Jim Powell to be new head of BC fish science shop
Dr. Powell is well known within “fish circles” in British Columbia and elsewhere in North America. And he will have some big shoes to fill after Sonja Saksida resigned from the position of CEO earlier this year. She will be pursuing new opportunities on the east coast of Canada following a speaking engagement in Europe this week. Dr. Saksida was honoured during an evening of appreciation last Friday in Campbell River- among else for the centre’s abilities to expand its research activities within the wild salmon conservation environment. And Linda Sams was the first person in charge at the BC CAHS- now working for Tassal in Australia.
BC CAHS issued the following Press Release earlier this week:
The Board of the British Columbia Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences (BC CAHS) is pleased to announce Dr. Jim Powell as their newly-appointed CEO. Jim is an accomplished leader with over 30 years’ experience in the fish culture and sciences sector. Jim brings a track record of development of technological advances in fisheries management and aquaculture as well as collaboration experience with a variety of stakeholders to the BC CAHS team. Jim will be joining BC CAHS as of May 1st.
Dr. Jim Powell comes to BC CAHS from the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC where he was Manager of Business Development and Program Support. He is an established authority on fish reproduction and broodstock management. His primary work has been in the area of fish physiology and adaptive management strategies of fish culture for a range of fresh- and salt-water species. He has extensive experience in aquaculture drug development, testing, registration and implementation. Dr. Powell is a founding Board member of the BC CAHS and has served on the Board since inception. As well, he also maintains a private practice of aquaculture management consulting through Fidelis Aquaculture Management.
Jim has a doctorate in neuroendocrinology from the University of Victoria and an Industrial Post-Doctoral appointment in controlled maturation and spawning of captive fish. He looks forward to expanding BC CAHS’s research component through collaborative projects focused on recreational wild fish conservation, conservation aquaculture and remediation/mitigation of threatened species.
“Jim is the right person to lead BC CAHS forward. His combination of strengths and experience in fish culture development, public fisheries and aquaculture is precisely what we set out to find in the next leader of BC CAHS,” said Jim Brackett, BC CAHS Chair of the Board of Directors.
“I’m excited and honored to join the BC CAHS team as we look forward to celebrating our 10 year anniversary next year. I’m looking forward to working with some of the industry’s best as we gear up for the next 10 years of BC CAHS,” said Jim Powell, BC CAHS CEO.
“Jim’s experience in the industry combined with his creativity, passion and respect will serve BC CAHS quite well. He brings a wealth of experience and talent to our team,” said Sandra Milligan, BC CAHS Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors.
The BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences (BC CAHS) is a not-for-profit society located in Campbell River and is the only aquatic research facility of its kind in the province. BC CAHS provides services and research in health issues affecting both wild and cultured marine species. BC CAHS works with organizations and communities, providing science applications, training, laboratory services, and project management.
