Chelsey Ellis, the newly appointed Managing Director of the BC Salmon Marketing Council, is helping lead efforts to strengthen markets for sustainably caught Wild BC Salmon. Founded in 1991 by the province’s commercial salmon harvesters, the non-profit council promotes awareness of wild salmon at home and abroad while supporting the harvesters and coastal communities who depend on it.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
We’re a non-profit marketing council formed in 1991 by BC’s commercial salmon harvesters. We help bring awareness of sustainably caught Wild BC Salmon to markets at home and abroad, and support the harvesters who catch it.
What problem does it aim to solve?
The council works to address the need for stronger market presence and consumer awareness of wild-caught BC salmon, supporting harvesters and coastal communities along the way.
When did you start/join it?
I just recently started in March 2025.
What made you want to get involved?
I’m passionate about sharing the story of sustainable Canadian seafood, the harvesters behind it, and the coastal communities that rely on it.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I started, tariffs from the US and China had just come into play and created real uncertainty in the marketplace for Canadian seafood harvesters and processors.
How has it changed since?
The challenges remain, which shows how vital it is to build stronger domestic markets and diversify our export markets. Focusing on growing the demand at home in Canada helps provide harvesters and processors with more stability and less dependence on our current volatile export markets.
What more needs to be done?
We need to continue building strong demand for Canadian seafood at home by educating consumers about its availability, quality, and sustainability.
How can our readers help?
Ask for Wild BC salmon at your local grocery stores and restaurants!
Where can we follow you?
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