isheries and Oceans Canada tlantic Zone Aquaculture Science Committee Annual Report for 1996/97
B. D. Chang and W. atson-Wright
Biological tation 1. Andre s B EOG 2XO
June 1997
Canadian Indu try eport of Fisheries and Aquatic ciences 0.240
Rsheries and Peches et Oceans Oceans Canada Canada Canada Canadian Indu Report of Fi berie and quatic cien
Industry report contain the re ult of research and de elopment u ful to industry for either immediate or future application. The are directed primaril . toward individuals in the primary and secondary ctor of the fishing and marine industrie 0 restriction i placed on subject matter and the serie reflect the road imere and policie of the Department of Fisherie and Oceans namel. fi herie and aquatic sciences. Industry report rna be cited as full publication. The correct citation appear abo e the a act of each repon. Each report i abstracted in Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts and indexed in the Depanment s annual inde to scientific and technical pu lications. umber 1-91 in thi serie were i ed Project Report of the Industrial Development Branch Technical Reports of the Industrial Development Branch. and Technical Report of the Fisherman s Service Branch. urn r 92-110 were i ed as Depanmem of Fisherie and En .ronment Fisheries and arin Service Indu.... Report . The currem series name a changed ith report number 111. Industry reports are produced regionally ut are nurn red nationall . Reque for individual reports will filled by the i suing e a lishment Ii ed on the front co er and title paae. Out-of- tock report will upplied for a fee commercial agen .
Rapport canadien a I industrie sur les sciences halieutiques et aquatiques
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Fisheries and Oceans Canada Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Science Committee
Annual Report for 1996/97
by
B.D. Chang and W.M. Watson-Wright
Fisheries and Oceans Canada Maritimes Region Aquaculture Division
Biological Station St. Andrews, NB EOG 2XO 11
© Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada 1997
Cat. No. Fs 97-14/240 ISSN 0706-3694
Correct citation for this publication:
Chang, B.D. and W.M. Watson-Wright. 1997. Fisheries and Oceans Canada Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Science Committee, annual report for 1996/97. Can. Ind. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 240: v + 93 p. 1lI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
REPORT OF 26-27 NOVEMBER 1996 MEETING 1) Introduction 2 2) Discussion on Committee Tenus of Reference 2 3) Review of DFO Science Atlantic Zone aquaculture research 2 3a) Elements and objectives of the DFO Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Research Program 3 3b) DFO research sites in the Atlantic Zone 3 3c) Current DFO Atlantic Zone aquaculture research 4 3d) Funding of DFO aquaculture research in the Atlantic Zone 4 3e) Discussion on the DFO Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Research Program 5 4) Review of research activities and R&D priorities 6 4a) National Research Council - Institute for Marine Biosciences 6 4b) Atlantic Provinces Council on the Sciences CAPICS) 7 4c) New Brunswick 7 4d) Newfoundland 8 4e) Nova Scotia 10 4f) Prince Edward Island 11 4g) Quebec 12 5) Presentation on partnering agreements 13 6) Presentation on new marine finfish aquaculture species research in Atlantic Canada 14 7) Summary discussion on Atlantic Zonal R&D priorities 14 8) Closing remarks by L.S. Parsons 19
REPORT OF 12 FEBRUARY 1997 MEETING 1) Introduction 20 2) Review of process to date 20 3) Review ofCommittee's Tenus ofReference 20 4) Proposed DFO Workplans for 1997/98 21 4a) DFO Shellfish Workplans 21 4b) DFO Finfish Workplans 25 4c) DFO Aquaculture-Environment Research Workplans 27 5) Other issues 30 6) Closing remarks 30
APPENDICES 31 1) List of participants at 26-27 November 1996 meeting 32 2) List of participants at 12 February 1997 meeting 33 3) Addresses for Committee members and participants at November 1996 and February 1997 meetings 34 4) Terms of Reference 38 5) DFO Atlantic Zone Science Aquaculture Research Program 40 6) Current Atlantic Zone aquaculture research 6a) Fisheries and Oceans Canada - aquaculture research projects in 1996/97 44 6b) CanadalNew BrunswickINova Scotia New Finfish Aquaculture Species Program - projects financed in 1996/97 51 6c) CanadalNew BrunswicklPrince Edward Island Alternate Shellfish Species for Aquaculture Development Program - projects financed in 1996/97 53 6d) National Research Council, Institute for Marine Biosciences 55 6e) Provincial Government agencies, universities, industry, and other research institutions 58 iv
7) DFO Atlantic Zone Science Aquaculture Research work plans for 1997/98 7a. Shellfish aquaculture research 68 7b. Salmonid aquaculture research 74 7c. New finfish species aquaculture research 78 7d. Aquaculture-environment research 81 7e. Other aquaculture projects : 86 8) Partnering agreements 87 9) New marine finfish aquaculture species research in Atlantic Canada (presentation originally given at CanadaINorwaylUSA Workshop on Rearing of Marine Finfish, 21-25 October 1996) 88 10) Report on sea urchin culture workshop, 4 June 1996 92 11) List of Atlantic Zone aquaculture species 93 v
ABSTRACT
Chang, B.D. and W.M. Watson-Wright. 1997. Fisheries and Oceans Canada Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Science Committee, annual report for 1996/97. Can. Ind. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 240: v + 93 p.
The Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Science Committee was formed by DFO to coordinate aquaculture research in Canada's Atlantic Zone. The Committee is chaired by the Manager of the Aquaculture Division ofDFO's Maritimes Region Science Branch. The Committee's membership includes representatives from DFO Science, Provincial government agencies, the aquaculture industry, universities, and the National Research Council. This report summarizes the presentations and discussions from 1996/97, the Committee's first year. Two meetings were held, on 26-27 November 1996, in Moncton, and on 12 February 1997, in Halifax.
RESUME
Chang, B.D. et W.M. Watson-Wright. 1997. Comite scientifique de l'aquaculture de la zone atlantique de Peches et Oceans Canada, rapport annuel de 1996-1997. Rapp. can. indo sci. halieut. aquat. 240 : v + 93 p.
Le Comite scientifique de I'aquaculture de la zone atlantique de Peches et Oceans (MPO) a ete cree par Ie MPO pour coordonner la recherche aquacole dans la zone atlantique du Canada. Le Comite est preside par Ie responsable de la Division de l'aquaculture, Direction des sciences, Region des Maritimes du MPO. Le Comite regroupe des representants de la Direction des sciences du MPO, des organismes des gouvernements provinciaux, de l'industrie aquacole, des universites et du Conseil national de recherches du Canada. Le present rapport resume les exposes et les debats de l'annee 1996-1997, premiere annee d'existence du Comite. Deux reunions ont eu lieu, les 26-27 novembre 1996 aMoncton, et Ie 12 fevrier 1997 aHalifax.
INTRODUCTION
The Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Science Committee was formed by DFO to coordinate aquaculture research among DFO Science facilities in Canada's Atlantic Zone and with clients and researchers in industry, Provincial Government agencies, universities, and other research institutions. The Committee is chaired by Dr. Wendy Watson-Wright, Manager of the Maritimes Region's Aquaculture Division and Director of the S1. Andrews Biological Station. The Committee includes representatives from DFO Atlantic Zone Regions (Maritimes, Newfoundland, Laurentian, and Headquarters), Provincial Government Departments (New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec), industry (from each Atlantic Zone Province), universities (Atlantic Provinces Council on the Sciences - APICS), and the National Research Council's Institute for Marine Biosciences.
Prior to the formation of this Committee, a preliminary workshop to discuss Atlantic Zone aquaculture research priorities was held on 26 October 1995, at DFO's Gulf Fisheries Centre in Moncton. That initial workshop was attended by representatives from DFO's Maritimes, Newfoundland, and Laurentian Regions; the Provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec; the National Research Council's Institute for Marine Biosciences; and APICS. Unfortunately, industry representatives were unable to attend.
This report summarizes activities of the Committee's first year, 1996/97. It includes reports on the two Committee meetings held during this year: the first on 26-27 November 1996 at the DFO Gulf Fisheries Centre, Moncton, and the second on 12 February 1997 at the DFO Halifax Fisheries Research Laboratory. Also included are the DFO Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Research Program plan; lists ofcurrent aquaculture research in the Atlantic Zone; DFO's proposed aquaculture research workplans for 1997/98; and other related information. 2
REPORT OF 26-27 NOVEMBER 1996 MEETING Gulf Fisheries Centre, Moncton, NB
1) Introduction (W. Watson-Wright)
The first full meeting of the DFO Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Science Committee was held on 26-27 November 1996 at the DFO Gulf Fisheries Centre in Moncton. A list ofparticipants is included in Appendix 1. The participants at this meeting included representatives from DFO's Maritimes Region, Newfoundland Region, and Headquarters; the Provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec; industry representatives from New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia; and the National Research Council's Institute for Marine Biosciences. Universities were represented by the Atlantic Provinces Council on the Sciences (APICS). A representative from DFO Laurentian Region Science had not been invited because there is currently no aquaculture research in that region; however, it was decided during this meeting that there should be a science representative from the Laurentian Region on the committee (see discussion below). Industry representatives from Prince Edward Island and Quebec were invited, but were unable to attend.
The objectives of this meeting were: • to develop Terms of Reference for this Committee • to discuss the draft DFO Atlantic Zone aquaculture research plan • to determine aquaculture research priorities for the Atlantic Zone for the next 3-5 years • to determine future directions
2) Discussion on Committee Terms of Reference (T. Sephton)
Draft Terms of Reference were presented, discussed, and then revised. The revised Terms of Reference were adopted, and are included in Appendix 4.
Major points of discussion included: • the need to identify this as a DFO committee, but that it will also provide a forum to discuss aquaculture research not conducted by DFO (e.g. freshwater aquaculture research). • the need to ensure linkages with other aquaculture committees. Some participants asked if the establishment of this committee could allow elimination of some existing aquaculture committees. It was determined that this was not feasible. • the need to encourage collaborations and avoid duplication of research. • the committee should produce an annual report which will include research priorities and major accomplishments. A listing of aquaculture research projects should be maintained, probably via the ICAR list (accessible via the internet). • DFO should identify a science representative from the Laurentian Region.
