Session 7

Krause is a Registered Professional Biologist who has worked on a wide variety of fisheries related projects since setting out as a consultant to the industry in 1993. Characterizing and advising on opportunities for BC seafood producers, based on biological, operational and market factors with some emphasis on innovation to take better advantage of more diversified markets, have been his general focus. Of particular relevance to this presentation, Geoff has been lead consultant since 2003 in an on-going series international marketing initiatives with the Pacific Urchin Harvesters Association (PUHA) and the Pacific Sea Cucumber Harvesters Ass’n (PSCHA) through the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada International marketing programs. He has become very familiar with the BC fisheries, although he readily concedes he still has much to learn. He has also attended seafood shows in China, Hong Kong and other parts of Asia, the US and the EU multiple times over the past 14 years and has become at least somewhat familiar with the associated markets and opportunities. These trips and ongoing studies provide background, including an international marketing knowledge base, for the industry which will allow more effective planning and continuing development of BC’s sea urchin and sea cucumber fisheries.