Feds fund B.C. aquaculture project

Vancouver, B.C. – Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) has increased its funding of both the Middle Bay Sustainable Aquaculture Institute (MBSAI) facility in Campbell River, B.C., and Vancouver-based AgriMarine Holdings Inc., a supplier of floating closed containment technology for sustainable aquaculture.

SDTC is a not-for-profit foundation created by the federal government to help develop clean technologies that deliver economic, environmental and health benefits. The organization has now committed $5.77 million toward the Middle Bay project, up from its previous commitment of $2.36 million. In addition, AgriMarine has committed $7.27 million to rear the salmon as part of the project.

Sustainable development

MBSAI is a not for-profit organization that researches and develops commercial-scale environmentally responsible technologies for aquaculture. MBSAI, AgriMarine Industries and the U.S.-based Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation are members of the Middle Bay project consortium.

The aim of the Middle bay project is to demonstrate that the use of solid-wall containment salmon farming is a viable and cost-effective alternative to net cage operations.

“The technology being developed through this project is a great example of the combined environmental and economic benefits that clean technologies can provide to Canadians,” says Vicky Sharpe, SDTC president and CEO. “It has the potential to increase the rearing capacity of the Canadian and global salmon farming industry by allowing for sustainable aquaculture growth in coastal communities, while minimizing interference with marine environments.”