3) Review ofDFO Science Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Research (W. Watson-Wright and T. Sephton)
A presentation was given on DFO's current aquaculture science research program in the Atlantic Zone and on a draft DFO Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Research Program plan. The plan identified the major aquaculture research needs for the next five years, including some in which DFO does not (and likely will not in the future) conduct research. 3
The research is aimed at addressing the major needs of the aquaculture industry in the Atlantic Zone: • enhanced competitiveness • innovative technology • diversification
3a) Elements and Objectives of the DFO Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Research Program
DFO has developed a draft plan for aquaculture research in the Atlantic Zone. The draft plan was presented to the Committee for discussion.
The program plan has three elements: • new species research • commercial species research • environmental and oceanographic research.
New species research objectives (as developed by the FederallProvincial New Aquaculture Species Development Program): • develop broodstock management and/or seedstock collection techniques • identify optimal early rearing techniques • identify optimal growout techniques • identify fish and shellfish health concerns
Commercial species research objectives: • improve growth performance • minimize economic loss from disease and parasites • minimize economic losses due to biological interactions (e.g. predation, competition, shellfish toxins, biofouIing)
Environmental research objectives: • identify optimal aquaculture production levels in context of environmental sustainability • investigate environmental interactions of chemicals and therapeutants • protect fish habitat and wild stocks (These environmental objectives will be pursued in collaboration with DFO environmental scientists and oceanographers)
The DFO Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Research Program plan was revised to reflect the discussion and comments forwarded following the meeting (see discussion below and Appendix 5).
3b) DFO Research Sites in the Atlantic Zone
DFO Atlantic Zone aquaculture research is currently located at five major sites: • St. Andrews Biological Station (St. Andrews, NB) • Gulf Fisheries Centre (Moncton, NB) • Halifax Fisheries Research Laboratory (Halifax, NS) • Bedford Institute of Oceanography (Dartmouth, NS) • Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre (St. John's, NF)
The St. Andrews Biological Station (SABS) is the headquarters for the Maritimes Region's Aquaculture Division and has been designated as the DFO Atlantic Zone centre for finfish aquaculture research. The Aquaculture Division's Applied Aquaculture Section is located at SABS. This section conducts research on salmon aquaculture, new finfish and shellfish species for aquaculture, and environmental and oceanographic interactions with aquaculture. 4
The Aquaculture Division's Molluscan Development Section is located at the Gulf Fisheries Centre (GFC). This Section conducts research in molluscan aquaculture of new and commercial species.
The Aquaculture Division has programs on fish health research and diagnostics (primarily for salmonids), nutrition research for new finfish species, and molluscan aquaculture at the Halifax Fisheries Research Laboratory (HFRL). This laboratory is scheduled to close in the fall of 1997. The fish health and nutrition research programs will be transferred to the St. Andrews Biological Station; the fish health diagnostics laboratory (the Fish Health Unit) will be transferred to the Gulf Fisheries Centre; and the molluscan aquaculture research programs will be relocated to the Bedford Institute of Oceanography.
In the Newfoundland Region, the Aquaculture Research Section at the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre (NWAFC) conducts research on salmonid and molluscan aquaculture. This Section currently consists of only four individuals, but they can also draw upon other researchers with aquaculture-related expertise located at NWAFe.
There is currently no aquaculture research program in DFO's Laurentian Region, although there is aquaculture expertise at the Maurice Lamontagne Institute (MU).
DFO's programs in environmental and oceanographic research related to aquaculture in the Atlantic Zone are located at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, St. Andrews, and St. John's.
3c) Current DFO Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Research
Aquaculture research projects conducted by DFO Atlantic Zone Science during 1996/97 are listed in Appendix 6a.
3d) Funding ofDFO Aquaculture Research in the Atlantic Zone
The major sources for funding DFO aquaculture research are: • DFO A-base • DFO High Priority Funding • CanadalNew BrunswickINova Scotia New Aquaculture Species Development Programs • CanadalNewfoundland Economic Renewal Program • Industry partners
A-base funds (funds directly allocated by DFO to projects within the Department) have traditionally been the major source offunds for DFO science programs, including aquaculture research. However, in recent years, the amount of A-base funds has been steadily declining, resulting in the need for other sources of funding for aquaculture research.
In fiscal year 1995/96, DFO initiated a High Priority Funding program. Funding for projects under this program was primarily aimed at multi-disciplinary studies considered to be of high priority in the national context. Aquaculture research projects supported by this program to date are: • alternative treatments for sea lice treatment in farmed Atlantic salmon (1995/96 and 1996/97) • development of a Newfoundland Atlantic salmon broodstock (1995/96) • coastal oceanography in support of aquaculture development (1996/97)
The CanadalNew Brunswick New Aquaculture Species Development Program began in late 1994 with funding from the CanadalNew Brunswick Cooperation Agreement on Economic Diversification, although research did not begin until 1995. This 5 year program is aimed at promoting the commercialization of new aquaculture species, both finfish and shellfish. Starting in 1995 Nova Scotia began contributing funds to the finfish program - these funds come from the Canada-Nova Scotia Cooperation Agreement on Economic Diversification. The Province of Prince Edward Island contributes in-kind support to the shellfish research program. Current research projects supported by the finfish and shellfish programs are listed in Appendices 6b and 6c. 5
The CanadalNewfoundland Economic Renewal Program, initiated in 1996, includes an aquaculture research component. Research projects proposed for funding under this agreement include oceanographic and environmental studies related to aquaculture, although these projects have not yet been initiated.
DFO has recently entered into partnering agreements with private industry in order to conduct aquaculture research. From April 1995 to November 1996, DFO St. Andrews and AJF Protein Canada Inc. entered into an agreement to conduct joint research on transgenic Atlantic salmon. The purpose of this research was to rear transgenic Atlantic salmon for the study of growth and early smolting, with the objective of developing transgenic broodstock with superior growth rates. W. Thompson (New Brunswick Salmon Growers' Association) noted his association's disagreement with this collaboration, because the industry partner will be selling the resultant technology to competing nations. NBSGA feels that DFO should only be collaborating on transgenic research beneficial to the Canadian industry.
In January 1996, DFO St. Andrews entered into a partnering agreement with Maritime Mariculture Inc. (MMI). The purpose of this agreement was to develop technology for mass production ofjuvenile Atlantic halibut for the aquaculture industry in Atlantic Canada, and to determine optimal growth and survival conditions for juvenile halibut. The initial agreement, which terminated in October 1996, resulted in the production of about 11,000 juveniles which will be transferred to sea cages in the spring of 1997. Negotiations were taking place to extend the agreement for another year, with an expectation to produce 40-50,000 juveniles in 1997.
3e) Discussion on the DFO Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Research Program
It was noted that we need to determine what the research needs are, and then determine where DFO should maintain expertise. There is an expectation that DFO will remain active in aquaculture research (maintaining a salaried expertise), in addition to having a role in coordinating aquaculture research in the Zone.
Many participants felt that DFO should increase its funding in aquaculture science, rather than decrease funding as has happened during recent years. In response, it was pointed out that DFO aquaculture science was cut less than other science programs in the most recent budget cuts and that aquaculture has been a priority for the two most recent DFO Ministers.
It was questioned whether DFO would be continuing research on Atlantic salmon aquaculture, in light of the retirements of two prominent salmon physiology researchers, Dr. Richard Saunders and Dr. Richard Peterson (both located at SABS), within the next year and the recent termination of the Maritimes Region's salmonid nutrition research program following the transfer (in September 1996) of the project leader, Dr. Santosh Lall, to the National Research Council's Institute of Marine Biosciences. It was responded that research on salmon diseases would definitely continue, and that although Dr. Lall has left the department, he would still be active in Atlantic Zone salmonid nutrition research in his new position at the NRC. The question of whether DFO research in salmon physiology and husbandry will continue was opened to discussion. W. Thompson (New Brunswick Salmon Growers' Association) feels that it is essential for DFO to continue conducting salmon aquaculture science, because without the base of a salmon aquaculture industry, Canada will not have a future aquaculture industry. Research is required to keep Canada's salmon aquaculture industry competitive, especially in light of recent decreases in salmon prices and the recently signed Canada-Chile free trade deal. W. Thompson noted that DFO involvement in research projects also makes it easier for his agency to obtain additional funding for research projects.
It was suggested that aquaculture research needs could be classified into 3 categories, although it was recognized that this is an oversimplification: • immediate, short-term (less than 6 months) needs, which are extension services generally provided by the Provinces; • mid-term (6 months to 5 years) applied research, which is where DFO would likely fit; • long-term (5 years or more) research, which would be the role of academic institutions. 6
B. Meaney (Newfoundland Department of Fisheries, Food & Agriculture) felt that a reference to current problems in the traditional fisheries (in the draft research plan) should be deleted. Instead, he felt that the plan should note Agriculture Canada's recognition of the need for science in order to keep Canada's agriculture industry competitive, and that Canada's aquaculture industry needs similar government research support.
4) Review of Research Activities and R&D Priorities
Lists of current aquaculture research projects in the Atlantic Zone are included in Appendix 6. These lists are based on information provided by the Committee members and emphasize mariculture research. It is recognized that there may be some mariculture research projects of which the Committee is unaware.
4a) National Research Council - Institute for Marine Biosciences (J. van der Meer)
The research programs at NRC's Institute for Marine Biosciences (1MB) in Halifax have been redirected to help address strategic innovation needs of the Canadian aquaculture industry, undertaking focused research in collaboration with industry, university and government partners. Research activities at 1MB will include: • research competence relevant to industry - especially health, nutrition, husbandry • proprietary research with private industry • forefront research on fish, shellfish, algae in anticipation of long-term needs of industry • collaborations with research community
1MB wishes to be seen as a marine biotechnology laboratory with a strong aquaculture component. Proposed aquaculture biology programs include: • husbandry of alternative species (flounders, Atlantic halibut): hatchery & nursery operations; land-based growout (seawater recirculation systems) • larval fish development (flounders, haddock): microscopy; molecular biology • fish health: diseases & parasites; industry collaboration on vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutants; hatchery/nursery microbiology • fish nutrition: • salmonid growout nutrition (collaboration with fish feed industry); • alternate species: nursery and growout diets for winter flounder, yellowtail flounder, Atlantic halibut; larval feeds (improved microalgae - rotifers, artemia, copepods; larval gut development - micropelleted diets) • shellfish aquaculture biology: nutrition; growth and reproductive physiology; disease; effect of toxigenic phytoplankton in food chain; improved hatchery/nursery operations; aquaculture site studies • seaweed aquaculture: Chondrus crispus; Palmaria palmata variant ("Sea Parsley"); land-based seaweed aquaculture of agarophytes (e.g. Gelidium) and sea vegetables • seafood safety: marine toxins (PSP, DSP, ASP, other) purification & characterization; detection and measurement techniques; simple test kits; therapeutant residues (drugs, pesticides); pollutants; Marine Analytical Chemistry Standards Program • marine bioproducts: pharmaceuticals derived from marine organisms; agrichemicals; enzymes; DNA-based products (probes, diagnostics); marine toxins.
