nova harvest ltd
INNOVATION, EFFICIENCY, & SUSTAINABILITY IN EVERYTHING WE DO.
Nova Harvest Ltd. is an aquaculture company that applies innovative, science-based solutions to support the development of a sustainable shellfish industry in BC. Operating since 2011, on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, Nova Harvest Ltd. is dedicated to producing high quality oyster and clam seed for local shellfish farmers.
Our Ventures
Growing shellfish to grow the shellfish industry

The Hatchery
Where the magic happens.
Our land-based hatchery, located next to the Bamfield Marine Science Centre, is a compact facility that carries a high-tech punch. A state of the art micro-algae laboratory and larvae culture systems enable us to consistently produce shellfish seed at both high quantity and quality.

The Farm
Keeping it local.
Our ocean-based nursery creates the perfect environment for oyster seed to grow – up to 1” – destined for farms throughout the west coast; providing capacity for the local shellfish industry. Some oysters stay with us, growing to market size in the waters of Barkley Sound.

The Processing plant
From ‘seed’ to ‘slurp’.
Our exciting new enterprise as an anchor tenant in the new regional food processing hub: " The Dock + ". Giving life to an old fish processing plant located on the industrial waterfront of Port Alberni - a terrific gateway location to share the magic that is Barkley Sound oysters with the world.
we believe in sustainable aquaculture
Nova Harvest is passionate about supporting the development of the oyster farming industry in BC. Oysters are an incredibly sustainable protein source, having a net positive impact on the surrounding marine environment by providing valuable habitat and ecosystem services.
Nova Harvest’s mission is to provide a reliable Canadian source of high-quality shellfish seed while developing innovative, mechanized, efficient, and scalable shellfish aquaculture technologies that increase the productivity and economic sustainability of oyster farming.
Our Values
Shellfish | Innovation | Sustainability

Mission
Supporting the growth and development of Canadian aquaculture through innovation and a reliable source of high caliber seed.

Vision
Focusing heavily on innovation and research to arrive at science-based solutions that maximize efficiency and collaboration.

Culture
Striving to create a positive work environment driven to build a mean, lean, oyster production machine.
great shellfish starts with great people
Our most valuable asset
We love what we do and our amazing dedicated team is proof we are doing something right.
J.P. Hastey
President, Founding Member
MSc: Animal Sciences
Angela Fortune
Hatchery Manager
MSc: Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture
Brody Penn
Hatchery Technician
BSc: Marine Biology
Scott Cheyne
Larvae Technician
BSc: Ecology & Evolution
Julia Themelis
Algae Technician
BSc: Marine Biology
Marielle Monteiro Gilmour
Office Administration
BSc: Zoology
“The way you do anything, is the way you do everything”
-JP Hastey*, Founding member of Nova Harvest
*and other unknown sources
WORK WITH US
Current Opportunities
We are always looking for talented people who share our values and passion for aquaculture.