Island Sea Farms, Inc.

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In 1996 diving in a bay near Saltspring Island, the company discovered a variety of Mytilus mussel species also known as gallo provincialis or "Mediterranean Mussels" or "Gallo Mussels." These mussels were previously unknown in British Columbia waters. After a year of government research, Island Sea Farms received the first aquaculture license to grow this mussel.

In 1998, the company built a small hatchery on Saltspring Island, collected brood-stock, and researched spawning, nursery, and grow-out techniques. Their hatchery is very unique as it produces its own seed, whereas almost all mussel farms collect wild seed. Island Sea Farms is the only dedicated commercial mussel hatchery in the world. In 2005, their hatchery team created a hybrid of the "Gallo" or Mediterranean ("Med") Mussel with the Atlantic Blue or "PEI Mussel." This new hybrid has the best characteristics of both varieties and its beautiful shell colours range from deep blue-black to almost golden.

Today, Island Sea Farms has its hatchery and nursery operations on Saltspring Island. As they have grown, the company has expanded their farm operations to the exquisite Island of Cortes in the heart of Desolation Sound. Experience is critical on the farm. Their operations manager is a fourth generation islander and has been involved in the shellfish industry all her life. The company's assistant manager is a member of the Klahoose, the local First Nation whose territorial lands they are honoured to operate within. These managers have adopted cutting edge technology from all over the world with an eye for efficiency, safety, and respect for the environment. University of Vancouver Island research on the environmental impact of their farm has been overwhelmingly positive. Their company's rafts and deep-water mussel lines provide extensive nurseries for a myriad of juvenile fish and non-target invertebrates.