Haida Gwaii Shellfish Study 2010 Special Report for MIEDS Prepared by Gina Kungl
A Brief History of Shellfish on Haida Gwaii (and BC) Pre-contact West Coast indigenous peoples are commonly known as Hunter Gatherers. Rock walls were erected for the purpose of cultivating bivalves in stone-walled foreshore structures called clam gardens. These native mariculture structures have been located along coastal sections of Puget Sound to Haida Gwaii.¹ The clam gardens are centuries old. In the 1960 s there were about six or seven seine boats that were salmon fishing on the south coast of Vancouver Island. When the season ended, the skippers would fill up their boats with wild oysters from Baynes Sound. Oysters were brought here by the tons and this was common practice. The oysters were placed along the beaches of Haida Gwaii for food consumption. The oysters were subject to predators namely starfish as well as raccoons.² In 1997, experimental trials with Japanese scallops and pacific oysters were conducted at 20 sites on Haida Gwaii and in the vicinity of Prince Rupert. At several sites, performance indicated that both scallop and oyster culture was biologically feasible but not advisable in others. 3 In 1998, the first licence for aquaculture was issued on Haida Gwaii to Q.C.I. Shellfish. In 2003, Coastal First Nations/Turning Point Initiative constructed a pilot project consisting of 22 sites. In the upcoming months, it is estimated that the farms employ 25 to 30 people and will hold ten million seed in the initial stages. After a period of time, roughly 50 people per site will be employed when they move into the harvesting stage. 4 1
Shellfish Species Harvested as a Wild Commercial Fishery on Haida Gwaii Crabs Dungeness crabs (Cancer Magister) are the most important species of crab being harvested in British Columbia. They are exploited by commercial, native and sport fishers. Crabs can be found from the intertidal zone to depths of 180 metres. First recorded landings of the commercial crab fishery occurred before the turn of the century in 1885. The sports fishery is equally as long and aboriginal harvesting precedes the discovery of North America by Europeans. 5 Geoducks The majority of the geoducks Total Allowable Catch is approximately seventy percent and is on the north coast. Geoducks are harvested commercially using high pressure water delivered through a nozzle (known as a stinger ) which loosens the substrate around the clam and allows the diver to lift the clams out alive. Geoducks are quickly taken to processing facilities and are delivered live to Asian markets. The recreational fishery is limited to hand digging methods. Commercial gear cannot be used for recreational harvest. The commercial fishery is managed by limiting harvest by means of quotas, individual licences and a catch verification program. A three year area rotational process is in effect. 6 Geoducks are in the experimental stages of being cultivated on aquaculture sites in British Columbia. Abalone The entire coast of British Columbia is closed to the harvest of the northern or pinto abalone due to serious conservation concerns. (British Columbia Species at Risk Act) The Northern Abalone Fisheries has been closed since 1990 to protect the remaining population. 7 Abalones are in the experimental stages of being cultivated on aquaculture sites in British Columbia. Sea Cucumbers Approximately 80 percent of the sea cucumbers found in the Total Allowable Catch are in the North Coast area. This fishery is open for eight weeks begining October. From 1998 to 2007, the fishery was restricted to twenty five percent on the British Columbia coast in order to compile data. A plan to reopen portions of the coast is in order to eventually facilitate a rotational style fishery. 8 The California sea cucumber is in the experimental stages of being cultivated on aquaculture sites in British Columbia. Red Sea Urchins The red sea urchin Total Allowable Catch is approximately eighty percent in the North Coast area. In recent years, the red sea urchin fishery has been declining due to an illegal, unreported and unregulated fishery from Russia. 2
