Planning for sustainable seaweed aquaculture on the east coast of Central Vancouver Island
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Issue Date
2022-01
Editor
Authors
Foulkes, Sarah Elizabeth
License
Subject
Abstract
Vancouver Island’s food system has low resiliency, which means that it cannot quickly adapt to external shocks and stresses. The result of this low resiliency is that the communities on the Island are left vulnerable to food shortages in times of crisis. Increasing the amount of food produced by Vancouver Island communities can help improve the food system resiliency. One crop which would be beneficial for communities to produce is seaweed, and Vancouver Island has been identified as the ideal place for BC to establish a thriving seaweed aquaculture industry. Worldwide studies indicate that introducing seaweed aquaculture to a community can provide numerous economic, environmental, and food security benefits. Planners can support the growth of this new industry by developing zoning bylaws that allow for the cultivation and processing of seaweed, creating official community plans that support the expansion of the industry, helping to preserve valuable aquaculture infrastructure, and raising awareness of the industry amongst the community members.