New CEO for aquatic health sciences centre

Dr Jim Powell is the new Chief Executive Officer of British Columbia’s Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences (CAHS) in Campbell River. Powell, who joined the research centre May 1, came from the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, where he was manager of business development and program support, and a recognized authority on fish reproduction and broodstock management.

Powell has more than 30 years’ experience in the fish culture and sciences sector and an extensive track record of development of technological advances in fisheries management and aquaculture.

         His primary work has been in the area of fish physiology and adaptive management strategies of fish culture for a range of fresh- and saltwater species.

         He also has considerable experience in aquaculture drug development, testing, registration and implementation.

         Powell is a founding board member of the CAHS and has served on the board since inception, while maintaining a private practice of aquaculture management consulting through Fidelis Aquaculture Management.

         The holder of a doctoral degree in neuroendocrinology from the University of Victoria, Powell said that he looks forward to expanding CAHS’s research component through collaborative projects focused on wild fish conservation, aquaculture and remediation or mitigation of threatened species.