Vancouver Island Newsmedia Group Apart from the highly anticipated Fanny Bay Oyster Shucking Championship and best Chowder Challenge competitions, there are new hands-on activities for the whole family at this year's Comox by the Sea Shellfish & Seafood Celebration, June 21.
Interactive displays are being provided by Harbour Air, North Island College, University of Victoria, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. A dozen vendors from all over the island will be set up to provide tasty testers and treats to all the attendees, ranging from fudge and crepes to clams, scallops and candied salmon.
North Island College will be showcasing an innovative motorized interactive device involved in aquaculture, while the University of Victoria will have an aquatic touch tank full of oysters, mussels, scallops, geoduck and urchins The Department of Fisheries and Oceans will also be onsite, bringing with them one of their marine vessels and offering tours for all those interested. It will be free for children 10 and under.
The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) booth will bring a touch tank filled with little sea-critters that indigenous to the area.
The proceeds from any of their sales will go to a bursary fund that helps under-privileged public schools afford field trips to the BMSC providing an opportunity to explore, experience and learn about the aquatic life on the coast that they otherwise wouldn't be able to afford.