This project investigated different types of anti-predator netting to protect oyster seed from crab predation.
Project Dates: July 2017 – Jan 2018
Funding Amount: $25,000
Students Hired: 4
Project Summary
A Denman Island oyster grower was challenged with most of their oysters dying from crab predation. This project set out to determine the most effective method of reducing predation for this farm site. North Island College tested different types of anti-predator netting and monitored the results of crab presence and oyster survival.
Research Team
Allison Byrne
Researcher
Maddison Audeau
NIC Associate of Science degree student
Sahvanna McManus
NIC Aquaculture Technician 1 diploma student
Jonathan Levasseur
NIC Industrial Automation diploma student
Colleen Haddad
VIU Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture student
Partners
Han Pacific
Project Outcomes
- The company saw an immediate benefit from both types of netting tested.
- Crabs ate significantly less of the oyster crop within the protected tenure spaces.
- NIC students got to work directly with shellfish farmers, and this experience helped one NIC graduate get a job at a shellfish hatchery.