Scientist Dr. Don Noakes was an advocate for salmon farming in Pacific Canada.
The BC Salmon Farmers Association writes its former Science Advisory Council Chair, Dr. Don Noakes has died.
Fisheries scientist and Vancouver Island University science & technology dean, Dr. Noake was supportive of the industry and said in his opinion, there is no credible science to show a negative impact of salmon farms on British Columbia’s wild salmon populations.
Between 1985 and 2003, Dr Noake held a number of important roles with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, finally serving as Director of the Pacific Biological Station and Head of Aquaculture. Don returned to Nanaimo and joined VIU in 2014, following time spent at Thompson Rivers University, where he served as Dean of the School of Advanced Technologies and Mathematics as well as Acting Associate Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies.
His last paper “Oceans of opportunity: a review of Canadian aquaculture”, focused on how water aquaculture will play a paramount role in producing food for the future. The world’s population is expected to increase by 30 per-cent to 10 billion people by 2050 and with 70 per-cent of the earth’s surface covered by the sea.
“He was a strong advocate for the aquaculture industry in BC, a trusted advisor, and brought an appreciated wealth of insight to the conversation, based on a long career in ocean sciences, ” wrote the BC Salmon Farmers Association.
“In addition to his unassuming calm and rigorous approach to scientific interpretation, Don will be remembered for his sense of humour, thoughtfulness, and enthusiasm for life – particularly his love of curling, gardening, and the bagpipes,” added the trade organisation.
