PROJECTS

CENTRAL AND NORTH COAST SHELLFISH AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

Since 2003, The First Nations of the Central Coast, North Coast and Haida Gwaii have been collaborating to develop a First Nations driven regional shellfish industry. Participants include the First Nation communities of Wuikinuxv, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo, Haisla, Skidegate, Old Massett, Lax Kw’alaams, Metlakatla, Gitxaala, Gitga’at, Kitselas and Kitsumkalum. The Tsimshian Stewardship Committee (TSC) and the Coastal First Nations Turning Point Initiative (TPI) have coordinated this project.

With over half the BC coastline located north of Vancouver Island, the potential for shellfish aquaculture in this large, remote area is great. Development of the industry was initiated in 2003 with three linked initiatives:

• The building and seeding of pilot scale shellfish farms. These farms have allowed monitoring of the growth and survival of various shellfish species, and training in shellfish husbandry for community members.
• The development of this regional business plan. It has taken into account the growth and survival data collected from the pilot farms, as well as market data. The business plan recommends the mix and volume of species that commercial scale farms in the region should grow, as well as the form in which they should be delivered to markets. The business plan has also addressed how farm operations can reduce costs and mitigate individual risk by regionally coordinating functions such as transportation, processing, sales, marketing and training.
• The solicitation of direction from communities. While ongoing direction has been provided by the TSC and TPI, broader input was given in two workshops held in Prince Rupert during 2003. These workshops brought together decision makers from First Nation communities along the Central and North Coast, as well as senior government officials and Canadian and American aquaculture business leaders.

The biological research, training in husbandry and business planning have been extensive, and the participating First Nations are poised to develop a world-class commercial industry on the Central and North Coast. They envisage launching farm operations in the spring of 2005.

Our team has been working with Ecotrust Canada, Larry Greba and Asociates, Prince Rupert Economic Development Commission and the North Coast Water Quality and Marine Biotoxin Society as well as local community representatives and fisheries programs in this initiative. Our specific tasks have included project design, community coordination, field services in the installation and monitoring of pilot sites, coordination of consultation workshops, assistance in business planning, communications and reporting.

Read our article about this project published in Northern Aquaculture December 2003.

News!: Feb. 2006 - Great Bear Rainforest announcement: 16 million ha set aside on BC central coast linked to sustainable economic development including this project - Read More