Harper Government Supports Innovation In British Columbia's Aquaculture Industry

NANAIMO, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support of $667,000 to Vancouver Island University (VIU) towards a project to undertake a comparative analysis of new technologies in shellfish farming.

With this funding, VIU is proposing to advance shellfish hatchery design by integrating the latest technological developments into an operating hatchery at its Deep Bay Marine Field Station. The evaluation of these technologies will include research into techniques to better monitor and mitigate factors that are impeding shellfish seed production, including ocean acidification.

VIU will share lessons learned through a series of targeted workshops to various stakeholders, including representatives of the shellfish industry and First Nations to help transfer the skills and knowledge required to operate a modern hatchery with successful outcomes.

Quick Facts

• British Columbia's aquaculture industry is an important contributor to the economy of resource-based coastal communities. It creates close to 6,000 jobs, which results in $224 million in wages for British Columbians.

• The Deep Bay Marine Field Station is located in the historic fishing community of Deep Bay, at the South end of Baynes Sound. The multi-use facility includes classrooms, laboratories and a working shellfish farm in the nearby water. The facility received platinum LEED certification in 2013.

Source: Western Economic Diversification Canada