Tickets are now available for the BC Young Fishermen's Network Gathering and Expo 2023
Gear up for an unforgettable experience at the BC Young Fishermen's Network Gathering & Expo 2024. This event is designed for new fish harvesters, and anyone who wants to explore fishing as a career and is looking for a place to start, but industry members of all ages and levels of experience are welcome to attend!
Join us from January 30-31 for an immersive dive into the world of commercial fishing on the beautiful BC coast, packed with insightful workshops, engaging discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities.
What can you expect?
🔹 Workshops led by industry experts, offering guidance tailored to your needs and aspirations.
🔹 Connect with fellow young fishers, share stories, and build lasting relationships.
🔹 Gain knowledge about the latest trends, technologies, and sustainable practices in the fishing industry.
🔹 Discover pathways to kickstart or advance your fishing career.
Organized by the BC Young Fishermen's Network, this gathering is not just an event; it's a celebration of coastal heritage and the future of our fishing communities.
🔗 Secure your spot now and cast your net towards success in the fishing industry. Let's make waves together!
You need a ticket to attend! Please purchase your ticket through Eventbrite.
Tickets - $80/person
Includes access to all workshops, presentations and expo, and our Fishermen's Storytelling Social Night on Tues, Jan 30th.
Past Gatherings:
BCYFG 2023 - March 23-24
The 2023 BC Young Fishermen’s Annual Gathering rose from its pandemic hiatus with the energy and vigor of a king tide. Having not been held since January 2020, the 6th annual collaborative celebration of commercial fishing’s next generation on the West Coast returned with a refreshed sense of buoyancy and hope in the midst of turbulent times.
The event took place over three days from March 22nd-24th, 2023, at the Maritime Heritage Centre in Campbell River, BC. 80 attendees from across the industry came together to share knowledge and skills, network, and experience a renewed sense of community among new entrants, seasoned harvesters, industry experts, and association representatives alike.
BC Young Fishermen's Network Gathering Report 2023
See the photo album
Program presentations
VIRTUAL BCYFG 2021- PART TWO, March 30 & 31
In March we heard stories from a panel of women who fish, learned about a study of our local prawn fishery, and caught up with young harvesters preparing for their fishing season. Parliamentary Secretary Fin Donnelly joined us on Day One to provide an update about his new role at the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and the work they are doing to support our fishing community.
Our sessions were recorded and can be watched at the links below.
Our Schedule and Recordings Include:
March 30: "Welcome to Parliamentary Secretary Fin Donnelly": Link to watch
March 30: "Women in Fishing": Link to watch
March 31: "UBC Shrimp Survey Analysis": Link to watch
VIRTUAL BCYFG 2021- PART ONE, Feb 9 & 10
In February we learned about the grant writing process, heard how harvesters have adapted to the challenges of COVID-19, and caught up with other young fishermen about their 2020 fishing seasons.
In case you missed any of our sessions, they were recorded and can be watched at the links below.
Our Schedule and Recordings Include:
Feb 9: "On the boat" - Young harvester panel discussion. Due to technical troubles, this recording is in two parts; watch Part 1 of the recording here and Part 2 here.
Feb 9: "Off the boat" - Grant writing. Watch here!
Feb 10: "On the boat" - Harvester adaptations to COVID panel discussion: Check it out here!
BCYFG 2020- JANUARY 23 & 24
The 2020 Gathering in Nanaimo was our largest BC-focused event yet, bringing in 100 participants involved in the BC fishing industry.
Highlights included:
Keynote presentation by Peter De Greef
Plenary sessions and two tracks of workshops delivered by 36 speakers and teachers
Peer to peer learning and networking opportunities including a Marketplace of Ideas, Open Space discussions, and evening reception
Field trip to Stones Boatyard
Download the agenda here.
Read the event summary report here.
BCYFG 2019- JANUARY 23 & 24
The 2019 Gathering was held in Victoria and attended by close to 100 participants. Attendees traveled up and down the coast, from Alaska to Bellingham and from the Gulf of Mexico to Atlantic Canada for two days of learning and networking.
Highlights included:
Panels and presentations by over 35 industry specialists
Peer to peer knowledge exchange and networking
Group discussions on topics such as ghost gear, mentorship, public awareness of fishing, policies and programs to support new entrants
Field trip to Finest at Sea Victoria
BCYFG in the news: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019AGRI0003-000047
Download the agenda here.
BCYFG 2018- FEBRUARY 6 & 7
The 2018 BC Young Fishermen's Gathering was held at the Britannia Shipyards in Steveston. Close to 65 participants gathered for the two day workshop.
Presentations by industry leaders included:
Bob Fraumeni, Finest at Sea
Sonia Strobel, Skipper Otto's
Executive Chef Ned Bell, Chefs for Oceans & OceanWise
Sean Barret, Dock to Dish
Neil Davis, DFO
Dr. Carl Walters, UBC
Dr. Rashid Sumalia, UBC & Ocean Canada Partnership
Rick Williams, Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters
Dr. Martin Gooch, Value Chain Management International
BCYFG in the news: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018AGRI0003-000010
Download the agenda here.
BCYFG 2017- JANUARY 24 & 25
The first annual BCYFG was held in Victoria and brought together over 30 young harvesters from across the province, with representation from nearly every fishery; from salmon trolling to sea cucumber diving.
Highlights included:
Topics including alternative marketing strategies, financing a fishing operation, marine safety, and innovative solutions to fisheries issues
A visit to Finest At Sea provided an interactive tour of a vertically integrated fishing operation
Download the agenda here.