Anti-Predator Netting

Project Summary

A Denman Island oyster grower was challenged with most of their oysters dying from crab predation. This project set out to determine the most effective method of reducing predation for this farm site. North Island College tested different types of anti-predator netting and monitored the results of crab presence and oyster survival.

Research Team

Allison Byrne, Lead Researcher

Phone: 250-923-9700 ext. 7804

Email: allison.byrne@nic.bc.ca

As a Research Associate to our Coastal Aquaculture program, Allie joined the team in 2016 and is working with Dr. Cross on several aspects of the research. She learned the value of collaborative aquaculture research through her Master’s degree from the University of Victoria, part of a Canada-wide research network made possible through partnerships with industry, government, and academia.

Maddison Audeau, NIC Associate of Science degree student

“It was really fascinating to be up close and personal with a business that is working the environment in a way that can produce a profitable industry but not disrupt the natural balance.”

Sahvanna McManus, NIC Aquaculture Technician 1 diploma student

"This project opened my eyes to studying shellfish further, or getting a job in production."

Jonathan Levasseur, NIC Industrial Automation diploma student

“I wrote up a report after I was done, and showed it to my future employer – he was impressed and that’s actually how I got my job.”

Colleen Haddad, VIU Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture student

“Working on the Denman Island Oyster project helped me gain valuable field work experience”

Partners

Han Pacific

Project Outcomes

• The company saw an immediate benefit from both types of netting tested.
• Crabs ate significantly less of the oyster crop within the protected tenure spaces.
• NIC students got to work directly with shellfish farmers, and this experience helped one NIC graduate get a job at a shellfish hatchery.