"Full-Scale Panic" In B.C. Scallop Farms; Multiple Threats Converge, Acidification 1st Among Them
Despite insatiable demand, many are concerned B.C.’s once-thriving shellfish industry could be sinking. “I’d say it’s full-scale panic mode (for scallop farmers),” said Rob Saunders, CEO of Qualicum Beach-based Island Scallops.
The company has seen its scallop death rates rise to nearly 95 per cent since 2010, leading to millions of dollars in losses. Ocean acidification — a worldwide problem — is likely to blame.
Ed. - Considering context below, I'm suspecting bad writing; "rise nearly 95 per cent" as opposed "rise to 95 per cent".
Saunders said the company’s hatcheries, which produce scallop, oyster, prawn and sea urchin “seeds,” have also had trouble with increased deaths. In order to grow, the B.C. industry must double its seed production. “Everyone is desperately trying to understand what’s going on and what can be done,” he said.
Other B.C. shellfish growers, like Denman Island oyster farmers Greg Wood and his wife Hollie, have found themselves “going year by year to see if we can make it.”
Wood blames oyster mortality rates on rising ocean temperatures, which cause more parasites and bacteria to grow. “The problems are extreme,” he said. “We’re being attacked from all angles.” The possibility of a coal mine a few kilometres from Baynes Sound, where 50 per cent of B.C.’s shellfish are grown, is a major concern.
While each type of shellfish is different in its ability to tolerate changing ocean conditions, they all depend on a clean environment, said Roberta Stevenson, executive director of the B.C. Shellfish Grower’s Association. “Ocean warming, urban run-off, acidification — it all has an impact,” she said. Production on B.C.’s coast has dropped 12 per cent since 2003, according to the association.
EDIT
http://www.theprovince.com/technology/Increase%20shellfish%20deaths%20causes%20full%20scale%20panic%20industry/10817998/story.html
= new reply since forum marked as read
