Chris McNiell brings over 25 years of experience with Mowi Canada West, combining deep industry knowledge with a passion for sustainable aquaculture. In this episode of Meet the Farmer, he shares his journey, the pride he takes in his work, and how the aquaculture sector supports communities, creates jobs, and delivers high-quality seafood responsibly.
Meet Chris McNiell: 25+ Years Working in Aquaculture
Behind every farm is a person who has spent years, often decades, learning the rhythms of the job, adapting to change, and taking pride in doing things well.
In this episode of Meet the Farmer, we visit Chris McNiell, who brings more than 25 years of experience working with Mowi Canada West. Over that time, aquaculture has evolved in many ways, and Chris has grown alongside it building not just knowledge, but a deep connection to the work and the industry.
For Chris, what stands out most isn’t just the day-to-day of farming, but the sense of purpose behind it. There’s pride in raising fish responsibly, in being part of a team, and in contributing to something that feeds people in a sustainable way. It’s a perspective shared by many across the sector people who have chosen aquaculture not just as a job, but as a long-term career.
His journey also reflects something bigger. Aquaculture continues to play an important role in supporting jobs and communities, particularly in coastal regions. From farm sites to processing, feed, and beyond, it’s an industry built on people many of whom, like Chris, have spent years honing their skills and passing that knowledge on.
There’s a quiet confidence in the way Chris talks about his work. It comes from experience, but also from believing in what the industry is doing producing high-quality seafood while continuing to improve how it operates and cares for the environment.
Meet the Farmer is about taking a moment to hear directly from the people behind aquaculture, their experiences, their challenges, and what keeps them motivated.
Chris’s story is one of many across the industry. Together, they reflect a shared commitment to doing things right, and a genuine belief in the role aquaculture plays in building a more sustainable future.