Shellfish farms are located primarily around the west coast of Vancouver Island and in the Georgia Basin. The cool, nutrient-rich coastal waters of British Columbia’s vast coastline (over 27,000 km) provide the ideal location to grow some of the highest-quality shellfish found on menus around the world.
Historically, the most prolific areas for shellfish farming have been Baynes Sound, Cortes Island and Okeover Inlet. Site selection for a shellfish farm is a process that can take up to three years because of the complexity of regulations and site management requirements.
Many things are taken into account, including water requirements, such as water depth, current flow, proximity of other (local) resource users, salinity, water temperature and oxygen content. Other considerations are proximity to sources of pollution, local forms of fish in the habitat, the potential for algae growth in shallow water locations and accessibility to a transportation infrastructure that does not contribute to environmental intrusion or damage.
British Columbia shellfish farmers rely on a healthy environment and have been considered stewards of the ocean for over 100 years.-bcsga.ca
East Coast salmon farmers are urging Ottawa to deny federal funds to the Atlantic Salmon…
Ottawa’s plan to ban ocean salmon farming in British Columbia directly undercuts Prime Minister Mark…
New research says aquaculture faces more federal regulation than any other American food sector, as…
Canada’s seafood growers are recognized as farmers under tax law but remain shut out of…
Mowi’s latest annual report shows growth in major salmon-producing regions, while its B.C. business faces…
Campbell River-based Poseidon is taking its technology story to the largest aquaculture trade show in…