Shellfish Areas

Canada has a huge coastline and the CSSP has focused on the more accessible southern areas. The use of mobile laboratories and float planes has facilitated the classification of otherwise remote areas. Areas are classified for commercial and recreational uses as well as for the food, social, and ceremonial needs of approximately 60 aboriginal communities. Currently there are 15,739 square kilometres of classified shellfish areas in Canada.

In the Atlantic Provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island), CSSP surveys focus on commercial harvesting areas and aquaculture sites. As of April 1, 2008, approximately 6,539 square kilometres of shellfish growing areas were classified in Atlantic Canada; about 66% of the areas were classified as Approved or Conditionally Approved.

In Quebec, shellfish growing areas are classified along the North Shore of the St. Lawrence, the Magdalen Islands, the Lower St. Lawrence, Gaspésie and the Charlevoix regions of Quebec. As of April 1, 2008 approximately 4,606 square kilometres of shellfish harvesting areas were classified with about 58% classified as Approved or Conditionally Approved. Additional information on shellfish growing areas in Quebec may be found at www.mollusca.gc.ca.

In British Columbia, shellfish growing areas are classified in the southern inside waters and the West Coast of Vancouver Island as well as some areas in the more remote Central and North Coast and in the Queen Charlotte Islands. As of April 1, 2008, approximately 4,594 square kilometres of shellfish harvesting areas were classified in British Columbia with about 76% classified as Approved or Conditionally Approved.