Federal funding "to encourage sustainable and innovative aquaculture projects" is coming to the Comox Valley.
The Comox-based BC Shellfish Growers' Association will receive $55,125 and Mac's Oysters in Fanny Bay will get $37,000, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Keith Ashfield announced this week. The Campbell River-based BC Salmon Farmers' Association will receive $49,995.
The investment of $1.25 million to 11 companies and organizations will support three finfish and eight shellfish aquaculture projects in B.C.
The projects will improve the competitiveness of the Canadian aquaculture industry and encourage the development of innovative technologies and management techniques, Ashfield said.
British Columbia’s aquaculture industry creates close to 6,000 jobs, resulting in $224 million in annual wages. About 740 aquaculture operations in B.C. produce salmon, other finfish and shellfish year-round, with a total harvested value of nearly $534 million. — Fisheries and Oceans