Current steps in the development of1MB's aquaculture research program: • complete staffing actions (one technician still to be hired) • define program components in terms of projects • complete renovations/improvements to labs and aquaculture research station • continue ongoing consultations (industry, DFO, provinces, other federal departments) • increase and strengthen links with Canada's aquaculture research community • seek collaborative industrial research initiatives
A list of NRC-1MB aquaculture research projects is included in Appendix 6d. 7
4b) Atlantic Provinces Council on the Sciences (APICS) (A. Boghen)
APICS is a consortium of universities and government (federal/provincial) agencies in Atlantic Canada. APICS currently has 12 committees, including one on aquaculture. The purpose of the aquaculture committee is to promote, encourage and educate on aquaculture science, primarily among students, and to attract industry input. The major program revolves around an annual meeting which includes student presentations, and guest speakers from industry, government, and/or universities.
The APICS aquaculture committee includes most of the universities (including the Huntsman Marine Science Centre) and community colleges in the Maritime Provinces and Newfoundland which have aquaculture programs. While Quebec is not part of APICS, universities in Quebec which are conducting aquaculture research would likely be welcome to participate in the APICS aquaculture committee. The 1997 meeting of the aquaculture committee was held in Truro, NS, on 8-9 March.
Aquaculture research projects by universities in the Atlantic Zone are included in Appendix 6e.
4c) New Brunswick
New Brunswick Department ofFisheries and Aquaculture (R. Henry)
The New Brunswick Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NBDFA) is not a major player in aquaculture research, although some haddock aquaculture research is being conducted at the Aquarium and Marine Centre at Shippagan. Finfish aquaculture activity in New Brunswick includes freshwater (smolt hatcheries, trout and char growout, eel culture) and marine (salmon growout, new species including Atlantic halibut, haddock, winter flounder, and striped bass) components. Shellfish aquaculture activity includes oyster and mussel growout and new species (soft-shell clam, giant scallop, quahaug, bar clam). Other species include sea urchins, sea parsley, and nori.
NBDFA's commercial finfish research priorities: • stock performance: nutrition; genetics (broodstock, new strains, transgenics) • fish health: disease/parasite investigation and treatment • predation • technology (recirculation, systems design, holding units)
New finfish species research priorities: • early rearing • growout • diagnostic tools/disease detection or prevention • genetics program (stock performance)
Shellfish research priorities: • rearing technologies and strategies (including foulant treatment) • seedstock supply (including spat collection) • shellfish health • environmental interactions (including predator control)
Future directions: • need comprehensive focussed approach • need coordination and leadership • need financing • need talent • need to ensure liaison with industry to ensure research addresses industry needs 8
New Brunswick Salmon Growers' Association (w. Thompson)
The New Brunswick Salmon Growers' Association (NBSGA) is primarily involved in salmon farming, with an interest in diversification to other finfish species. The target is a commercial aquaculture industry that is successful. The NBSGA strongly feels that we cannot forget that salmon farming is the base for the existing aquaculture industry. NBSGA's priorities relate to the salmon industry only. -
Salmon - freshwater priorities: • record of performance - this would be a report card on how each farm is performing relative to the industry average. It is more management, than research, although there are research aspects to the development of such a record system. • broodstock development - required for industry to remain competitive. We need to compare the Saint John strain with others. NBSGA's new broodstock program is almost in place. The new company, to be called Applied Breeding Technologies, is taking over the facilities of the Salmon Genetics Research Program. See also earlier comment on transgenics. • freshwater production improvements - need a freshwater fry production system that is competitive (e.g. lake rearing; need effluent level regulations for hatcheries that are less restrictive on production).
Salmon - marine priorities: • fish health management (identification and treatment/management of diseases and parasites, including sea lice; to reduce mortalities and prevent loss of growth) • predator control (seals) • nutrition (represents half of production cost; need feeds developed for our cold-water conditions)
It was noted that there are several specific issues, such as certain diseases, parasites (e.g. sea lice), and predators, that are on-going problems for the industry. These may not be the highest priorities in any given year, but will likely appear near the top of the priority list on a regular basis.
During the discussion, the need to look at the environmental consequences of aquaculture was noted. An example given was the environmental impacts of seal control. It was also felt that the New Brunswick shellfish industry should be represented in this committee.
4d) Newfoundland
Newfoundland Ministry ofFisheries and Aquaculture (B. Meaney)
In 1995 an action plan for aquaculture was developed jointly by the Federal government (DFO), the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador (Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture), and the aquaculture industry. This is a species specific action plan which indicates research, technical, and economic impediments to aquaculture development.
Salmon and steelhead priorities (steelhead is the main salmonid species currently cultured in Newfoundland): • fish health • carrying capacity - the number of overwintering sites will be limiting factor • ecologically sound disposal of mortalities, offal, and bloodwater • seed supply • husbandry & technology • marketing & finance • ecologically sound waste disposal 9
Arctic char priorities (this species potential especially in deep lakes): .. seedstock .. stock performance models
Marine finfish priorities (most interest is in yellowtail flounder and Atlantic halibut, but there is also interest in cod and wolffish): .. seed supply .. hatchery technology .. diets .. growout technologies .. economic analysis .. demonstration
Blue mussel priorities: • carrying capacity .. seed supply (annual variations) .. water testing .. husbandry & technology .. site assessment .. marketing & finance
Giant scallop priorities: .. seed production .. production technology .. marketing & finance
B. Meaney noted that the $20 million Canada/Newfoundland Economic Renewal Agreement is an economic development agreement: it is not a research agreement, so not all of the aquaculture funding will be used for research.
Newfoundland does not have a strong research arm within the Provincial government. Also, there is not a strong DFO aquaculture research presence in Newfoundland. The Province feels that DFO should increase the ability of its current staff to conduct aquaculture research. It was noted that there has been much aquaculture research support from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
M. Kielley noted that steelhead are more important than salmon in Newfoundland. He also noted the need for access to other strains in order to have the best fish for Newfoundland conditions.
J. Moores noted that preliminary research is also being done on oyster culture and sea urchin ranching. There is much interest in sea urchins in Newfoundland. The main problem is scale-up to commercial production. There are 2 markets for sea urchin roe - Asian and French - which are quite different. 10
4e) Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Department ofFisheries and Aquaculture (A. Bagnall) Aquaculture Association ofNova Scotia (AANS) (M. MacNeil)
The Province of Nova Scotia has recently developed an aquaculture aevelopment strategy. As in other Atlantic Provinces, aquaculture research is not part of the Provincial mandate in Nova Scotia. The Province's aquaculture research priorities are similar to New Brunswick's.
The Nova Scotia aquaculture industry has developed an aquaculture implementation strategy. Research needs are determined by what affects cost of production in the next cycle. It was noted that the aquaculture industry in Nova Scotia is not growing at the projected rate.
The closure of the Fisheries Resource Development Limited (FRDL) giant scallop project has broader implications with respect to confidence in the aquaculture industry in general. In response to a question on the fate of the data from the FRDL project, it was noted that the information generated by this project will be made available to E. Kenchington (DFO Halifax) and will be published as a technical report.
The AANS has developed scientific priorities for Nova Scotia. There are currently 9 species currently being cultured, plus interest in an additional 5 species.
Commercial finfish priorities (the priority species is steelhead): • broodstock • strain selection • advanced management practices (fish health, early management, land-based technologies)
Commercial shellfish priorities (the priority species is blue mussel): • genetics • broodstock • seed supply • unexplained mortalities • predation
The new species of interest are Atlantic halibut, winter flounder, clams, sea urchins, and American eels. An amended CanadaINova Scotia Economic Diversification Agreement was signed in July 1996. There is no set amount of the agreement allocated to aquaculture. The Province intends to continue joint research projects on new species with New Brunswick for the next 2 years.
Priority research for growout of aquaculture species includes: • sites • types of systems • training for site management skills.
The annual AANS conference was held in Halifax, 24-25 January 1997. The theme was "Farming the Future" with emphasis on new species and innovation in existing species. Another upcoming conference relevant to aquaculture development is the Great Atlantic Shellfish Exchange in Truro on 17-19 April 1997. 11
4f) Prince Edward Island
PEl Department ofFisheries and Environment (R. Gallant)
In 1995 the PEl Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry developed a strategic plan, which included aquaculture. As a result of reorganization within the Provincial government, aquaculture programs in PEl now fall within the Department of Fisheries and Environment. Aquaculture research is conducted on PEl by the Atlantic Veterinary College (mainly finfish), Atlantic Fish Health (finfish), and DFO Moncton (shellfish). There is also some research capability within the industry, but funding is required. A working group has been established by the PEl Aquaculture Implementation Committee to establish R&D priorities.
