Seafood More than 80 species of finfish and shellfish are grown, harvested and marketed by British Columbia's seafood industry. This industry occupies a very important place in the province's economy. It is now the fourth largest agri-business industry in farm gate value behind dairy, floriculture and nursery, and poultry. The British Columbia coastline is particularly suited to aquaculture because of a coastline that is unique in North America for it's many fjords and protected inlets and bays, ice-free areas, ideal water temperature for fish production and low pollution. Salmon farms are primarily located in and around the north-east and west coasts of Vancouver Island, while the majority of the shellfish farms were situated in the Georgia Basin, primarily in the Baynes Sound area.
Aquaculture provides opportunities for many small businesses.
Manufacturers of nets, net pens, floats, anchors and other equipment have opened their doors and have developed a strong service industry. Other related businesses include feed supply, broodstock development, disease management services and specialist consulting services. Provincially, the majority of salmon farmed is Atlantic salmon, due to their hardiness and saleability in the market. The Pacific oyster continues to dominate the shellfish aquaculture harvest. However, technology advances in Manila clam and Japanese scallop culture has increased commercial harvest.