Exploring restorative ocean farming

Theory put into practice in northern B.C.

Imagine a future where vertical ocean plots could grow seaweed and shellfish benefitting both local residents and the environment. Taylor Reidlinger, who is currently based in Prince Rupert, B.C., is diving into the possibilities of ocean farming.

In a partnership between Ecotrust Canada’s North Coast Innovation Lab and Coastal Shellfish Corporation, Taylor has plans to start seeding a vertical ocean plot by the end of the summer. The pilot project looks to build on the recent success of Indigenous-run Coastal Shellfish Corporation’s sustainable scallop farm off the coast of Metlakatla village. While restorative ocean farming would provide more seafood locally, kelp aquaculture would help regulate oceanographic imbalances.

The initiative is giving Taylor practical hands-on experience in her field as a Master of Science student studying environment and management, and if successful the project could grow into a long-term, financially self-sustaining program for the community.

Also from our North Coast Innovation Lab team

New and Notable

OPPORTUNITIES: Ecotrust Canada is looking for someone who is mission-driven, with a passion for creating thriving and resilient communities, to apply for the North Coast Innovation Lab Coordinator position, based in Prince Rupert, starting mid-August.

We're also looking for someone with a focus on service and community development to apply for The AMP Coworking Community Manager position in Vancouver, starting early August.

PUBLISHED: Find out what community building and local economic development looks like in Prince Rupert a year after the North Coast Innovation Lab launched its place-based initiative. We’ve released a Developmental Evaluation report that captures the research and community projects in Year 1.

PUBLISHED: We’ve released our 2018 Annual Report highlighting a year of transition and efforts toward building innovative economic solutions in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

ACHIEVED: This month we celebrated the passing of Bill C-68, which strengthens owner-operator and fleet separation policy. We must ensure that local fish harvesters and communities on all our coasts Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic are afforded the same strong protections. In May, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO) supported 20 recommendations to the government to change the management of fisheries in British Columbia. Making sure these recommendations are effectively implemented presents the next challenge for our Community Fisheries Initiative.

Prove the Possible

Ecotrust Canada is powered by the vision of people and nature thriving together. With your support, we’ll continue to bring real, tangible solutions to big questions that integrate social, economic and environmental well-being.

Thank you for your continued support!

The Ecotrust Canada Team