Blue mussels priorities: • techniques to control sea duck predation on mussel spat collectors and newly socked mussels • alternate methods to control starfish set on mussel spat collectors • impact of wild mussel harvest on cultured mussel genetic pool and timing of spat settlement on collector ropes • causes of possible techniques to prevent thin shelled mussels • baseline studies of estuarine ecology/biology relating to mussel production
American oyster priorities: • evaluation of control methods for predators (rock crab, starfish, crab) • evaluation of techniques to improve meat yield of market oysters • improve level of understanding of parasites and diseases that impact production, quality, or ability to transfer oysters and develop methods for their control
Soft-shell clam priorities: • sediment surface layer composition, its effect on recruitment and determine how hydraulic harvesters modify this layer • prevalence, life cycle, and feeding habits of the clam worm • survey of parasites and diseases that could impact production • investigate the spawning cycle and techniques to produce spatfall • characterization of site potential by studying growth, survival, food availability, flow patterns, temperature regimes, siltation, ice impacts
Giant scallop priorities: • investigate techniques to produce larger scallop seed • compare performance ofgiant scallops under various conditions in estuaries • survey of potential scallop bottom in Cardigan Bay • compare temperature/salinity tolerance of scallops in lab situation
Quahaug priority: • compare performance (growth/survival) ofF3 generation to Fl generation and notata strain
Rainbow trout priority: • refinement of technology to produce triploid, all female stocks
Arctic char priorities: • broodstock program to produce more uniform fast growing strains • determination of best temperature and density for optimal performance of PEl strains • performance comparisons including growth, survival, pigment uptake, etc. at a variety of temperature regimes and for different strains • refinement of technology to produce triploid, all female stocks 12
Striped bass priorities: • performance (growth/survival) comparison of yearlings in estuarine vs. freshwater conditions • performance comparison at various temperature regimes of native stocks • broodstock collection, evaluation, development
Winter flounder priorities: .. performance of captured juveniles held in estuarine conditions .. performance ofjuveniles held at various temperature regimes .. nutritional requirements - comparison of moist pellets, dry pellets, culled mussels • comparison of performance in various cage systems and land-based tanks during summer and winter
American eel priority:
4> elver wild stock seed supply assessment
R. Gallant indicated that the reason PEl has not joined the CanadalNew BrunswickJNova Scotia new species program is because PEl does not yet have financial resources to bring to the table. However, PEl representatives are observers in both the finfish and shellfish committees and have met with researchers in other Provinces. He noted that PEl is not a big player in finfish research.
PEl has created an Aquaculture and Fisheries Research Initiative (AFRI) fund. The purpose is to attract matching research funds from other sources.
PEl expressed agreement with the 'future directions' presented by NBDFA.
4g) Quebec
Ministere de l'Agriculture, des Pecheries et de I'Alimentation du Quebec (L. Poirier, Y. Bastien)
The presentation by Quebec's Ministere de l'Agriculture, des Pecheries et de l'Alimentation (MAPAQ) focussed on mariculture, because MAPAQ had thought that mariculture would be the focus of this meeting. It was noted, however, that the main interest in Quebec is in freshwater aquaculture, especially trout and Arctic char.
MAPAQ has developed a strategic plan for mariculture development. The plan focusses on mussel culture and support for the coastal fisheries sector. Marine finfish culture is not a focus in Quebec because oceanographic conditions are considered to be unsuitable. It was also noted that the Quebec government is creating an investment fund for aquaculture.
DFO Laurentian Region has terminated its aquaculture research program at the Maurice Lamontagne Institute (MLI). MLI continues to be involved in a giant scallop project, but this research is supported because of its relevance to fishery management, not for its aquaculture potential. The cod program at MLI was terminated, because the economics were not clear and also because of the current shortage ofjuveniles. Aquaculture research in Quebec is being conducted by MAPAQ and at some universities, notably at Universite Laval and Universite du Quebec a Rimouski. Quebec is interested in exchanging information with other Provinces.
There are 2 groups involved in shellfish culture, in the Magdalen Islands and in Gaspesie. This work involves mainly giant scallops and mussels, and also American oyster. Quebec is also interested in lobster and marine finfish enhancement.
Molluscan and marine finfish culture priorities (general): .. studies on feasibility of culturing new species or using new technologies in Quebec conditions. 13
Blue mussel priorities: .. distribution ofM. trossulus (in Gaspe and elsewhere; does not exist in Magdalen Islands) • ecology of recruitment .. PSP detoxification
Giant scallop priorities: • distinguishing seeded scallop from natural (to look at impact of seeding on commercial fishery) • determination of survival rates of seeded scallops .. effects of predation and bottom seeding techniques .. stock identification (genetic markers)
Lobster priority: .. there is interest in the Magdalen Islands in artificial reefs and bottom seeding lobster for enhancement
Sea urchin priorities: • ranching or bottom management to improve fishery • gonad enhancement - ifgonads are not ready in harvested urchins
Arctic char priority: • development of a strain best suited for culture
Winter flounder priorities: • sea ranching - seeding for coastal fisheries • cages for Quebec conditions
Herring roe-on-kelp priority: • improvement of product
Technological priorities (general): • hatchery techniques for molluscs and marine fish • open ocean techniques for molluscs and finfish
Some general comments about this committee were noted: .. research coordinated by this group should be minimum 3 years • there is a need to form a working group for each species, group of species, or culture technology, to provide leadership and coordination (not necessarily DFO)
MAPAQ noted that when the DFO Laurentian Region's aquaculture research program was terminated, DFO indicated that the Maritimes Region could cover Quebec's needs. MAPAQ representatives questioned how this will be done. Quebec can offer sites in the Magdalen Islands (and funds) for research on giant scallops and lobsters, which could be conducted by DFO researchers from the Maritimes Region. See also discussion below (in Section 7).
5) Presentation on Partnering Agreements (P. Lamoureux)
A presentation on types of partnering agreements available to DFO was given. A summary of the presentation is included in Appendix 8. 14
6) Presentation on New Marine Finfish Aquaculture Species Research in Atlantic Canada (W. Watson-Wright)
W. Watson-Wright presented a talk on new finfish species research in the Atlantic Zone, originally given at the CanadaINorwayfUSA Workshop on Rearing of Marine Finfish, at the University of Rhode Island, 21-25 October 1996. A summary of the slides from this presentation is included in Appendix 9.
This workshop involved government and university researchers. Norway's interest was because that country feels that there is need for more basic research relevant to marine fish culture. The workshop resulted in approximately 13 research proposals. These will be finalized and submitted to traditional funding sources. In the long term, they will be looking at new funding concepts, such as the GLOBEC model. A follow-up meeting is planned for next summer and a web site will be established. In the future, these workshops may expand to include shellfish.
7) Summary Discussion of Top R&D Priorities from Provinces & Industry
It was clear that there was much common ground among the participants. A summary of the discussion on the top R&D priorities is shown in the following tables. Some notes on the discussion are included below (refer also to priorities noted in the individual presentations above).
General • There is a need for a definition of 'production capacity.'
Commercial Shellfish • The M. trossulus issue has varying importance among the Provinces. There is a need for coordination among Provinces, with regard to possible transfers of blue mussels. Quebec would like to have a physiological test (rather than genetic test) to distinguish this species. A high abundance ofM. trossulus has management implications, because M. trossulus has a thinner shell and lower meat yield. Processing machinery can be calibrated to process M. trossulus - the problem seems to be where you have a mixture ofM. edulis and M. trossulus. The research priority on this issue is to coordinate the available information. • The major mussel issue is predation, especially by sea ducks. There is a need for a suite of actions. It was also noted that farms must have staff always on site to control this problem. • The importance of genetics was questioned. It probably is not an issue until hatcheries have been developed. • Lobster enhancement research, including artificial reefs and seeding, is a priority for Quebec, but is not a priority for any of the other Provinces, so is not included in the table.
Salmonids • Provincial and industry representatives feel that it is important for DFO to remain active in salmon aquaculture research. • It was noted that steelhead is more important than Atlantic salmon in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. There is a need for the development of strains suited to our environment, if the industry is to remain competitive internationally. • Open ocean technology exists, but the economics are not certain. DFO would not likely be involved in this aspect of salmon research. o The conclusion of various attempts and studies to date is that land-based salmon culture will not work in Canada. • Fish health management is the top priority, followed by predation, and nutrition. Fish health management includes disease and parasites (including sea lice), and therapeutants, pesticides, management systems for their control. • Control of seal predation is a major issue for salmon farmers. Research is needed to determine seal population levels and on the effects of control techniques, such as acoustic deterrent devices, on other species. 15
New Species • Research priorities for new species, both finfish and shellfish, have been developed by the committees set up within the CanadalNew Brunswick/Nova ScotiaJPEI New Aquaculture Species Development Programs (see tables below). • Quebec (MAPAQ) representatives should be included in both finfish and shellfish committees. • Sea urchins are not included within the Alternate Shellfish Species for Aquaculture Development Program. Currently there are about 5 researchers working on sea urchins in Atlantic Canada. There are 15 experimental sea urchin sites in Nova Scotia and 2 in New Brunswick. Sea urchin research priorities were developed by Dr. GJ. Parsons from the presentations and discussions at a sea urchin workshop that was held as part of the Aquaculture Association of Canada's 13th Annual Meeting in Ottawa from 2-5 June 1996 (see table below). • There was some discussion on whether we are trying to address too many new species, and whether we can afford not to look at some species. • It is assumed that DFO will not be involved in aquatic plant culture research. • W. Thompson reiterated that we need commercial successes, such as salmon and mussels, as a base from which to expand into new species.
Discussion on DFO Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Research Program • When the DFO Laurentian Region terminated its aquaculture research program, Quebec had been told that the Maritimes Region would look after Quebec's aquaculture research needs. Quebec feels that some of the DFO Atlantic Zone aquaculture effort could be done in Quebec. S. Parsons noted that Atlantic Zonal coordination for aquaculture was set up after the Laurentian Region decided not to pursue aquaculture science. The decision was made about 4 years ago, when support for aquaculture was not high. However, there is still expertise at MLI in cod and scallop culture. DFO Science is currently absorbing a 33% budget cut. Because of this, it was decided that DFO could not carry out all programs at all laboratories. This is the reason for the Atlantic Zonal concept and the decision to concentrate DFO aquaculture research in the Maritimes and Pacific Regions. Because of financial constraints, if DFO were to re-establish an aquaculture research program in the Laurentian Region, DFO would need to drop something else. Regarding financial cooperation with Quebec, this will have to be discussed further (it was noted that in current aquaculture research agreements with other Provinces, the Federal contributions do not involve DFO funds). S. Parsons feels that Quebec should have access to the Maritimes Region's aquaculture research program. He will discuss with DFO Atlantic Zone Regional Science Directors how to accommodate Quebec's needs. • DFO Maritimes Region's Aquaculture Division will be in a state of flux in the next few years, due to planned renovations and expansion at St. Andrews, closure of the Halifax Laboratory and movement of its aquaculture programs to St. Andrews and Dartmouth, as well as some renovations at the Gulf Fisheries Centre. This, as well as the financial situation within DFO Science, will have an impact on DFO's ability to conduct aquaculture research during this time.
