By Quinn Bender, Prince Rupert Northern View, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
As climate change causes more extreme temperature events, heat waves have the potential to hit marine environments especially hard. The impacts could be especially dire for humans, as we increasingly turn to aquaculture as the best hope to feed a global population speeding toward 10-billion people.
Continue reading How climate change impacts aquaculture productionChina wants more oysters than are grown in BC.
“No discussion about seafood markets can go anywhere without talking about China. It is just the number one driver of seafood consumption. It is their market,” said Erik Lyon, owner operator of Rising Tide Shellfish on Cortes Island.
Continue reading China wants more oysters from BC growersThe DFO has recovered over 1000 oysters that were harvested illegally on Cortes Island.
Continue reading DFO Bust: Over 1,000 oysters harvested illegally on Cortes IslandCanada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
When it comes to shellfish, concerns around the consumption of microplastics are a good news, bad news story. Studies show shellfish on the B.C. coast, farmed and otherwise, appear to contain minimal levels of microplastics unlikely to endanger human health, researcher Garth Covernton said – But it’s too early to breathe a sigh of relief!
Continue reading UVIC researcher talks about about microplastics in ShellfishCanada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Oyster farmers know grit can make for a good pearl. But shellfish farmer Victor McLaggan’s tenacity is being tested as the pandemic continues to hobble the restaurant industry, the main source of his income. McLaggan’s niche market is selling direct to high-end restaurants across Canada, ones with tide-to-table ethics that want to know exactly where their product is coming from. But like most producers of smaller live oysters destined for the half shell, McLaggan says he’s taking a beating as COVID-19 protocols continue to force eateries to limit operations or shut their doors altogether.
Continue reading Oyster Farmers taking a beating
