Atlantic Canada salmon farming champion Farquharson steps down

Susan Farquharson is stepping down as executive director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) after more than nine years in the job, the Association has announced.

Farquharson is the longest-serving executive director in the organisation’s near 40-year history.

“We are sad to see her go,” said ACFFA chair Tom Taylor in a statement of the organisation’s website. “Under Susan’s collaborative leadership, strategic vision, and tireless effort, our Association and its members have flourished.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude for her unwavering support and guidance and wish her every success in her future endeavours.”

Expanded membership

Farquharson joined ACFFA in 2015 after holding the executive director position at the Canadian Rivers Institute at the University of New Brunswick. With an MA in Environment and Management, she’s a certified project manager and a graduate of various leadership programmes, including UC Berkeley’s Beahrs Environmental Leadership. ACFFA said Farquharson’s 30-year career reflects a passion for environmental stewardship, collaboration, and innovative solutions in resource management and aquaculture.

During her time in charge, ACFFA has expanded its membership, increased its communications capabilities, launched a successful community outreach program, upgraded its wharf security and capabilities and maintained strong relationships with community, government and industry stakeholders.

Farquharson has led four successful trade missions to AquaNor and nine Atlantic teams to Seafood Expo North America in Boston. During her tenure, ACFFA earned the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment 2023 Industry Award for innovation and leadership in improving the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and its communities.

Farquharson’s tenure also saw the industry reaching and maintaining an 81% public approval rate in Atlantic Canada and help grow the Fundy Salmon Recovery partnership, which has achieved the highest returns of inner Bay of Fundy wild Atlantic salmon in 20 years. Additionally, she was instrumental in bringing the Responsible Seafood Conference to Saint John, New Brunswick, in fall 2023, and hosting the first-ever Women of Salmon Farming Symposium.

“My time at ACFFA has been immensely rewarding and I am incredibly proud of the work the ACFFA team has done on behalf of our members and the sector,” said Farquharson. “As climate change accelerates and strains natural resources and food production at unprecedented speed, aquaculture offers a sustainable, efficient solution to produce healthy food while reducing pressures on wild stocks. I’m confident ACFFA’s vital work will thrive under new leadership.”

The ACFFA board will conduct an executive search to identify the new executive director. In the interim period, Farquharson will remain as the executive director of the organisation and will assist in the executive director transition.