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The head of the B.C. Salmon Growers Association says talks with the federal government on the future of open-net fish farming in B.C. could be an opportunity for the industry to shine.

John Paul Fraser, executive director of the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association, said the talks, expected to start in the coming weeks, are an opportunity for the industry to impress upon Ottawa its impact and its work on sustainability.

“Government will hear a lot from us about how incredibly important the industry is where we operate and how much bigger it could become as a job creator, which is important when you’re facing the largest economic catastrophe of anyone’s lifetime,” he said.

“We stand ready to help grow the economy of B.C. and we need certainty from government for that to occur.”

The federal government announced Thursday it is about to start wading in B.C. coastal waters as it develops a plan to transition away from open-net pens in the region and to look for alternatives.

Burnaby North MP Terry Beech was appointed to engage with aquaculture stakeholders, First Nations and environmentalists on how to move away from open-net fish farming in B.C.

“British Columbians and Canadians expect that as our government works to grow our ocean economy, we are doing it in a sustainable, environmentally responsible way — meeting the demand for our farmed seafood products, while ensuring marine ecosystems are healthy and wild fish populations are protected,” said Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan.

Beech said the engagement process will be collaborative and could determine the future of what aquaculture could look like in the province.

Fraser said the industry is keen to sit down with the government to better share information.

This week, the industry released an independent study that suggested the province’s salmon farming industry could inject $44 billion into the economy by 2050.

The report, from independent economics consulting firm RIAS, said that with stable government policy salmon farmers could invest $1.4 billion in innovation, new technology, and infrastructure through 2050 to create as much as $44 billion in cumulative economic output and 10,000 new jobs along the coast.

The federal government notes aquaculture contributes $31.65 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product and employs 300,000.

The salmon farming industry has its critics, with some studies claiming open-net farms spread parasites and viruses to wild salmon.

Beech is expected to compile a report for the minister in the spring.

aduffy@timescolonist.com