Nanaimo-based salmon farming operation set for massive expansion
Nanaimo's Taste of BC Aquafarms has become a world leader in land-based salmon farming and is set to expand its operations globally.
“We’ve spent the last nine years developing a prototype and proving the technology to grow steelhead on land,” says Steve Atkinson, managing director of Taste of BC Aquafarms.
To date, the company can produce 100 tonnes of steelhead salmon per year at their Nanaimo location. With an expansion to different locations on Vancouver Island and abroad, the company expects production will increase to 20,000 tonnes annually.
“Today we are the only ones that have actually been able to meet our production goals and consistently grow fish to market at a cost effective manner,” says Atkinson.
It takes about twelve months from egg to harvest to produce a two-kilogram steelhead salmon.
Every aspect of the salmon's life cycle for the twelve months is scrutinized.
“From the swim speed, to the lighting, how do you feed them, when do you feed them, what do you feed them,” adds Atkinson.
Once expanded, the operation plans to farm different Pacific salmon species, such as chinook and coho.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.