BC Extreme Weather Preparedness for Aquaculture (EWP) Program
BC will match up to $35 000 for aquaculture producers to implement Extreme Weather Preparedness Initiatives in aquaculture. Kelp enhancement around raft and shore-based oyster aquaculture can provide several benefits in protecting against extreme weather conditions such as high wind, waves, and extreme heat.
Wave and Wind Mitigation:
· Kelp acts as a natural buffer, absorbing the energy of waves and reducing their impact on oyster rafts and shore-based structures.
· The dense canopy of kelp helps dissipate wind force, creating a barrier and minimizing the potential for damage to aquaculture infrastructure.
· The presence of kelp can help break up wave action, reducing the risk of erosion and maintaining stability along the shoreline.
Temperature Regulation:
· Kelp provides shade and cover, reducing direct exposure to sunlight and mitigating heat stress on oyster beds.
· The dense kelp canopy helps regulate water temperatures by providing a cooling effect through evaporation and reducing the risk of thermal stress on oysters.
Enhanced Ecosystem Resilience:
· Kelp forests serve as valuable ecosystems that support biodiversity, providing habitats for various marine organisms, including fish, invertebrates, and microorganisms.
· The presence of kelp enhances overall ecosystem resilience, promoting the natural balance of the marine environment and benefiting the entire coastal ecosystem.
Carbon Sequestration:
· Kelp is a highly efficient carbon sequester, absorbing and storing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the surrounding water column.
· By enhancing kelp populations around oyster aquaculture, carbon sequestration is increased, contributing to mitigating climate change impacts and ocean acidification.
Water Quality Improvement:
· Kelp acts as a natural filter, improving water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and reducing the risk of eutrophication.
· The presence of kelp helps maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem by reducing the occurrence of harmful algal blooms and promoting clearer water conditions.
Overall, kelp enhancement around raft and shore-based oyster aquaculture provides physical protection, temperature regulation, ecosystem resilience, carbon sequestration, and water quality improvement. By integrating kelp into aquaculture practices, businesses can enhance the sustainability and resilience of their operations while benefiting the surrounding marine environment. Biochar and Kelp enhancement indirectly promote fire smart activities and by sourcing biochar feedstock from local Woodfibre resources, including arborists and fire smart collection opportunities.