Clams
Clams are a traditional food staple for coastal First Nations. They have been prepared many ways including steamed, fried and smoked, clams preserve well and were often dried. First Nation clam gardens were widespread up and down the west coast reflecting the importance of clams to coastal peoples. Clam gardens are shoreline terraces built to expand and protect the clam beaches. Historically these gardens were worked and managed to cultivate clams thereby increasing their production; an early form of aquaculture...
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Cockles
Cockles (Clinocardium nuttalli - Latin name), also called basket, or heart cockles, are native to British Columbia’s coast. As a traditional food source for First Nations, there is growing interest in the potential of farmed cockles and support for the development of a BC cockle aquaculture industry. However, there is currently no commercial culture of the native cockle in BC...
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Oysters
The Pacific oyster was first introduced to British Columbia waters from Japan around 1912 on the central coast of Vancouver Island. By 1942 the Pacific oyster had spread, and was successfully breeding in bays and harbours around southern BC. Native BC oysters, the Olympia oyster (Ostrea conchaphila) and the American oyster (Crassostrea virginica), are not used in aquaculture at this time...
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Geoducks
Geoduck (Panope abrupta / generosa - Latin name) - also known as king clam or “elephant trunk clam” by the Chinese. In 1993 research began into the development of a viable geoduck aquaculture industry in British Columbia. Sixteen years later, the culture of geoducks is almost ready to move forward into commercial production. However, a reliable and consistent source of seed is still needed...
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Scallops
Scallop farming is seen by a growing number of First Nations as an economic development opportunity which can provide revenue, training and employment for their communities. Currently there are First Nations involved in the early stages of scallop aquaculture development in BC...
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Mussels
On the Pacific coast, the Mediterranean, and Penn Cove, mussels are grown successfully in Puget Sound, WA. Attempts to culture the Blue mussel in BC waters started in 1980’s. Growing mussels commercially in BC has been challenging because of BC’s cooler water temperature and predators, (e.g. ducks). This has resulted in a high mortality rate before the mussels reach market size. However, off the coast of southern Vancouver Island growers are starting to see greater success using deep water suspension methods...
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