Discussion on DFO Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Science Committee .. DFO will collate zonal expertise and research projects, based on input from Provincial representatives. • S. Parsons noted that this committee should meet more frequently than once a year. A follow-up meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, 12 February 1997 in the Graham Bligh Conference Room, Halifax Fisheries Research Laboratory, 1707 Lower Water Street, Halifax. .. The committee could address freshwater aquaculture issues, since the committee's Terms of Reference refer only to 'aquaculture,' without specifying freshwater or mariculture. However, DFO will not be involved in freshwater aquaculture, with the possible exception of the freshwater phase of salmon. It was then asked whether DFO should be involved in aquaculture of other diadromous species such as steelhead and Arctic char. DFO Atlantic Zone has done little work on these species up till now. Further discussion is required on this issue. Summary of Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Research & Development Priorities
Species Broodstock / seedstock Fish Health Nutrition Growout Environment & Oceanography salmonids • new genetic strains .. record of performance; • area and species • trout growout • freshwater discharge (including (research/regulations) of .. management specific diets (for cold freshwater technology levels (from hatcheries; freshwater) salmon, steelhead, char; (husbandry); temperatures, steelhead, (recirculation); lake rearing of fry); • transgenic program of • disease identification; freshwater trout); • open ocean growout .. waste management benefit to industry • therapeutants (diseases • diets/feeding regimes technology; (bloodwater) • strains for avoiding & parasites) for avoiding maturation • predation by seals early maturation (population estimates, acoustic deterrent devices) blue mussels • collate info on M. • carrying capacity trossulus; (environmental ecology, • sea duck predation; site selection & culture • fall-off problem; strategies); • detoxification/ ...... depuration 0-- giant scallops • predation on sea scallops; • markers for seed scallop European • hatchery/nursery • vibrio & microbiology • hatchery nutrition • overwintering; oysters mortalities • unexplained morts; • production capacity American • genetic manipulation • disease management: • limited by regulations .. site selection oysters for increasing meat yields shell, microbiology, for wild fishery; (triploids) metazoan parasites • monitoring in NF & QC; • growout technology (bed management); • predator control (rock crab, mud crab, starfish); • management to increase meat yield Research & Development Priorities for Canada/New BrunswickINova Scotia New Finfish Aquaculture Species Program Species I Broodstock / seedstock I Fish Health I Nutrition I Growout Environment & Oceanography Finfish • environmental • identification and life • nutritional requirements • techniques for rearing influences on broodstock histories of infectious of all stages of early stages of marine Priority species: maturation diseases and parasites • techniques for culturing fish • Atlantic • influence of diets on • baseline data on normal native marine plankton • tank and growout halibut egg quality fish species for larval feed designs • haddock • methods to predict and • nutritional composition • land-based systems, • winter control maturation of marine plankton including recirculation flounder • techniques for capture • techniques for • refinement of automatic • striped bass of broodstock producing microen feeding techniques • American eel capsulated larval diets • methods to estimate fish • larval feeding behavior size in situ in cages and relation to food acceptance and optimal .... --.:l food particle sizes
. kip· R h&D------Priorities for Canada/New B ------Edward Island Al ------Shellfish A ------_.- - S------P-- - -0------Species Broodstock / seedstock Fish Health Nutrition Growout Environment & Oceanography
Shellfish • hatchery development • identify infectious • optimize rearing of l» effects of various • natural spat collection diseases and parasites of juvenile stages of new environmental parameters Priority species: techniques new species species on growth and survival • soft-shell clam • spatial and temporal • develop diagnostic tools • optimum planting l» methods for measuring • giant scallop variation in spat and treatment densities for bottom suitability of growing • bay quahaug settlement technologies seeding conditions • bar clam • spat predator control • predator control l» effects of winter ice Sea Urchin Research & Development Priorities (by Dr. GJ. Parsons, from sea urchin workshop at Aquaculture Association of Canada 13th Annual Meeting, Ottawa, 2-5- June 1996)
Species Broodstock / seedstock Health Nutrition Growout Environment & Oceanography sea urchins • optimal conditions for • risk of disease • a cost-effective • optimal temperature, hatchery production of outbreaks for gonad commercial diet to photoperiod, and feeding larvae and seed enhancement or growout produce high quality regime for the production operations gonads acceptable to the of out-of-season quality market gonads • effect of season and • determine the most feeding duration on cost-effective growout gonad quantity and system (Iand- or sea- .... quality based) 00 • feeding rates, food • effect of size-grading conversion ratios, and on whole animal growth nutritional requirements rates needed to optimize gonad • establish quality and whole animal growth standards to assess gonad • examine feeding color, texture and flavor behavior under high stocking density conditions in order to improve gonad Quality 19
8) Closing Remarks by Dr. LoS. Parsons
Dr. Parsons was encouraged by the dialogue he observed during this meeting - it is what he envisaged when proposing this committee. He appreciates the difficulty in bringing all these players together, but feels it is important. DFO has been undergoing many changes in the context of substantial budget reductions, involving all sectors including science. This means that DFO must re-think how it does business. DFO must determine what its core areas are and may need to eliminate or downsize some programs, such as freshwater research.
DFO is promoting the concept of more interregional and multidisciplinary approaches to research, and the blending of expertise from various areas. This includes more partnering and collaboration with clients, and the implementation of zonal science coordination. The merger of DFO with the Coast Guard led to major reorganization, including the creation of the Maritimes Region. Since this Region had the bulk of aquaculture expertise in the Atlantic Zone, it made sense for this Region to take the lead in coordinating Atlantic Zone aquaculture science.
As part of this lead role, the St. Andrews Biological Station was designated as DFO's centre of excellence for finfish aquaculture in the Atlantic Zone. This will require a significant upgrade at Biological Station, including renovations to the existing facilities during 1997 and new laboratory construction from 1998 to 2000.
Aquaculture R&D will continue to be an important program in Atlantic Science - this is a priority of the Minister. Two scientists at the Biological Station have recently been transferred from other science programs into aquaculture research. DFO will do its best to maintain its lead role in aquaculture science, within the constraints of budget reductions. It is hoped that there will not be a need for further reductions in A-base budgets. At the same time, DFO hopes to increase partnering with industry, other government agencies, and other researchers. In this context, DFO's involvement with the Provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland in joint aquaculture research programs was noted. In these programs, DFO participates both in a coordinating role and in research The CanadaJNorwaylUSA Workshop on marine finfish aquaculture research is another collaborative research initiative involving DFO aquaculture science.
The question of whether DFO will maintain an active salmon aquaculture science research program was raised at this meeting. Provincial and industry participants at this meeting made it clear that there is a demand for continued DFO involvement. A definitive answer regarding DFO's future role in salmon aquaculture research cannot be given at this time. It was recognized that DFO will soon be losing key expertise in salmon aquaculture due to retirements. A strategic issue for DFO is support of the salmon industry versus developing aquaculture of other species. In the overall context of limited resources, DFO must make choices. Dr. Watson-Wright will be asked to discuss this issue with salmon industry representatives. One possibility is to ask industry to cost-share future salmon aquaculture research by DFO.
Dr. Parsons noted that research related to the interactions of aquaculture and the environment is a major priority for many countries and for environmentalists. DFO has a role in ensuring that there is a rational discussion on environmental issues related to aquaculture.
In closing, Dr. Parsons noted that the aquaculture industry has experienced growth, and is providing economic growth and jobs in the Atlantic Zone. This committee should be a dynamic and proactive forum for federal agencies, provinces, universities, and industry, and should have significant benefits for the aquaculture industry. 20
REPORT OF 12 FEBRUARY 1997 MEETING Halifax Fisheries Laboratory, Halifax, NS
1) Introduction (W. Watson-Wright)
This report summarizes the presentations and discussions at the second meeting of the DFO Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Science Committee on 12 February 1997 at the Halifax Fisheries Research Laboratory. The participants at this meeting included representatives from DFO Maritimes Region, Newfoundland Region, and Headquarters; the Provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec; industry representatives from New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia; and the National Research Council. Unable to attend were representatives from DFO's Laurentian Region, the Province of Newfoundland, and industry representatives from Prince Edward Island and Quebec, and the representative from the New Brunswick Salmon Growers' Association. The official representative of APICS (A. Boghen) could not attend; however APICS was represented by some of the other meeting participants who are members of APICS (R. Cook, R. Lavoie, T. Sephton, J. van der Meer). A list of participants is included in Appendix 2.
The objectives of this meeting were to: • review the process to date .' review the Terms of Reference, with regard to meeting schedule, funding strategies, etc. • present DFO aquaculture research workplans for 97/98
Additions to the Committee's membership were noted: • Maurice Daigle, Aquaculture Acadienne Ltee - representing the New Brunswick shellfish aquaculture industry • Louise Savard, DFO Laurentian Region Science • Patrick Vincent, DFO Laurentian Aquaculture Coordinator
2) Review of Process to Date
The draft report on the Committee's first meeting (26-27 November 1996 in Moncton) was distributed (see report included in this annual report).
A preliminary report on sea urchin research priorities has recently been prepared by GJ. Parsons (Memorial University). These priorities were developed from the presentations and discussions at a special sea urchin workshop held during the 13th Annual Meeting of the Aquaculture Association of Canada, Ottawa, 4 June 1996 (see Appendix 10). These sea urchin research priorities were distributed and were incorporated into the research priorities lists in the report on the 26-27 November 1996 Committee meeting.
3) Review of Committee's Terms of Reference
Meeting Schedule
The Committee agreed to hold at least two meeting per year, one for planning (in November) and one for review (in February), with additional meetings, ifdeemed necessary. Y. Bastien invited the Committee to hold a meeting in June 1997 in Quebec City, to coincide with the Annual Meeting of the Aquaculture Association ofCanada. The Committee agreed to this suggestion and tentatively scheduled a meeting for the afternoon of 10 June 1997. 21
Funding Strategies and Provision ojAdvice on Science Necessary to Achieve Aquaculture Development Strategies
The major funding sources are: ACOA, lRAP, Provinces (e.g. matching investment fund in PEl, also Quebec is developing a similar fund; NB funds some projects), Human Resources Development Canada, and Provincial economic development agencies. For the latter, Provincial representatives were asked to supply agency names and contacts from each Province. .
