Divers' Catch Gala

For Immediate Release

May 1, 2025

Divers’ Catch Gala to Celebrate B.C.’s Dive-Harvested Seafood with Top Chefs and Community 

BC Dive Fisheries Society Connects Chefs, Distributors and Seafood Lovers on Sept. 20 in Richmond, Highlighting Geoduck, Sea Urchin and Sea Cucumber Sustainability

Richmond, B.C. – The BC Dive Fisheries Society is set to host the Divers’ Catch Gala on September 20, 2025, at The Deck at Radisson Blu in Richmond – a celebration of British Columbia’s dive-harvested seafood including geoduck, sea urchin and sea cucumber. This inaugural gala will connect the province’s top chefs, seafood distributors, dive harvesters and food lovers for an evening showcasing sustainable seafood from ocean floor to plate.

Tickets are now on-sale with presale pricing of $118 for Gala admission and $88.88 for the Industry Mixer, a pre-gala networking event for seafood industry professionals.

Organized in partnership with the Pacific Sea Cucumber Harvesters Association (PSCHA), Pacific Urchin Harvesters Association (PUHA) and the Underwater Harvesters Association (UHA), the Divers’ Catch Gala highlights community and collaboration. Attendees will learn about the sustainable harvesting methods – each geoduck clam, sea urchin and sea cucumber is hand-picked by divers with no bycatch and minimal ocean floor impact – while tasting flavourful dishes that showcase these delicacies.

An all-star lineup of local chefs will craft tasting plates featuring dive-caught seafood. Renowned chefs Ned Bell (Hatch Hospitality), Will Lew (Pacific Reach),  Bobby Milheron (Homer St. Café and Bar, Maxine’s Cafe and Bar, and Tableau Bar and Bistro), Dez Lo (Top Chef Canada, Luxe), Welbert Choi (F.I.S.H), Bo Li (The Fish Man) and more to be confirmed, each preparing unique dishes to highlight geoduck, urchin or sea cucumber in their signature styles.

“We are thrilled to launch the Divers’ Catch Gala as a platform to celebrate our vibrant dive fisheries and the people behind them,” said Bonnie Dennis, Executive Director of the BC Dive Fisheries Society. “This event not only showcases the incredible geoduck, urchin and sea cucumber harvested from our waters, but also connects harvesters, chefs, distributors and seafood lovers in a community united by a passion for sustainable seafood.”

“As a chef dedicated to sustainable seafood, I’m excited to be part of the Divers’ Catch Gala,” said Ned Bell, chef and sustainable seafood advocate. “B.C.’s dive-harvested seafood is truly world-class, and this gala is a great opportunity to introduce more people to the amazing flavours of geoduck, sea urchin and sea cucumber. I’m proud to help show how these sustainable delicacies can shine on the plate.”

September was strategically chosen for the Divers’ Catch Gala to coincide with the start of the fall dive fishing season, when species like sea urchins and sea cucumbers are at their prime. B.C.’s dive fisheries represent a multi-million-dollar industry supporting coastal communities, and by shining a spotlight on these fisheries locally, the gala aims to boost domestic demand for dive-harvested products that are often exported – keeping more economic benefits within the province.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for companies looking to support the gala and align with its celebration of sustainable seafood. Learn more here. 

For more information about the Divers’ Catch Gala, visit www.diverscatchbc.ca or follow @diverscatchbc on Instagram for updates.

- 30 -

About BC Dive Fisheries Society:

The BC Dive Fisheries Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and sustaining British Columbia’s dive fisheries, which include geoduck clams, sea urchins and sea cucumbers. The society fosters collaboration among harvesters, industry partners and communities to raise awareness of these sustainable fisheries and their value to B.C.’s economy and culture. Through events, education and outreach, the BC Dive Fisheries Society celebrates the province’s unique seafood and works to ensure its long-term viability for future generations. 

Media Contact:

Krista Lochhead

Hatch Comms

krista@hatchcomms.ca

778.227.2396