Cooke Inc. CEO Glenn Cooke declared an all-out war with his fiery speech at the Responsible Seafood Summit, against environmental groups, accusing them of spreading unscientific claims and harming both the fishing and aquaculture sectors. According to Cooke, these groups, once allies of the industry, have now become a common enemy.
Cooke pointed fingers at outdoor clothing retailer Patagonia, labeling them as a major antagonist in the battle. He claimed that Patagonia’s significant resources were dedicated to fighting salmon farming, influencing governments and driving campaigns against the industry.
The CEO emphasized the urgent need for unity within the seafood industry to counter what he deemed as misleading narratives. Cooke called for a strategic alliance between aquaculture and fishing sectors, stating, “The sooner we can coalesce into a major, stronger force to take them on, the better in my mind.”
Expressing disdain for the impact of social media, Cooke lamented that in today’s age, science holds little weight. He criticized the platform it provides for anyone to make and spread unscientific claims, stating, “Basically, [social media] gives everyone a platform and a voice to the point where science doesn’t matter, and that’s a shame.”
Cooke also took a swipe at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), denouncing their move to limit or eliminate net-pen salmon farming in British Columbia as “horrendous.” He drew parallels to the company’s experience in Washington state, where environmentalists allegedly stirred up non-truths, leading to the loss of net-pen permits after a massive escape of over 300,000 Atlantic salmon.
The seafood industry, under Cooke’s rallying cry, now faces a battle on multiple fronts, from environmental groups to the evolving landscape of misinformation on social media.”
