Aquaculture
Aquaculture is all about the cultivation of aquatic organisms under controlled conditions. It goes beyond traditional fishing, embracing a diverse array of activities such as fish farming, shellfish cultivation, and even the cultivation of algae.
With our pristine coastal waters and suitable climate, Vancouver Island provides an ideal environment for aquaculture operations, particularly for salmon farming and shellfish cultivation. Aquaculture not only supplies fresh seafood to local markets but also generates revenue through exports, bolstering the island's economy. Moreover, it may offer sustainable alternatives to wild fisheries, helping to alleviate pressure on marine ecosystems while supporting coastal communities. However, it's essential to manage aquaculture practices carefully to mitigate potential environmental impacts and ensure the long-term health of Vancouver Island's marine ecosystems.
Provides an overview and insights into the local business environment, municipal support, education & training opportunities and more.
BC Salmon
A site promoting BC wild salmon with information and links to industry related sites.
BC Salmon Farmer's Association
The voice of the province's salmon farming industry. Read about hot topics, news, health related issues and labour market stats.
MOWI Canada West (formerly Marine Harvest)
Mowi Canada West is the world's leading seafood company and largest producer of farmed salmon and one of the North Island's major local aquaculture employers.
With their main office in Campbell River, Cermaq employs many people in coastal communities.
Grieg Seafood British Columbia
With an office in Campbell River, Grieg Seafood has farming operations on both the west and east sides of Vancouver Island.
Fisheries Management & Research
Pacific Region Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Fisheries management, habitat and enhancement, enforcement and more.
Government of BC: Fisheries and Aquaculture
This government website includes resources, reports and statistics on BC Fisheries and Aquaculture.
BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences
The BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences (BC CAHS), is a non-profit organization in Campbell River facilitating services and applied research in: *Fish health & welfare *Environmental interaction *Industry innovation *Knowledge transfer *Food safety
Archipelago Marine Research Ltd. is a biological consulting firm that has provided fisheries and marine biological services to both public and private sector clients since 1978.
Includes summaries of reports on Fisheries.
Canadian Aquaculture Industrial Alliance
Provides background info to the industry for anyone thinking about aquaculture as a career. Look under the HR and skills section for specific career information
Additional Resources
AKVA is a unique industry partner with the capability to offer both pen farming and land based aquaculture operations with complete technical solutions and service.
Provides net and other innovative solutions for the aquaculture industry.
BC Shellfish Growers Association
Quarterly Newsletter on industry news, classifieds, upcoming events, industry encyclopedia. Based out of Comox.
DIVESAFE International is an internationally recognized world class Commercial Diving School or "technical trade school" located on Vancouver Island. They specialize in Commercial Dive Training for Inland and Offshore careers.
Pacific Seaweed Industry Association
The Pacific Seaweed Industry Association (PSIA) is a non-profit, member-driven, industry association that works to develop awareness around the benefits and diverse use-values for seaweed. The association will collaborate with stakeholders to develop educational material, new technology and promote innovation. The organization will also advocate to all levels of government for support of this emerging industry sector
Poseidon Ocean Systems delivers innovative, industry-leading solutions that maximize aquaculture value chains.
VIU offers three different programs in the fisheries and aquaculture industry.