Sea Urchins being sold by the unregulated fishery in Russia are cheaper than British Columbia product and have flooded the Japanese market therefore shutting out the higher priced product of British Columbia. 9 The green sea urchin is in the experimental stages of being cultivated on aquaculture sites in British Columbia. Razor Clams (intertidal clam fishery) In 1963, shifting market dynamics resulted in a decline in the North Coast clam fishery and moved harvest interest to the south coast. With this decline, biotoxin and water quality testing was discontinued and resulted in a closure of the fishery. An exception to the closure is along the north coast of Graham Island where a razor clam fishery occurs. Razor clams are dug individually using a short-handle thin bladed shovel. Harvesters are encouraged to fill in the holes to reduce predation on the exposed juvenile clams. Harvesting undersized clams is prohibited. Razor clams must meet a size of 90 mm through the greatest breadth of the shell and there is not a size limit in the recreational fishery. Razor clams have supported a commercial fishery since 1922 as well as a recreational fishery. This is an aboriginal fishery co-managed by the Council of the Haida Nations and the D.F.O. The fishery is open from March until June and from September to December or till an annual catch ceiling has been reached. 10 Cultivated Species on Haida Gwaii The two main species of shellfish being cultured on Haida Gwaii are the Pacific Oysters and the Japanese (Pacific Weathervane Scallops). Pacific Oysters and Pacific Scallops are non- indigenous species intentionally introduced. The Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) was first introduced into the Pacific Northwest around 1900 until around World War II. As the waters of British Columbia are generally cooler than the species natural breeding range, they only breed with regularity in three small areas. Pacific Oysters do not reproduce in Haida Gwaii and larvae or spat must be hatchery reared. Most of the oyster seed is imported from the United States. The Japanese Weathervane Scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) was introduced from Japan by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the British Provincial government during the 1980 s. Imported brood stocks were held in quarantine till spawning was promoted. Successful viability of genetic offspring has been utilized to initiate a scallop culture industry in the province of British Columbia. 11 3
Island Scallops Ltd, a private hatchery located on Vancouver Island, is the sole producer of Pacific Scallop seed in Canada. It supports itself and a few small independent aquaculture farms. With the current technology, seed sources are limited. 12 Products and Volumes Sold on Haida Gwaii A small percentage of crabs processed on island are sold for retail on Haida Gwaii. A small percentage of the catch ceiling of razor clams is kept on Haida Gwaii for retail. * During commercial fishing season of crabs, prawns and finfish, one can purchase these products from a boat that holds a valid vendor s licence. Products and Volumes Sold Off Haida Gwaii Crabs 4,304,821 lbs 2009 Razor Clams 294,120 lbs 2009 Crabs The processing facilities on Haida Gwaii only purchase crabs for the cooked market. The number reported for crabs in 2009, are for Area A which include the waters on and around Haida Gwaii. However, all were not processed on the island. Due to the live market, license holders received more money for live sales of crabs vs. the cooked market. This had a negative effect for local processing plants and related employment in 2010. After 5 weeks of operation in 2010, one processing facility was forced to close down its operations leaving their employees ineligible for employment insurance. Razor Crabs The majority of razor clams are sold off island and utilized for bait for commercial fisheries. Scallops and Oysters In recent years, live sales were prominent. Scallops and oysters are currently not being sold off-island due to these contributing factors; 100 Mile-Diet, logistics, production costs. Prawns Prawns are currently not being purchased by processing facilities on Haida Gwaii. Processing facilities will provide custom offloads for these freezer boats. This product is sold directly from the boat to their buyer. 4
Volume of Shellfish Imported to Haida Gwaii Currently shellfish being imported on to Haida Gwaii are utilized by restaurants, grocery stores and lodges. The species and volumes for 2010 are as follows 1 : Clams Scallops Oysters Crabs Mussels Shrimp Prawns 0 1310 lbs 90 lbs 105 lbs 72 lbs 165 lbs 750 lbs Volume of Species Harvested Wild vs: Farmed Species harvested within the waters of Haida Gwaii are crabs, prawns, geoducks, red sea urchins, sea cucumbers and razor clams. As there is no wild fishery on Haida Gwaii for scallops and oysters, there are no volumes to report. There are currently two operations cultivating scallops and one of those is culturing oysters as well. For both of these species being cultured, there is not a wild fishery on Haida Gwaii. Markets and Opportunities Marketing of west coast shellfish products has relied largely on the efforts of individual companies. Shucked oyster meat prices drop annually due to aggressive competition as the markets are flooded. Frozen Asian markets compete with fresh west coast products. Widespread economic uncertainty has also had an impact on shellfish demand with restaurant sales. However, people are seeking an ocean wise 13 sustainable product that is produced in close proximity to their own community. 1 These figures are based upon 2010 Vendor Import Surveys of participating restaurants, stores and lodges. 5
