Throughout history, the ocean has played an integral role in shaping the identity of Atlantic Canadians. It was the mainstay of the first people on this land, the natives; it brought the first Viking explorers, as well as later adventurers, to our shores; it lured the first Western European settlers here with its rich bounty of fish. Even today, the people of this region use the ocean as a source of transportation, recreation, employment, and food; not to mention as a source of inspiration for our songs, stories, poems, paintings and carvings. If you go to any fishing village along our coastline you will see, hear and taste the impact this rich resource has on our lives. No other force has shaped this region's culture and people as much as the ocean.Aquaculture
Aquaculture, or the “farming” of aquatic organisms, has been around for thousands of years. It is only in the last thirty or so years, however, that it has become so important. This importance has been driven by the increase in the world’s population, dietary shifts and a decrease in the numbers of many traditional fish species. Currently, one-quarter of the fish consumed in the world is produced by aquaculture methods!
This industry has a long history in Canada. There is anecdotal evidence that our native peoples practiced basic aquaculture. Written records of fish egg incubation, hatching, and release in the mid-1800s have been found. Prince Edward Island is reported to have had oyster cultivation in the late 1800s.
Despite this seemingly long history, aquaculture on a commercial scale in Canada has only been around for about thirty years. In Atlantic Canada, salmon, trout, oysters, mussels, scallops, and seaweeds are all grown, mainly for the food industry. These organisms may be confined to artificial ponds, pools or tanks or barricades may be erected along the coasts. These enclosures keep the crop protected from many predators and concentrated in one place for easy operation and harvesting.
Before aquaculture sites are created there is research to be done. Oceanographers and biologists determine the best site to place the farms. Water currents, temperature, oxygen content, and water depth are measured in an effort to estimate the carrying capacity of the area and the impact aquaculture would have on the natural area. Studies are also conducted to determine what impact escaped aquaculture organisms would have, and to determine the potential spread of disease between the wild and the farmed organisms.
After aquaculture sites have been created, there is still research to be done. Oceanographers determine the long-term impact of aquaculture on the natural environment. The uneaten food and solid wastes can cause an increase in the sediments on the sea floor; as the amount and type of sediment change, so to do the type and number of wild organisms. Government scientists monitor the activity taking place in an area to determine the amount and type of sediment change. Excessive changes are monitored so that the aquaculturist can adjust the practice to minimize damages. As most farms strive to find a balance with the environment, this is not a common occurence.
Oceanographers may also work with aquaculturists to find ways to increase the yield of fish and seaweed. They may also work together to investigate diseases in aquaculture organisms.