DFO could participate in NSERC's Technology Partnerships Program, but only in collaboration with a university and industry.
R. Cook suggested that we should propose setting up a fund similar to the old DFO Science Subvention Fund for aquaculture, possibly involving industry partners.
Other funding issues discussed were: • should we deal on an individual project basis or umbrella funding for a large program? • should this committee try to coordinate funding of non-DFO research?
1. van der Meer suggested that the best role for this committee is to collect the available information on current research projects, relate this to the priorities, and make recommendations on what issues need to be addressed. We will need to focus on only 1 or 2 topics per year. It is probably not possible for this Committee to coordinate all aquaculture research being conducted in the Atlantic Zone.
R. Lavoie noted that this Committee needs to add value to what already exists; e.g. providing communications to allow identification of common interests and overlaps in research.
W. Watson-Wright noted that she will need to make presentation on behalf of this Committee to the Atlantic Zone Science Directors meeting, scheduled for 26-27 March 1997 in St. John's.
It was agreed that W. Watson-Wright and T. Sephton would arrange meetings with the various Federal and Provincial funding agencies and present an overview of the Committee's objectives and the research priorities identified through the process for their consideration in funding aquaculture R&D in Atlantic Canada.
4) Proposed DFO Workplans for 1997/98
Presentations were given on proposed DFO aquaculture research in the Maritimes and Newfoundland Regions in 1997/98. The presentations were given for shellfish aquaculture, finfish aquaculture, and environmental research related to aquaculture. Descriptions ofeach project (including objectives for 1997/98) are included in Appendix 7. Discussions focussed on how the DFO workplans fit in with research priorities (from the last meeting). DFO is addressing many of the priorities, but there are also many gaps.
D. Aiken explained that there is a continuum from capture fisheries, through enhancement, to culture. Biological research covers most of this continuum, except at the extreme ends ofcapture fisheries and culture.
4a) DFO Shellfish Workplans for 1997/98
Within the Atlantic Zone, shellfish aquaculture research is being conducted from 4 sites: • St. Andrews Biological Station (Maritimes Region / Aquaculture Division / Applied Aquaculture Section) • Gulf Fisheries Centre, Moncton (Maritimes Region / Aquaculture Division / Molluscan Development Section) • Halifax Fisheries Research Laboratory (Maritimes Region / Aquaculture Division / Molluscan Fisheries Section) (program to be transferred to the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in the fall of 1997) • Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, St. John's (Newfoundland Region / Pelagic Fish, Shellfish & Salmonids Division / Aquaculture Research Section) 22
Applied Aquaculture Section, St. Andrews (D. Aiken)
This Section proposes 3 shellfish research projects: • soft-shell clam - field studies; mostly enhancement • giant scallop - field studies; enhancement and growth in the Bay ()f Fundy • sea urchin - field and lab studies; stock enhancement, product enhancement, feedlot culture
Molluscan Development Section, Moncton (T. Sephton)
This Section proposes 4 shellfish research projects, on invertebrate aquaculture and fisheries in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence: • shellfish pathology - disease and parasite research for the Atlantic Zone for all molluscan species • mollusc productivity - limiting environmental factors affecting growth, survival, mortality and productivity of wild and cultured oyster, quahaug, soft-shell clam, and blue mussel populations • scallop aquaculture and fishery - giant scallop biology and population dynamics related to fishery, culture, and enhancement in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence • Gulf aquaculture coordination focus for DFO mollusc aquaculture activities in the southern Gulf.
Molluscan Fisheries Section, Halifax (presented by G. Olivier)
This Section proposes 3 shellfish research projects. Note that this Section will be moving to the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in the fall 1997. • molluscan culture assessment - biological advice on shellfish aquaculture and fisheries in Nova Scotia (Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy area) • new candidate species research - identify new invertebrate species with culture potential in Nova Scotia (Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy area) • molluscan genetics - development ofmolecular markers (in collaboration with NRC-IMB and Dalhousie University)
Aquaculture Research Section, St. John's (V. Pepper)
This Section proposes 4 shellfish research projects: • mussel stock structure analysis - distribution maps - related to carrying capacity in Newfoundland • production analysis of transferred mussel stocks - related to carrying capacity in Newfoundland • mussel farm production and inventory control - related to carrying capacity in Newfoundland • American oyster aquaculture potential evaluation - examine 3 sites where introductions have occurred in Newfoundland
It was also noted that funds will be available to convert the old bioassay lab at NWAFC for use for invertebrate culture research. Brief descriptions with objectives for 1997/98 for shellfish aquaculture research projects are included in Appendix 7a. 23
Discussion on DFO Shellfish Workplans
Sea urchins
Sea urchin research priorities have been provided by OJ. Parsons (from the sea urchin workshop at the 1996 annual meeting of the Aquaculture Association of Canada) .
Research Priority Coveraf?,e within DFO workplansfor 1997/98 .. ~.\f.!~.\~! .. g.\~~ y.~~ ..(p.E.Q2. . .. ~tt~~.~.5?f..~~~.~.?~ ..~~g..f~~g.\~.g ..~~.:.~!~.?~ ..Y.~~ ..(P.E.9..L . }~~~~.~K~~~~.~.!.t5?9.~.~.?~.Y~E~~.?~!..~~.~~~5?~~~.E~.9~ .~~~p.~.~~.~ y.~~ ..(p.E.Q2. . .5?~~:.?t:.~.~~~~.~..g5?~~~~ y.~~ ..(p.E.Q) . ..&:.
T. Sephton noted that there is some fisheries work in northern New Brunswick which is related to the size-grading priority (M. Lanteigne, DFO Invertebrates Division, Moncton). Sea urchin research is also being done at Dalhousie and at Memorial University's Marine Institute. The need for a compendium of all on-going research and industry projects on sea urchins was noted.
Giant scallop
E. Kenchington is working with P. Neima to ensure that the databases from the FRDL scallop project are documented. The failure of the FRDL project appears to have been mainly related to the growout system used fouling by mussels was a major problem. M. MacNeil noted that industry feels that there are working growout systems, but agreed that there is the need to compile existing information on growout techniques.
The Committee discussed the feasibility of scallop culture. The Alternative Shellfish Committee decided not to support a specific scallop culture proposal, but T. Sephton noted that this does not mean that the concept of scallop culture is not supported. It was noted that we must be wary of economic studies done during the early stages of scallop culture development - the economic models must be continually updated. M. Kielley noted that recent advances in hatchery development and husbandry (mechanization to reduce labor costs) are improving the feasibility of scallop culture in Newfoundland. Newfoundland is developing a research plan for scallop culture. R. Cook noted that a central issue is the necessity of a hatchery vs. wild spat collection.
Research Priority Coveraf!.e within DFO workplansfor 1997/98 .. PE~~~!~.9.!.1 ..Y.~~ ..Q?E.Q.'.. A!~~!P.~~~ ..~.0.~.~!f.!.~~.~E9.g~~p.2 . markers for seed scallop yes (DFO)
Blue mussels
Research Priority Coveraf!.e within DFO workplans for 1997/98 )~t9..g~N:..!!.~~~~?~~ .Y.~~..(p.E.Q2. . .. ~~.~.g.~~.~.p.~~g.~~.~9..~ .Y..~~ ..(~gD . }~!.~:.?t(PE9.~.~~P. y..~~ ..(~~~f9.~~.~!~~~L . .. ~.~.~~g ..~~p.~~~!y. .Y.~~ ..(p.E.Q..PE~.P.?~~~.B~.g~.. ~~~.~~!y... E.~.~~:I:!~g ..PE~j~.~.Q . detoxification/depuration proposed toxin work DFO High Priority Funding 24
It was also noted that starfish predation is an issue for mussel and scallop culture.
Y. Bastien feels that open ocean growout has potential and should be a priority. M. Kielley noted that some work on this has been done in Newfoundland, and it has been identified as a possible priority. T. Sephton noted that there are no regulations in place regarding the granting of off-shore leases.
European oyster
DFO workplans do not include work specifically addressing European oyster research priorities, although K. Freeman's project may include some work on this species. NRC is uncertain as to whether it will work with this species. R. Lavoie noted that it is necessary to match the oyster species (European vs. American) to the site. Southwestern Nova Scotia appears to be good for European oysters, since this species prefers cooler waters.
M. MacNeil noted that the main problems with European oyster are getting seed and mortalities. Quick solutions are required; otherwise some growers will leave the industry. Nova Scotia hatcheries have disease-free status (unlike most parts of world). There are concerns with transfers of seed into this area, due to the possibility ofdisease being brought in. G. Olivier noted that some work has been done on Vibrio in hatcheries, but the results may not be public.
American oyster
R. Lavoie noted that the market for American oyster is seasonal (September-December), but there is now seed available to grow this species year-round. There is potential for cold water growers in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Quebec. There are some regulatory problems related to the wild fishery. He also noted that technology should be directed toward the production of a high quality product when market wants it - this could make the industry much more lucrative.
Research Priority Coveraf?,e within DFO workplansfor 1997/98 .. ~~~~!?-.~..f.~~}g~E~.~!!!:g ..~~~~.y'.!~.~~.~ !?-g.~9.~.~.9.!?- ..~~~~!?-.~ ..(p.~.~.~~.~.p.~~.~~L . .. ~.!~~.':l:~~.!P.~~,g~!P.~~~ .Y..~~.Q?.:f..Q ..M9.~£~9.~2 . .. ~~~lJ.~~~.~~.~~ !!-.~~E~~~~~.~ . monitoring in Newfoundland and Quebec DFO Moncton (T. Landry) proposes to expand current monitoring ...... PE9.gE~..~9..~~~.~.~ ..':!~.::!.~~~.~ . .. ~~.~~~.'!.~ ..~~!?~!!:~.~~z.y. !!-g..':l:~~~~.~..Qf.Q.E~~~~£~; .. ~.lJ.~.~~~.::!!!:~!.':l:! ..~~.~~!!:~!9.!?- .. ~~~~.~~~.~ .. !.'?:.~~ ..~.~~~ .. .. Px.~~~~9.~ ..~9.~~.~~ !!-.~..Qf.Q.~~E~; ..~~~ ..~E9.::!.~~.~~.~.~.~~.~~.~~~.'?:.~~x.y.! £~~.~!!- ..~.~.. ~.~~..~~~ . .. ~~.'?:~~~!P.~.~~ ..~9..!.~~~~.~~.!P.~.':l:~ ..y.!.~!9. ~~.~.~.~~E~.!.~ ..~:§.~..':l:~.~.~~.g.'?:.~~~Q!?-.~9.lJ.~.~ .. ~9..!.~~E~.':l:~~.!P..~':l:~ ..Y..~~~.~ . site selection yes (DFO Moncton)
New Shellfish Species
It was noted that there is no specific nutrition priority, but nutrition issues covered under hatchery development. There is a hatchery development project at Shippagan and NRC also proposes some work on nutrition research.
