What is the future of the shellfish industry in British Columbia?
BC’s contribution to the global production of farmed shellfish is minuscule at best in global terms. BC ranks as the 12th largest singer producer of Pacific oysters but only produces 0.12% of value. In 2000 BC accounted for 5.0% of North American landed oyster culture value according to FAO. Virtually the entire commercial harvest of BC oysters is farmed while commercial culture of clams is steadily increasing. The wholesale value of the industry in 2000 was approximately $20 million. While production values are steadily increasing, shellfish farming has not come anywhere near reaching its potential as a key economic driver for coastal communities. The BCSGA thanks the Canadian Aquaculture Alliance for much of the data contained in this section. For further information about the Alliance, visit www.aquaculture.
