Government of Canada strengthens Vancouver Island shellfish industry

Nanaimo, B.C. — The Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, is investing in a project with the Vancouver Island University, in response to changes within the salmon fishery.

A federal investment of $250,000 was announced today by Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo – Alberni, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. Funding is provided under the West Coast Community Adjustment Program (WestCCAP).

“The Deep Bay Field Station will group scientific, environmental, economic and public engagement programming into one facility thereby creating a centre of excellence and innovation,” said Dr. Lunney. “Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government is building the foundation for our future growth and prosperity.”

With this funding, the University’s Centre for Shellfish Research will develop a new Deep Bay Field Station. Among its many outcomes, the Deep Bay Field Station will: enable First Nations to succeed in shellfish aquaculture businesses through effective training and mentoring; strengthen the shellfish aquaculture innovation system by increasing interaction among scientific institutions, researchers and industry; sharpen the focus on applied research to increase profitability; improve technology, innovation and commercialization processes; and accelerate knowledge application by linking research with training.

“This new Field Station will support the growth of the shellfish industry and spur on the creation of new jobs on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, benefiting communities and First Nations,” said Dr. Ralph Nilson, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor.

“This project represents an outstanding collaborative funding partnership and we are grateful that Western Diversification, through the West Coast Community Adjustment Program, has recognized the important role education and research plays in shaping the shellfish industry.”

"The goal of coastal community futures is to ensure that communities maximize the economic benefits and diversification opportunities offered by sustainable seafood industry development,” said George Lerchs, Fisheries Legacy Trust. “We are glad to be partnered with the federal government and other community partners through the WestCCAP program, which helps allocate resources and helps achieve this goal."

The West Coast Community Adjustment Program will provide more than $7 million to support economic growth, job creation and the future sustainability of B.C. coastal communities affected by declines in resource-based sectors (forestry and fishing). The Fisheries Legacy Trust, comprising the 13 west coast Community Futures Development Corporations, is delivering this initiative on behalf of Western Economic Diversification. The Government of Canada supports initiatives that combat challenges facing traditional industries and protect resources in affected areas, to support the long-term success of resource-dependent communities.

Western Economic Diversification works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.