Geoduck Aquaculture
New Geoduck Aquaculture Opportunities
There has been considerable interest in geoduck aquaculture in British Columbia since the early 1990s. Since that time, industry stakeholders and government have invested millions of dollars in developing and refining geoduck hatchery, nursery and culture methods in British Columbia.
Research to date suggests that geoduck aquaculture may be a significant opportunity for British Columbians. In response to considerable interest in access to new lands and to a workable policy framework for geoduck aquaculture, the Provincial (Ministry of Agriculture and Lands or MAL) and Federal governments (Fisheries and Oceans Canada or DFO), First Nations and stakeholders have been working co-operatively to foster the responsible development of geoduck aquaculture in British Columbia.
Opportunities to enter into this industry will be provided in a phased approach. Groundwork for the orderly, beneficial and sustainable introduction of geoduck aquaculture has been completed. Key policy issues have been addressed and through the active participation and co-operation of shellfish growers, harvesters, provincial and federal regulatory agencies three interim policy documents have been developed.
The policy documents outline the conditions within which geoduck aquaculture will occur on both existing shellfish farms and how new applications will be accepted and assessed. In addition, maps showing the locations of the areas where these initial applications for new subtidal geoduck aquaculture will be accepted are found below. The five coastal areas are Savary Island, Cortes & Quadra Island, Baynes Sound, Sechelt and Jervis.
Historical harvest information for these areas is also provided. Please note that the location and harvest information has not been verified by the Ministry and are for your reference only.
Interim Policy Documents
- For existing subtidal sites
- For existing intertidal sites (Note: The Interim Policy for adding geoduck to the aquaculture licences for existing intertidal shellfish sites is currently under review by the ministry.)
- For new subtidal geoduck sites
! Deadline for applications is February 10, 2006
Note: Applications for new intertidal geoduck aquaculture are currently not being accepted due to gaps in understanding of geoduck aquaculture techniques on fish habitat.
Maps of Potential New Subtidal Geoduck Areas
(Click on image or title to enlarge)
Historical Harvest Data
Special Reporting Requirements
As outlined in the policy documents, all geoduck aquaculture licence holders will be subject to special harvest reporting requirements. The bulk of these forms and tags will be made available to aquaculturists by MAL when required. Harvest of residual wild geoduck at a geoduck aquaculture site requires a harvest plan approved by MAL and DFO.
Please note that in order to complete a Word (.doc) form for electronic submission, you must first download the form to your computer - when prompted choose Save, not Open.
Evaluation of the Economics of Subtidal Geoduck Culture in B.C.
An assessment of the estimated costs and returns for sub-tidal geoduck farming in B.C. has been prepared to provide background information on this new investment area in shellfish culture.
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Geoduck Reserve Areas
South Coast Overview (jpg)
