Automated Shellfish Grader and Tag Printers to Increase the Value and Traceability of British Columbia Shellfish Aquaculture Products

北岛学院（NIC）收到的设备将通过将新技术融入贝类生产者的业务，促进学院与BC贝类水产养殖部门之间的合作。这些设备将直接支持旨在提高当地贝类生产商的可追溯性、收入和运营效率的合作项目。 不列颠哥伦比亚省的贝类水产养殖业主要由分散在温哥华岛和不列颠哥伦比亚大陆沿海社区的中小型公司组成。卑诗省贝类产品在国内和全球市场上需求量很大，贝类行业正在不断寻求促进行业可持续增长的方法。北岛学院（NIC）与贝类产业密切合作，确定了三种互补的设备，这三种设备将为应用研究提供更好的机会，提高生产能力，并加强学院与当地贝类种植者之间的合作。该设备包括：一台自动贝类分级机、一台标签打印机和一台用于收获产品的综合袋包装和贴标机。最初的项目将侧重于与太平洋牡蛎（Crassostrea gigas）有关的应用，太平洋牡蛎在整个海岸养殖，在不列颠哥伦比亚养殖的贝类物种中收获量最大。这些设备将提高NIC与当地贝类公司合作进行创新应用研究的能力。

Equipment received by North Island College (NIC) will foster collaboration between the college and the BC shellfish aquaculture sector, through the integration of new technologies into the operations of shellfish producers. The equipment will directly support collaborative projects seeking to improve the traceability, revenues and operational efficiencies of local shellfish producers. The British Columbia shellfish aquaculture industry is comprised largely of small and medium sized companies that are scattered throughout the coastal communities of Vancouver Island and the BC mainland. BC shellfish products are in high demand in domestic and global markets and the shellfish sector is continually seeking ways to advance sustainable growth of the industry. North Island College (NIC) has worked closely with the shellfish industry to identify three complementary pieces of equipment that will provide improved opportunities for applied research, increased production capacity and greater collaboration between the college and local shellfish growers. The equipment includes: an automated shellfish grader, a tag printer and an integrated bag sealer and labeler for harvested products. Initial projects will focus on applications related to the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), which is cultured throughout the coast and has the largest harvest volume of any BC farmed shellfish species. This equipment will enhance NIC's capacity to collaborate with local shellfish companies on innovative applied research opportunities.