PROJECTS

DEVELOPMENT OF SHELLFISH AQUACULTURE CODE OF PRACTICE (BCMAFF)

Ruth Salmon and Brian Kingzett led a project for the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to develop an enforceable Code of Practice for the BC Shellfish Culture Industry.

Using the BCSGA Code of Practice (COP) as a baseline, a drat was developed and refined through extensive consultations with regulatory agencies, shellfish farmers, affected marine users, local communities, First Nations and other stakeholders were conducted to revise and further develop the COP. Consultations were integral in the development of an accepted shellfish aquaculture Code of Practice, and enable legitimate concerns and issues to be raised and solutions proposed.

The Code of Practice outlines operational practices that shellfish farmers must take to ensure that their operations are environmentally responsible by setting out environmental outcomes and standards which must be meant.

The BC Government will implement the Code as a condition of shellfish aquaculture licenses. The successful integration of a COP into shellfish business operations will allow the industry to build credibility with the public, environmental groups and regulators, and enhance its position as a responsible steward of the marine resource.

For more information on the Code of Practice please visit the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food website, here.

BCMAFF - COP Site

BC Shellfish Code of Practice: Brian Kingzett's presentation to World Aquaculture Society March 2004