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Shellfish Training 

There are 4 categories of shellfish courses offered at the Centre for Shellfish Research:

Foundational - These courses are intended as introductory courses to the shellfish aquaculture industry. 

Technical - General technical courses are intended to give the participant an understanding of the technical skills required to run and operate a shellfish aquaculture site.

Managerial - The managerial courses are intended for individuals that will be involved in the day to day management of the site and responsible for making business decisions.

Species specific - These courses are intended to address specific training needs for individual farms. 

Foundational Technical Managerial Species Specific
 
   
   
AQCS 001 (NEW)
     
     

See our upcoming Course Calendar.

AQCS 001: Introduction to Scallop Farming (NEW)

This course provides a good introduction to those interested in scallop farming. Topics include scallop biology, the history of scallop farming in B.C., world production, farming techniques, farm production planning, infrastructure requirements and a review of the associated business risks in culturing this high value product.

Click here for more information on Introduction to Scallop Farming

AQUA 550T: Clam Beach Survey – Field Methods

This course presents the field survey requirements for an intertidal clam survey stock assessment for a depuration harvest. Topics include shellfish identification, sampling methods and objectives, randomization methods, confidence intervals, Fisheries and Oceans Canada survey protocols, and data management.

Prerequisites: None, Constraints: Spring & summer delivery, Portable: Yes

Click here for more information on Clam Beach Survey - Field Methods

AQUA 551T: Shellfish Nursery Systems

This course provides hands-on training and is designed for the shellfish farmer who wishes to have greater control over quality and cost of seed production. The topics cover the biology, life cycle and culture methods of many shellfish species. This program also provides field site visits to examine techniques for remote setting, phytoplankton culture, hatchery techniques, nursery methods, upwelling units, and FLUPSY design.

Prerequisites: None, Constraints: Spring & summer delivery, Portable: Not at this time

Click here for more information on Shellfish Nursery Systems

AQUA 552T: Introduction to Shellfish Culture Concepts 

This course will provide fundamental information to plan and implement shellfish aquaculture projects or businesses. The course will cover: the marine environment and its relationship to shellfish aquaculture, shellfish biology, shellfish farm equipment and culture techniques, food safety issues, site selection, business planning and financial feasibility, environmental management, an overview of the shellfish aquaculture industry from a global, national and provincial standpoint, and an overview of some current community-based projects happening in BC. Although this course is an introductory course it provides a solid foundation for anyone entering shellfish aquaculture for the first time or for employees requiring a greater understanding of the industry as a whole.

Prerequisites: None, Constraints: None, Portable: Yes

Click here for more detail about Introduction to Shellfish Culture Concepts.

AQUA 553T: Shellfish Grow-out Systems

Whether its clams, oysters, mussels, scallops or cockles you want to grow, this course covers the following: the primary shellfish grow out systems used in BC production from the nursery through to harvest for market; how culture site factors interact with systems affecting growth and product quality; inventory and production records; market and industry factors; shellfish health; and environmental management of shellfish farms. This course will also provide participants with the necessary information to choose growout systems based on market demands, various biological requirements of shellfish, site characteristics and production capabilities and goals.

Prerequisites: None, Constraints: Spring & summer delivery, Portable: Yes

Click here for more information on Shellfish Grow-out Systems 

AQUA 554T: Starting and Operating a Shellfish Aquaculture Business

This course provides an introduction to the use of a business plan in launching, monitoring, and controlling the operation of a shellfish aquaculture business. Participants will assist with preparation of a business plan, discuss it with financiers, industry partners, business professionals, and apply it to their business.

Prerequisites require at least two of the following:

  • Shellfish Nursery Systems
  • Shellfish Grow-out Systems
  • Clam Beach Seeding – Enhancing Productivity
  • Shellfish Products And Marketing
  • Shellfish Harvesting, Processing And Food Safety

Prerequisites: AQUA 551T, AQUA 553T, AQUA 556T, AQUA 564T, AQUA 568T, Constraints: None, Portable: Yes

Click here for more information on Starting and Operating a Shellfish Aquaculture Business

AQUA 555T: Clam Beach Survey – Data Analysis

This course is a computer-oriented course, which examines and analyzes shellfish stock information collected from a beach survey. The principles of data management, probability sampling, statistical notation, digital mapping, and estimating population parameters will be presented and discussed. Recommended: Completion of Clam Beach Survey Field Methods and basic computer skills.
Prerequisites: Clam Beach Survey, Field Methods, some exceptions may apply., Contraints: Spring & summer delivery, Portable: Yes

Click here for more information on Clam Beach Survey - Data Analysis 

AQUA 556T: Shellfish Products and Marketing

This course is an introduction to the process that a shellfish marketer completes during market plan development, including researching trends and developing strategies to exploit the trends and overcome the challenges. Topics include market and trends research, seafood supply chains, market demands, product differentiation, promotional strategies and developing a marketing plan.
Prerequisites: None, Constraints: None, Portable: Yes

Click here for more information on Shellfish Products and Marketing

AQUA 558T: Shellfish Aquaculture Workplace Safety and Skills

This course is an introduction to the knowledge and skills required to work safely and reduce risk of injury in the shellfish industry. Topics include: fundamental safety information, hazards and risks; ergonomics; protective equipment; on-farm mechanical safety; knot-tying and bear awareness. This course is intended for all employees that will be working on a shellfish aquaculture site.

