Industry accolade for freshwater expert who has helped sector evolve
Cooke hatchery director wasn't planning aquaculture career when she took her first job in 1987
Robin Muzzerall, a longtime leader in freshwater production, hatchery operations and broodstock management, has received the 2026 Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Award in recognition of her contributions to advancing the finfish farming sector.
“Robin is a finfish farming professional whose knowledge, leadership and commitment to innovation have helped advance our industry for nearly 40 years,” said David Seeley, chair of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA).
“She has been part of the industry’s evolution from its earliest days, helping introduce new technologies, improve production practices and mentor the next generation of aquaculture professionals. She is highly respected throughout the sector, and this recognition is richly deserved.”
The award was presented last week in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, during ACFFA’s Annual Science, Research and Technology Forum.
Muzzerall joined the aquaculture sector in 1987 when she took a job at Stolt Sea Farm’s South Oromocto hatchery in NB.
I never planned on making aquaculture my career, but here I am nearly 40 years later. In all those years, I have never been bored.
Over the decades, she has held senior positions in freshwater production, hatchery operations and broodstock management on Canada’s East and West Coasts. Her career also took her to Whitehorse, Yukon, where she served as vice-president of aquaculture with Icy Waters Ltd., overseeing Arctic char production and the international shipment of eyed eggs.
She has worked with leading aquaculture companies, including Marine Harvest, Grieg Seafood BC, Gray Aqua Farms and Northern Harvest Sea Farms, as well as the Centre for Aquaculture Technologies on Prince Edward Island.
A hands-on leader
In 2023, Muzzerall returned to New Brunswick to join Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd., a division of Cooke Inc., where she now serves as freshwater operations director. She played an instrumental role in bringing the company’s new state-of-the-art hatchery at Johnston’s Lake online and into operation.
ACFFA said that throughout her career, Muzzerall has been known for her hands-on approach, technical expertise and ability to turn innovative ideas into practical improvements in fish production. She is also passionate about sharing her knowledge and encouraging others to learn about finfish farming.
'It's a group effort'
“This award isn’t just about me. I’m here because of all the people I’ve worked with and learned from throughout my career. None of us gets to this point on our own. It’s a group effort, and I’m incredibly grateful to be recognised by my peers,” said Muzzerall.
“I never planned on making aquaculture my career, but here I am nearly 40 years later. In all those years, I have never been bored. This isn’t just a job. It’s a lifestyle. It’s farming, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of an industry that grows food.”
ACFFA established the Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Award in 2017. The award honours an industry professional who has dedicated 25 years or more in the areas of science, environment, and technology in support of the sustainable development of salmon aquaculture in Atlantic Canada.
Research award for student seeking to save susceptible salmon
The awards celebration also featured a charity auction, which raised CAD 4,470 (£2,400) in support of ACFFA’s Atlantic Salmon Research Award, established in memory of Betty House whose passion for and dedication to salmon in Atlantic Canada was marked by her 20+ year career in the salmon aquaculture industry and her role in the Inner Bay of Fundy Salmon Recovery Project.
The CAD 2,000 annual award is presented to a post-secondary student who is making contributions to research in fish health, nutrition, innovation, genetics, and/or technologies that contribute to Atlantic salmon rearing, stocking, or conservation.
ACFFA science liaison coordinator Evie Gagné and executive director Tom Taylor presented the award to Javon Lo, who is working on an MSc at the University of Prince Edward Island. The long-term objective of her work is to contribute to the development of strategies for introducing resistance-associated traits into otherwise susceptible Atlantic salmon populations.
