B.C. Shellfish Aquaculture Harvests and Values
2008
Species
Production
('000 in-shell tonnes)
Farmgate Value
($millions)
Oysters
5.3
6.2
Clams
1.3
7.0
Scallops & Other
0.6
2.5
Total
7.2
15.7
Production comes entirely out of rural
coastal areas, where farms offer economic opportunities to local
communities.
Currently most shellfish culture occurs on
the southern coast of British Columbia. Pilot work is under way in
northern areas of the coast to determine growth rates and site
suitability.
Primary species cultured are Pacific
oysters and Manila clams with geoduck clam, galo mussel and scallop culture
occurring on a smaller scale.
New species (micro-algae, shrimp
and abalone) show potential for value-added high value products.