Opportunities for markets can be achieved by the following: Target off-island markets Create a web page identifying the local product s unique profile Add to the database on the agr.gc.ca website Contact off-island distributors Promotional materials at Visitor Info. Centre, B.C. Ferries, local accommodation Vendor at airport Opportunities to compete in these markets can be achieved using such tools as: Targeting off-island high-end restaurants & health markets Becoming involved in organizations such as the BC Small Scale Food Processers Develop a branding package Ensuring promotional materials (demonstrating the local product s unique profile )are available at Visitor Info. Centre, B.C. Ferries, local accommodations Establish a presence as a vendor at airport and local markets Add to the database on the agr.gc.ca website Contact off-island distributors Water Base Required for the Current Volume of Cultivated Water Based Products The current local demand is being satisfied by roughly 1.2 hectares. The Capacity for these products and the Water Base Required at Capacity The current local demand based on 3 year growth cycle is 2 hectares. The water base for the 2 operating sites is 105 hectares and the water base for the 4 proposed sites is 140 hectares. At present time there are no applications being accepted as a moratorium is in effect. 6
Harvesters and Producers There are 2 operations currently producing and harvesting local shellfish. A joint venture between the Skidegate Band Council and Old Masset Economic Development and a sole proprietor. Quality Assurance of Cultivated Shellfish Safe growing waters, harvesting, processing and shipping of shellfish is highly regulated. Shellfish growers in Canada are committed to insuring quality assurance. Canadian shellfish must come from monitored and approved water sources. Environment Canada takes water samples from aquaculture sites and surrounding areas every 3 years through the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program. (C.S.S.P). This program consists of 3 governing bodies, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Environment Canada. Monitoring for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), Ammesiac Shellfish Poisoning (ASP), Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP), Vibrio Parahaemolyticus (VP) are conducted on a weekly basis during the summer months. During the winter months testing for the above is conducted on a bi-weekly basis by C.F.I.A 2. These samples are taken by Rick Lozon and Gina Kungl as part of their shell fish operations. Thorough cooking can destroy most disease organisms that accumulate in these filter-feeding animals. Bivalve shellfish may only be sold to, or processed in a federally and provincially certified and registered facility. The plant must be in good standing with C.F.I.A. and have an acceptable Quality Management Program in operation. 3 Shellfish Farmers Require the Following Licences,Permits and Documents Shellfish Tenure (Lease or Licence of Occupation) Approved Shellfish Management Plan Upland Owner Consent (if required) Performance (Cleanup) Bond Public Liability Insurance Coast Guard Navigable Waters Protection Act Permit Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (C.E.A.A) Environmental Assessment Approval 3 Quality Control, Albion Fisheries 7
Aquaculture Licence from D.F.O. Transplant Permits Local Zoning Permits Support of all governments including local government Legislation On Feb. 9, 2009, the British Columbia Supreme Court (BCSC) ruled that the elements of the existing provincial aquaculture management regime applicable to activities of cultivation are beyond provincial jurisdiction. As a result ( BCSC) granted the federal government a 1 year period to develop a replacement regulatory regime. The court extended this one year period to Dec. 18, 2010. Following this date, existing provincial aquaculture licences will no longer be valid. The first step for the new regime will be to issue federal licences for all existing aquaculture sites holding provincial aquaculture licences. Resources 14 1. http://westinstenv.org/histwl/2008/01/29/clam-gardens/ 2. Ray Sjolund, Haida Gwaii 3. William A. Heath http:// www.mi.mun.ca/mi/aac/abst_99/shellfish.htm 4. Northern View (in print) 5.6.7.8, 9. www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca 10. www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca and Haida_Razor_2009.pdf 11. http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/fisheries/shellfish/cabinet/fn_shellfish_aquaculture_ North_Coast_Strategy.pdf 12. British Columbia Shellfish Growers Association 13. 2015.pdf 14. www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca 8