Industry Education
To ensure the development of a skilled workforce that will support the growth, diversification and competitiveness of the BC shellfish aquaculture industry, a primary objective of the CSR is to facilitate the transfer of technology & training to industry.
Vancouver Island University (VIU) has had a successful history in working with the shellfish industry to deliver relevant aquaculture workshops, technology transfer seminars and training courses.
The creation of the CSR greatly enhanced VIU's ability to meet the shellfish industry's technology transfer and training requirements. Through its strong relationship with industry, the CSR is well informed of current industry technology transfer and training needs. Moreover, it has the staff and extension capabilities to communicate and facilitate the delivery of information to meet these needs.
Following are links to further information below:
Workshops
Historically, the BC shellfish aquaculture industry has lacked an effective mechanism to communicate the technological and intellectual innovations of shellfish aquaculture research to industry participants. As a result, the industry has faced difficulties in keeping pace with today's rapidly evolving production/market environment. To overcome this ‘extension deficit', the CSR organizes and/or facilitates technology transfer and knowledge exchange workshops.
Workshops organized by the CSR have included:
Shellfish Visioning Workshop - June 25/26, 2002
The objective of this workshop was to achieve consensus on what is required to build a world-class shellfish aquaculture industry - and ultimately, to develop an industry action plan that could be used by government and industry alike. A diverse and comprehensive mix of over 50 shellfish aquaculture stakeholders – representing industry, the research community and government - were involved in the workshop.
Shellfish Mortality Workshop – December, 2003
The objective of this workshop was to create a forum for BC shellfish aquaculture producers to meet with shellfish research scientists to discuss unexplained shellfish mortality events occurring periodically in B.C. and elsewhere. The workshop facilitated the development of key research questions for the scientific study of mortality events.
First Nations Shellfish Aquaculture Workshop - Feb. 24/25 2005
The Federal Provincial Aboriginal Shellfish Aquaculture Committee is seeking to develop a strategic shellfish aquaculture development plan – as well as practical tools to assist First Nations (FN) communities involved in shellfish aquaculture.
To further this process, the Committee requested that the CSR facilitate a workshop in February 2005 for FN bands that are involved in shellfish aquaculture enterprises. By sharing both successes and challenges in the development of a viable shellfish aquaculture business, participants were offered the opportunity to learn through the experience of others.
Shellfish Aquaculture Research & Development Prioritization Workshop
To capture the economic opportunities promised through sustainable shellfish aquaculture development, the BC shellfish aquaculture industry must implement a comprehensive approach to industry research and development.
The CSR has recently hosted and facilitated a series of workshops to prioritize the research needs of the industry – that will aid in the development of a strategic plan for R&D. Click here to link to a copy of the Draft R&D strategy . Comments from stakeholders are welcome.