Central Coast Geoduck

This collaborative research project will explore geoduck aquaculture potential in a new farming region – the BC Central Coast. The results will help the Central Coast Commercial Fisheries Association, a business alliance of four member First Nations, diversify the economic development activities within their traditional territories.

Project Dates: June 2020 – May 31, 2025
Funding Amount: $381,250

Project Summary

This 3-year project will assess geoduck aquaculture potential in the BC Central Coast, in partnership with the Central Coast Commercial Fisheries Association (CCCFA) - a business alliance of four First Nations: Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xai'Xais, Nuxalk and Wuikinuxv. CCCFA has vast knowledge and experience when it comes to marine fisheries and seafood markets and wants to diversify their business operations to include geoduck aquaculture. The project will focus on comparing biophysical conditions at five potential geoduck aquaculture sites and will compare juvenile geoduck performance (growth and survival) between sites. Both the biophysical and geoduck performance data will inform a mathematical model on the sites' production capacity. Geoduck aquaculture could result in a highly lucrative economic development opportunity for coastal communities.

Research Team

Allison Byrne, Lead Researcher
Allison Byrne, Lead Researcher
Allison Byrne (Allie) is a researcher in NIC’s Centre for Applied Research, Technology and Innovation where her focus is applied aquaculture research. Most of her work involves field-based seaweed and shellfish research projects that engage local industry partners and NIC students. Allie has an MSc in Geography from the University of Victoria.
Logan Zeinert
Logan Zeinert, Researcher
Logan hails from New Zealand but completed his master’s degree at Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador. Logan has extensive marine surveying and aquaculture research experience and is an accomplished diver.
Tel: 250-923-9700 ext. 7882
Emily Lohn
Emily Lohn, NIC biology student
Melissa Roberts
Melissa Roberts, Student Research Assistant
Melissa is a second-year student at NIC pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology. She is passionate about protecting and restoring ecosystems and learning more about our local marine environment. Melissa anticipates gaining relevant experience working with CARTI that will further her knowledge in applied sciences for future endeavours.

Partners

Collaborators

News Stories and Coverage

geoduck in a water tank