As per the news two marine biologists under the direction of Shellfish Research Biologist Jason Dunham (shown right) are being escorted by Canadian Coast Guardsmen aboard the fishing research vessel, Neocaligus. Dunham explained that the team, who are members of the Marine Ecosystems and Aquaculture Division, Pacific Biological Stations, in Nanaimo, B.C., are studying this year’s crab population in the intertidal foreshore areas of marine reserves throughout the area.
It is found that the area where the research would go on is restricted to commercial fishermen, the areas are valued marine ecosystems. The group will gather data relating to the habits, locations and quantities of crabs in these reserves. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is responsible for protecting fish and fish habitat across Canada. It is obvious that aquaculture is a highly controversial practice and warrants continuous study and monitoring to determine its effect on marine systems, as well as the potential for disease transfer that might impact the genetic integrity of native stocks, introduction of invasive species and impacts on marine ecosystems.