R. Lavoie expressed concern that we are dealing with too many new species, and that there are not enough funds for research on the species already in the process of development - should we concentrate our research on helping those already in business? D. Aiken replied that DFO's role in the early development of new species is a role that industry cannot play - however, should DFO get involved in the transition to commercialization, which is where industry can get involved? 25
4b) DFO Finfish Workplans for 1997/98
Within the Atlantic Zone, finfish aquaculture research is being conducted at 3 sites: .. St. Andrews Biological Station (Maritimes Region / Aquaculture Division / Applied Aquaculture Section) • Halifax Fisheries Research Laboratory (Maritimes Region / Aqu,!culture Division / Fish Health and Nutrition Section) (program to be transferred to the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in the fall of 1997) .. Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, St. John's (Newfoundland Region / Pelagic Fish, Shellfish and Salmonids Division / Aquaculture Research Section)
Aquaculture Research Section, St. John's (Y. Pepper)
This Section proposes 7 finfish aquaculture projects, all dealing with salmonids: .. salmonids - overwintering holding capacity - current meters have been set up at 3 overwintering study sites; hope to add 1 more site - some problems with equipment due to freezing conditions • broodstock technologies - gynogenesis • molecular genetics for Arctic char broodstock • aquaculture escapees • brook trout aquaculture • Grand Codroy salmon strain performance with field production research • triploidy research
Fish Health and Nutrition Section, Halifax (G. Olivier)
It was noted that because of the closure of the Halifax Fisheries Research Laboratory in October 1997, the research programs of this Section will be moving to St. Andrews, and the Fish Health Unit will be moving to the Gulf Fisheries Centre. This will cause disruptions to these programs and as a consequence, not all objectives will be met.
This Section has 4 finfish research program, plus the Fish Health Unit: • Nutrition - lipid research - emphasis on new finfish species; various facets of nutrition • Fish disease and immunology research - mostly salmonids, but also new species - no longer working on furunculosis due to development of effective vaccines - emphasis on BKD (no vaccines yet; is common disease in industry; need basic research) - hemorrhagic kidney disease (new 'mystery' disease in SWNB salmon industry) would be worked on (even if not specifically indicated in workplan) Histology and parasitology - emphasis on new finfish larval development, especially what is normal. • Finfish parasitology - becoming more involved in aquaculture - new finfish species (winter flounder), salmon louse - pre-existing marine fish projects - sealworm in wild stocks • Fish Health Unit - mainly salmonids - diagnostics, mainly related to regulations.
Applied Aquaculture Section, St. Andrews (D. Aiken)
This Section's salmon aquaculture research is in transition, due to the recent retirement of R. Saunders (in December 1996), the upcoming retirement of R. Peterson (in July 1997) and the addition of E. Trippel, who will be developing a project on salmon growth performance during 1997/98. 26
Atlantic halibut and haddock are the core of the Section's finfish program, specifically the development of an early rearing system (K. Waiwood, D. Martin-Robichaud) including: - broodstock maintenance - egg production - larval production - juvenile production - early nursery culture
The Section's finfish projects in 1997/98: ... Physiology and production of growout stages of aquaculture species - salmon (project to terminate in July 1997) ... Early fish behavior - striped bass (project to terminate in July 1997) • Marine finfish culture - primarily Atlantic halibut; also haddock includes partnering agreement with Maritime Mariculture Inc. on juvenile halibut production; which has target of 40,000 juveniles in 1997; a handbook on juvenile halibut production will be produced. • Finfish reproduction and broodstock development - will focus on Atlantic halibut and haddock; will also produce striped bass juveniles for industry.
Brief descriptions with objectives for 1997/98 for finfish aquaculture research projects are included in Appendices 7b and 7c.
Discussion on DFO Finfish Workplans
Salmonid priorities
The DFO Maritime Science salmon aquaculture program is uncertain due to staff changes, and the closure of the Halifax laboratory. The only definite DFO salmon aquaculture program in 1997/98 will be in the Newfoundland Region. NRC will be conducting some salmon nutrition research in Halifax (S. Lall).
It was noted that maturation is again a problem in the New Brunswick salmon industry.
V. Pepper and M. MacNeil reported that in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, the food conversion ratio for steelhead is low in older fish (want to grow 6-8 lb. fish). This could be at least partly because the strain that is used was originally developed for the pan-size industry.
Research on the 'mystery disease' has been mentioned as a research priority by the New Brunswick Salmon Growers' Association. G. Olivier noted that the cause of this disease is still uncertain, but it is not a bacteria.
G. Olivier asked about the Newfoundland project on vaccination for atypical funmculosis vaccination. This project is testing two vaccines and methods of administering them. V. Pepper reported that preliminary results indicate that the program is effective.
The need to identify and develop strains of salmonids (salmon, steelhead, Arctic char) suitable for our conditions was identified as a major issue. NBDFA announced previously that it was prepared to work with other Atlantic Zone Provinces and industry to initiate an Arctic char broodstock program, if all the funding mechanisms could be secured. Broodstock development programs are too costly for most industry participants, so researchers and industry need to combine efforts on strain development. We need to test various strains and find sources ofeggs. Any imported strains would have to go through Introductions and Transfers protocols (NASCO protocol for salmon). 27
New Finfish Species
The CanadalNew Brunswick/Nova Scotia New Finfish Aquaculture Species steering committee met on 6 February 1997. It is hoped to approve projects for 1997/98 during a conference call on 27 February 1997. The 1997/98 program will concentrate on Atlantic halibut, haddock, and winter flounder. NRC will be working on winter flounder larval gut development and molecular markers, and will also conduct research on yellowtail flounder.
Quebec is interested in seeding of winter flounder; there are few sites for cage culture in Quebec.
R&R Finfish would like to get about 1,000 juvenile halibut from DFO St. Andrews (and may also want eggs) for trials at their land-based tank facility near Digby. The company hopes to develop a collaborative program with St. Andrews and will be submitting a funding request proposal to the New Finfish Aquaculture Species Program.
L. Muise reported that there may be a request to import juvenile Atlantic halibut from Iceland, probably for use at Shelburne. This would have to be referred to the Introductions and Transfers Committee, which includes a fish health component. It was noted that halibut imports would not be covered under the Fish Health Protection Regulations (only applies to salmonids).
Y. Bastien noted that there will a session on marine finfish at the Aquaculture Association of Canada annual meeting in Quebec City, 10-13 June 1997.
4c) DFO Aquaculture-Environment Research Workplans for 1997/98
Environmental research related to aquaculture is conducted through collaborations among DFO environmental scientists, oceanographers, and aquaculture researchers. In the Maritimes Region, this involves the Marine Environmental Sciences Division, the Ocean Sciences Division, and the Aquaculture Division. In the Newfoundland Region, this involves the Marine Environment and Habitat Management Division, the Ocean Ecology Division, and the Pelagic Fish, Shellfish and Salmonids Division (Aquaculture Research Section).
At this meeting, presentations were given on environmental research related to aquaculture in the Maritimes Region. Environmental research projects in the Newfoundland Region have been included within the presentations on finfish and shellfish research.
Maritimes Region, Marine Environmental Sciences Division (P. Keizer)
The Marine Environmental Sciences Division's research program responds to various provisions of the Fisheries Act, to the Department's habitat policy, and the management and conservation provisions of the new Oceans Act. The program is driven primarily by 3 clients: the Habitat Management Division; priorities set on a national basis through the Science Branch in Ottawa; and through funding (Toxic Chemicals Fund; Oceans Act Implementation Fund; other B- and C-base funding).
On-going research has examined the environmental interactions of finfish aquaculture (supported by Green Plan and A-base). This research has focussed on salmon farming and benthic habitat in southwestern New Brunswick, with some research on water column effects. This project is largely completed, and further work is not seen as a high priority at present. Concerns that do remain, which require further work include: • cumulative and area-wide impacts • pesticide and antibiotic residues - impacts on non-target organisms during treatment and residual effects • wild stock interactions
For the future, there are no specific A-base initiatives on the impacts ofaquaculture on the marine environment. There are no specific B-base programs covering this research, but numerous aspects are covered under the Toxic Chemicals and Oceans Act Implementation Funds. Specifics cannot be given now. Research will look at fate and 28
effects of contaminants, with a thrust toward developing marine environmental quality guidelines for coastal areas (how to measure, how to measure change)
The Country Harbour initiative was based on the involvement of the Guysborough County Regional Development Authority (RDA). The area was largely used for shellfish culture and an experimental licence was given for steelhead culture. As the area became filled with aquaculture sites, concerns arose regarding negative interactions between shellfish and finfish sites, and between shellfish sites in different locations. The proposal was for a holding capacity study, including interactions between sites and physical oceanography model development. Some funds were obtained and the project began last year, but no further funding has been provided by the RDA. The work that was started will be completed (physical oceanography, water quality); however, since there are no further finfish sites in area, the interactions between shellfish and finfish cannot be studied. Because further work cannot be done without RDA support, the project will not be as extensive as originally proposed. It was noted that the Sable Island gas pipeline will come into Country Harbour.
The Marine Environmental Sciences Division will continue phytoplankton monitoring in New Brunswick. The Nova Scotia program is uncertain.
Maritimes Region, Aquaculture Division, Applied Aquaculture Section, St. Andrews (D. Aiken)
This Section proposes 2 environmental research projects: • chemicals and therapeutants - includes aquaculture advocacy; application of biological knowledge; and collaborative studies with the Marine Environmental Sciences Division (e.g. sea lice chemical impacts) • biophysical interactions - includes research on aquaculture site characterizations; oceanographic research related to site suitability; development of remote sensing technology
Brief descriptions with objectives for 1997/98 for these research projects are included in Appendix 7d.
