Coastal aquaculture in British Columbia: Perspectives on finfish, shellfish, seaweed, and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) from three First Nation communities

Most aquaculture tenures in British Columbia (BC) are located in coastal First Nation traditional territories, making the aquaculture industry very important to First Nation communities. Marine aquaculture, in particular salmon farming, has been labeled one of the most controversial industries in BC and various groups with differing opinions have created a wide-spread media debate known as the “aquaculture controversy”. Industry, government, and (E)NGO’s are often the most visible players; First Nations, especially those without aquaculture operations directly in their territories, are often excluded or underrepresented in the conversation. In particular, remote communities from the central and north coast are significantly underrepresented. Aquaculture is predicted to expand in BC, making it crucial to know the opinions of these communities. By drawing on twelve key informant interviews conducted in situ in three central and north coast First Nation communities, as well as other literatures and discourses, this thesis explores the aquaculture controversy and perspectives towards finfish, shellfish, seaweed and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) systems. The thesis suggests that there is little interest in salmon aquaculture in the communities of Oweekeno, Skidegate and Massett; however there is significant interest in shellfish farming and to a lesser extent seaweed and IMTA. It also sheds light on the major issues and concerns of the current industry and potential interest areas in-line with First Nation values. In doing so, the current research contributes to the knowledge mobilization of First Nation perspectives towards coastal aquaculture in BC. ; Graduate ; 0366 ; ktebbutt@uvic.ca