Research Document - 2004/131

Potential Impacts of Subtidal Geoduck Aquaculture on the Conservation of Wild Geoduck Populations and the Harvestable TAC in British Columbia

By Hand, C., K. Marcus

Abstract

Geoduck aquaculture is viewed by many as a viable and promising new industry, and there is increasing interest by the shellfish industry to culture and enhance geoduck stocks. Federal and Provincial governments have committed to implement a phased approach to geoduck aquaculture expansion in 2005. This paper was written in response to the need to evaluate the conservation issues for wild geoduck populations and to assess the impact on the commercial fishery that may result from aquaculture activities. The objectives of this paper are to identify the factors that may compromise conservation, evaluate the potential risks and make recommendations for consideration in future decision-making. A summary of current approaches to assess and manage wild geoduck stocks and the underlying conservation strategy for the commercial fishery is provided, along with relevant available information on the genetics of geoducks, and known bio-physical requirements for recruitment and growth. A framework for phased development of aquaculture is outlined, in which site selection criteria are defined which allow a ranking of the level of impact on wild stocks and the existing commercial fishery.

To ensure that conservation objectives for natural geoduck populations are met, impacts of aquaculture need to be incorporated into assessment and management frameworks. It is further recommended that geoduck aquaculture expansion follow a phased-approach that will allow the collection of information on genetic impacts and disease issues as they relate to transfer and transplant of these animals, leading to the development of sound procedures.

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