Sea Watch

Where do we farm shellfish in BC?

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

SeaWestNews

Recent Posts

Aquaculture is at the Heart of the Vancouver Island’s Future

A new economic outlook warns Vancouver Island has reached the limits of population-driven growth. To…

2 days ago

Aquaculture can help Canada swing for the fences

A look at Prime Minister Mark Carney’s pre-budget speech through the eyes of Canada’s seafood…

1 week ago

Canada Names New Aquaculture Leaders as U.S. Races Ahead on Seafood Farming

Canada’s farmed seafood production has fallen to a decade low, even as the United States…

2 weeks ago

Canada Needs To Recognise Aquaculture as a National Advantage, Not a Controversy

“We have the natural assets to lead in aquaculture, but if we don’t act with…

2 weeks ago

A Life Shaped by the Sea: Cyr Couturier’s Journey Toward Sustainable Aquaculture

Through decades of research, teaching, and global outreach, Cyr Couturier has turned the promise of…

3 weeks ago

National Campaign Urges Canadians to Reflect on Who and What Feeds Them

This Thanksgiving season, a new campaign is shining a light on farmers, on land and…

3 weeks ago