Shellfish Research

Shellfish Culture and Particulate Matter Production and Cycling (issued February, 2003)

This study is one of a series of research projects that will explore the environmental interactions of off-bottom bivalve farming on the B.C. coast. The broad goal of these studies is to improve site selection criteria, operational strategies and minimize effects of culture operations on the local marine environment. Other benefits may include polyculture strategies and recruitment enhancement of other species of commercial fishing interest. The objectives of this research project are to:

  1. Determine the fate of particulate material produced by cultured shellfish, i.e. sedimentation and/or uptake and utilisation by other organisms either in the water column, co-habiting on gear or animals, or on the benthos; and
  2. Development practical management tools based on these finding to assist in site capability assessments, productive capacity decisions, and operational planning.