes to ensure that the seafood sector remains a key driver of the blue economy—one that supports responsible and sustainable seafood production for generations to come.
By offering opportunities for professional growth and knowledge exchange, the NGSA is positioned to be a transformative force in the aquaculture industry.
It empowers young professionals to not only innovate within their roles but also take leadership in shaping the future of the global seafood economy.
Through initiatives like these, the sector is poised to remain a vital component of global food systems, with a commitment to sustainability and innovation at its core.
