ACFFA chairman steps into new role as executive director

The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) has announced the appointment of Tom Taylor as its new executive director, effective March 24, 2025.

ACFFA said that with over 25 years of experience in the aquaculture sector, Taylor is a highly regarded seafood industry leader who brings extensive expertise in fish farming operations. He has played a key role in the sector’s sustainable growth, serving on multiple industry boards, including as chair of the board of directors of ACFFA since 2018.

“With his deep knowledge and proven commitment to coastal communities, Tom is well-positioned to guide ACFFA in advocating for the responsible growth of Atlantic Canada’s fish farmers and supply chain,” said David Seeley, interim chair of ACFFA. “We look forward to his leadership as we continue to champion investment, innovation, and economic development to support strong working waterfronts and add more career opportunities for young people across the region.”

Taylor succeeds Susan Farquharson, who is stepping down after nearly ten years in the role. ACFFA said that under her tenure, the association has made significant strides in industry collaboration, public engagement, and advocacy. It thanked her for her invaluable contributions to the sector.

An exciting step

“This new role is an exciting step in my career,” said Taylor. “Fish farming is a vital, ever-evolving industry that provides sustainable seafood and supports thousands of families in Atlantic Canada. I look forward to working with the team, our members and partners to sustainably grow the sector as well as the continuation of our award-winning wild Atlantic salmon recovery efforts.”

Throughout his career, Taylor has held board executive roles with organisations such as the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance, Aquaculture Association of Canada, and the Bay of Fundy Business Council. He has also served on the NERACOOS (Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems) board, Community Business Development Corporation, and the Sir James Dunn Foundation.

Taylor has led feed production, forecasting, and operational planning teams at Cooke Aquaculture Inc., Charlotte Feeds Inc., Northeast Nutrition Inc., and Shur-Gain Atlantic. He has managed large-scale aquafeed production and distribution while spearheading best practices in feed management and sustainability.

The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) represents farmers, feed producers, and service & support organisations. Atlantic Canada’s finfish sector supports more than 1,300 businesses and produces 323 million salmon meals annually. For nearly four decades, ACFFA has served as the regional voice of the salmon farming sector, advocating for research-driven, environmentally responsible, and commercially sustainable aquaculture.