Prerequisites: None, Constraints: None, Portable: Yes 

Click here for more information on Shellfish Aquaculture Workplace Safety and Skills

AQUA 559T: Shellfish Water Quality Training

The success of any shellfish farming production operations depends on high quality growing water. The condition of the water resource impacts both harvesting regulations as well as the quality of the end-product. This course prepares students to collect water samples in shellfish growing areas for fecal coliform bacteria analysis and gives the student an overview of the various marine biotoxins, and the bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases shellfish are susceptible to. Certification by Environment Canada can be arranged in conjunction with this course.

Prerequisites: None, Constraints: None, Portable: Yes 

Click here for more information on Shellfish Water Quality Training

AQUA 561T: Clam Beach Survey Techniques for Growers

This course focuses on determining the standing stock of a cultivated clam beach. Topics include the principles of data management, probability sampling, biomass and abundance determination, beach characteristics, and using survey techniques as a harvest management tool. This technical course is intended for growers who want to utilize on site data to enhance the performance of their farm.

Prerequisites: None, Constraints: Spring & summery delivery, Portable: Yes

Click here for more information on Clam Beach Survey Techniques for Growers

AQUA 564T: Clam Beach Seeding – Enhancing Productivity

This intense course provides the skills and knowledge required to increase production of clam beaches through seeding juvenile clams. Topics include: overview of aquatic and intertidal environments; clam biology and life cycle; beach production methods; evaluating and sorting clam seed; preparing the beach for seeding; placing clam seed appropriately on the beach; and beach management and record keeping.

Prerequisites: None, Constraints: Spring & summer delivery, Portable: Yes

Click here for more information on Clam Beach Seeding - Enhancing Productivity 

Note on prerequisites: Depending on an individual’s situation and prior learning, prerequisites can be waived at the discretion of the Program Manager.

AQUA 565T: Shellfish Tenure Application Process and Federal Permits for BC

This course focuses on the complex regulatory framework for shellfish aquaculture in BC. Topics include: how to choose an appropriate site, required steps in applying for a tenure, the federal and provincial acts and regulations, factors that determine the success of an application as well as requirements to ensure that your tenure remains active.

Prerequisites: None, Constraints: None, Portable: Yes 

Click here for more information on Shellfish Tenure Application Process and Federal Permits for BC

AQUA 567T: Environmental Monitoring: Building a Plan for Shellfish Aquaculture

Understanding the environment around a shellfish aquaculture site provides essential information for maximizing production as well as assisting with business planning. This course focuses on developing the ability to recognize and record changes – both planned and unplanned - in the marine environment around shellfish tenures. The course will cover: benefits of a monitoring program, developing a monitoring program, mapping the aquaculture site and choosing the right survey method to be implemented within a monitoring program. This course is designed for individuals, who plan on monitoring their own aquaculture site or who will conduct monitoring programs for others.

Prerequisites: None, Constraints: Spring & summer delivery, Portable: Yes

Click here for more detail about Environmental Monitoring: Building a Plan for Shellfish Aquaculture

AQUA 568T: Shellfish Harvesting, Processing and Food Safety

This course is an introduction to potential health hazards and pollution sources that may affect cultured shellfish, as well as practices and regulations to assure product safety and quality. Topics include: major risks from consumption of unsafe product; the rationale for producing high quality and safe shellfish; and techniques to ensure products meet seafood industry standards. This course is intended for farm personnel who have the responsibility of ensuring that harvested product is handled safely and complies with regulations.

Prerequisites: None, Constraints: None, Portable: Yes 

Click here for more information on Shellfish Harvesting, Processing and Food Safety

AQUA 653T: Shellfish Culture Practicum

This course is an opportunity to gain practical, industry relevant experience in the context of an operating shellfish farm. Students will engage in a variety of normal production tasks and interact with managers and staff in order to gain knowledge and build skills. Persons interested in a practicum should contact the Program Manager to set up an appointment and discuss learning objectives for their practicum. Prerequisites: At least two of the following: Shellfish Nursery Systems, Shellfish Growout Systems, Clam Beach Seeding – Enhancing Productivity, Shellfish Products and Marketing, Shellfish Harvesting, Processing and Food Safety.

Prerequisites: AQUA 552T, AQUA 553T, AQUA 568T , AQUA 558T, AQUA 566T, Constraints: None, Portable: Yes 

Click here for more information on Shellfish Culture Practicum

QMAR 003: MED Small Non-Pleasure Vessel Safety

This course is for crew members and operators on board fishing, aquaculture and non-passenger carrying vessels not more than 15 gross tonnes operating in sheltered waters not more than two miles from shore. The focus is on ensuring boat operation, safety, dealing with emergencies, and survival/rescue while on the water.

Prerequisites: None, Constraints: None, Portable: Yes 

Click here for more information on QMAR 003: MED Small Non-Pleasure Vessel Safety

 

Training Formats

Courses will be offered through two formats:

Courses will be periodically scheduled through the Centre for Continuing Studies (CCS) for the Nanaimo Campus. Please check for upcoming courses on our website.

Contract Delivery courses are run on an as requested basis, and an organization requesting the course will pay a fixed rate for the delivery of the course. The advantage of CD courses is that training can be customized for an organization and can sometimes be delivered in the local community. This type of training is ideal for companies that want to train all their staff at once.

Instruction and Course Coordination

Instructors and coordinators for courses include both full-time and contract staff members, as well as highly-qualified and well–respected professionals from the shellfish industry.

For the majority of the courses, students are evaluated on a combination of criteria: attendance, completion of assignments, practical exercises and written examinations.

For More Information

For more information on how to access shellfish aquaculture training for your organization, please contact one of our training staff.

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