Ecological Interactions
Maintaining and enhancing public confidence in shellfish aquaculture is imperative for the future success of the BC shellfish aquaculture industry.
Dr. Penny Barnes
Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Aquaculture Development, leads the Ecological Interactions Research Program (EIRP) at the CSR. EIRP endeavours to link the development of a sustainable shellfish aquaculture industry in BC with conservation of coastal marine ecosystems.
The research objectives of the EIRP are:
- Development of ecosystem models to investigate the role of shellfish aquaculture.
To date, no studies have successfully incorporated both environmental and production carrying capacities for BC's shellfish aquaculture into testable ecosystem models. The development of these models requires research into the fundamental biological, physical and chemical processes in coastal waters - as well as research into the ecological and physiological processes of shellfish culture.
- Establishment of monitoring protocols and programs
Research designed to meet Objective 1will generate data useful in establishing monitoring protocols and programs that best serve the needs of the shellfish industry, regulatory agencies, and the coastal communities in which they operate. In a significant feedback loop, the long-term environmental data sets generated by monitoring programs are needed to test ecosystem models. An effective environmental monitoring program may also benefit the shellfish farmer by providing an early warning of potentially adverse environmental impacts.
- Evaluation of the potential of integrated multi-trophic culture systems.
The potential for polyculture on the west coast is significant. Currently, the potential of co-culturing Pacific oysters with sea cucumbers, and with green sea urchins, is being investigated. In addition to these species, the investigation of the potential of multi-trophic culture systems including both traditional and emerging aquaculture species will be undertaken.
Polyculture studies are inherently multi-disciplinary. This third objective combines production and environmental carrying capacities (elements of Research Objectives 1 and 2) with economic diversification and feasibility. Results from the polyculture research - such as growth curves and animal production rates - will be related to economic and business models by an interdisciplinary team including VIU's MBA program and business department.