Maritimes Region, Aquaculture Division, High Priority Funding Projects (B. Chang, T. Sephton)
The Maritimes Region's Aquaculture Division is involved in two High Priority Funding projects which are primarily dealing with aquaculture-environment research: • Alternative treatments for sea lice on farmed salmon: - examining environmental fate and effects of sea lice therapeutant chemicals; including the effects on non target organisms and oceanographic studies on the fate of chemicals after applications. In collaboration with the Ocean Sciences Division, the Marine Environmental Sciences Division and other agencies. • Coastal oceanography for sustainable aquaculture development and coastal zone management (COSAD): - develop circulation models in key areas of Atlantic Canada to develop criteria for site selection for finfish and shellfish aquaculture. Want to develop 'smart system management' model for managers re densities; then finer/smaller scale project for individual sites that would be co-funded with the industry. In collaboration with the Ocean Sciences Division and other projects in other Provinces.
Brief descriptions with objectives for 1997/98 for these research projects are included in Appendix 7d.
Maritimes Region, Ocean Sciences Division, Coastal Oceanography Section (F. Page)
The Ocean Sciences Division's objective with respect to aquaculture is to provide high temporal and spatial resolution information and predictions on the physical and biological states of the entire coastal marine environment of Atlantic Canada and quantify the implications to aquaculture. The Division's aquaculture-related research is conducted by the Coastal Oceanography Section. It was noted that the Section's 9 scientists receive only $50K in A base funds. 29
Aquaculture-related research by the Ocean Sciences Division includes: • data collection: • properties - temperature, salinity, ice, turbidity, stability, etc. • currents - tides, wind, residual, density, waves ~ flushing • forcing - tides, wind, heat flux, freshwater input • bottom type - depth, roughness .. develop circulation models • apply to issues • collaboration
The reality is that aquaculture industries already exist and it takes decades and lots of money to acquire all the desired oceanographic information. Therefore, the Ocean Sciences Division program aims to match the research eff~rt with the information needs.
The Ocean Sciences Division's aquaculture-related projects: • Long-term temperature monitoring • Inlet classification • Coastal exchange • Country Harbour • Coastal Oceanography for Sustainable Aquaculture Development (High Priority Project) • Alternative treatments for sea lice on farmed salmon (High Priority Project) • Salmon production - collaboration with Aquaculture Division project 'Physiology and production of growout stages of aquaculture species.'
Brief descriptions with objectives for 1997/98 for these research projects are included in Appendix 7d.
Discussion on DFO Aquaculture-Environment Workplans
Carrying Capacity
R. Henry asked how far we are from developing carrying capacity models for salmon aquaculture. F. Page noted that there are some existing carrying capacity models (i.e. W. Silvert's models), but that in order to apply them to specific situations, the main gap is the lack ofdata on the physical oceanography at the sites.
W. Watson-Wright asked if Quebec could become involved in the COSAD project. Y. Bastien replied that Quebec is currently looking at the site selection process, therefore there is much interest in this issue. There is lots of data from Quebec on this issue, and it is being compiled. Contacts will be made to get DFO Laurentian Region involvement in the COSAD project.
J. van der Meer noted that there are private companies involved in remote sensing and in situ monitoring product development, which could be useful to this issue.
R. Lavoie stated that we need to support this type of initiative, since it should result in the right aquaculture in the right place, and the development of a leasing policy that will not put too many sites in an area.
Sea Lice
R. Cook noted that the Europeans have been able to deal with sea lice largely by using single year classes and fallowing. We need to know how far sea lice can spread, e.g. is Grand Manan a separate cell? F. Page responded that Grand Manan may be somewhat distinct, but there is still probably some water exchange with the main aquaculture area in southwestern New Brunswick. 30
S. Gosselin indicated that the High Priority Funding has received $8 million in requests for 1997/98, but only $4.5 million is available. Most will be allocated to existing projects. He suggested that we should also apply to other funding sources for these projects. It was noted that this Committee strongly endorses the COSAD and sea lice projects. A letter will be written on behalf of this Committee, expressing this support.
5) Other Issues
Matching Investment Initiative (High Priority Funding Proposal)
DFO Maritimes Region's Aquaculture Division submitted a High Priority Funding proposal for a Matching Investment Initiative (MIl) for aquaculture research that would concentrate in the Atlantic Zone under our leadership. M. Kielley and M. MacNeil feel that such a fund could be beneficial for salmonid strain development research. The Committee strongly endorsed the MIl proposal.
Recent and Upcoming Aquaculture Meetings
Some recent and up-coming aquaculture meetings were noted: • Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia successfully held its annual meeting on 24-25 January 1997 in Halifax. • APICS Aquaculture Section's annual meeting will be on 7-9 March 1997 in Truro. • Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association will be holding its annual conference in April. • Aquaculture Association of Canada annual meeting on 10-13 June 1997 in Quebec City.
Endangered Species Protection Act Bill C-65 (M. MacNeil)
This Bill has received second reading. It was first introduced in October 1996, but industry was only informed last week. This Bill has potentially serious consequences, as it will make it easier to have a species declared endangered. There were no public hearings held east of Ottawa, and those were by invitation only. The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) applied to make presentation, but were denied.
Under this legislation, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) will hear applications for declaring species endangered. COSEWIC is a separate body with legal status, which consists of representatives from the wildlife departments of each Canadian Province and Territory, the Canadian Wildlife Service, Parks Canada, DFO, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the Canadian Nature Federation, and World Wildlife Fund Canada. Individuals and groups can make applications. The legislation can then order a stop to any activities that could affect these species. This could affect mussel farming, by preventing duck control (if the duck species are declared endangered). It could also restrict available sites for aquaculture, by preventing siting near bird sanctuaries. The legislation could make existing aquaculture operations cease operations without compensation, as well as requiring site rehabilitation, if the operations are deemed to be adversely affecting endangered species.
6) Closing remarks (W.M. Watson-Wright)
• the importance of new strains for salmonid culture was again noted. • meetings will be held with various funding agencies (Provincial representatives to provide contact names for agencies within each Province). • an annual report of the Committee's activities in 1996/97 will be produced. • the next meeting of the Committee was tentatively scheduled for the afternoon ofTuesday 10 June 1997, at the Aquaculture Association of Canada annual meeting in Quebec City. 31
APPENDICES
1) List of participants, 26-27 November 1996 meeting 2) List of participants, 12 February 1997 meeting 3) Addresses for committee members and meeting participants 4) Committee Terms ofReference 5) DFO Atlantic Zone Science Aquaculture Research Program 6) Current Atlantic Zone aquaculture research 6a) Fisheries and Oceans Canada aquaculture research projects in 1996/97 6b) CanadalNew BrunswickINova Scotia New Finfish Aquaculture Species Program - projects financed in 1996/97 6c) CanadalNew BrunswicklPrince Edward Island Alternate Shellfish Species for Aquaculture Development Program - projects financed in 1996/97 6d) National Research Council, Institute for Marine Biosciences 6e) Provincial Government agencies, universities, industry, and other research institutions 7) DFO Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Science Workplans for 1997/98 7a) Shellfish aquaculture research 7b) Salmonid aquaculture research 7c) New finfish species aquaculture research 7d) Aquaculture-environment research 7e) Other aquaculture projects 8) Partnering agreements 9) New marine finfish aquaculture species research in Atlantic Canada (presentation by W.M. Watson-Wright and B.D. Chang, originally given at CanadaINorwayJUSA Workshop on Rearing of Marine Finfish, 21-25 October 1996) 10) Report on sea urchin culture workshop, 4 June 1996 11) List of Atlantic Zone aquaculture species Appendix 1 32
DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE COMMITTEE
Meeting 26-27 November 1996, Moncton List of participants
I Name A lliation 1.}?!:~..W!-:~~Y...W!:l:~.~~::W~~g~q~.~.~~~) f.!~~~~!~.~ .. ~.~~..9..'?~~.~~.~~!?:~~.~.~~~:..A..~9.:.~~.~.:.:~~l)~~L 1 ··~·~·:··$~1;~;~~;-~~~~~L ··~i~~~;~~~·f;~~it~~~,f.!l~·~~~·~~~:~:·~~~~i~·~·i~:~~:{~f:-~~~6~ib~~···········1
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DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE COMMITTEE
Meeting 12 February 1997, Halifax List of participants
Name A iliation .P~:..~~~~y'.~~~.~~::~~~g~~.~~.~.~~E) f.:!~~~r.!~.~ ..~gg..Q.~~~n?f~!.1.~~.~.~~.!:..~.~~~.~~.~L@2 . ..P.~:.P.~~!~.A!~~g f.:!~~~r.!~~.~g~..QE~~.~?.f~g~~.~.~~!:..~.~9.~.~~.~.~}::l}?2 . . Mr. Yves Bastien Ministere de I'Agriculture, des Pecheries et de I'Alimentation du Quebec ...... J9.~~.P.~.~.Q~2. . ..ME:.. ;I?h.~~.~.~.~~.~g f.:!~~~r.!~.~ .. ~.~~..Q.~~~.~?.f~!.1.~g.~.~~.!:..~.~~~.~~.~.~.N~L . ..P.~:.. gg!?~~ ..~2~~ f.:!~~~r.!~~ ..~gg..Q.~~~.~?.f~g~~.~.~~.~~.~f.~~.'..N~.L . ..ME:..M.~~Ei~~.P.~!g!~ Ag.~~~.~~.!~E~ ..~.~~~!~~g~}:.~~~JM2~.~!2~.' ..N~L ...... Mr. Ken Freeman -t- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Halifax, NS) ·······························1 Mr. Richard Gallant I Prince Edward Island Department ofFisheries and Environment I (Charlottetown, PEl) ::M~:·::~~ig:~:Q~:~:~:~E~:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::I::f.!§~~ii~~:~p.~::9.:~~~Q~:¢.~p.~~:~:(Q~~;y:~;::9N2:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: .. M.~:..g~??~~!.g~.~ry N~~.!?E~~.~.':Y.~.~~ ..!?t:.P..~~~g! ..?.(!:!.~.~~~.~~.~.~~ ..~.g~~~.~~.~~E~ ..W~~~~~E!2~.' ..~2 . ..M.~:.. !?~~! ..~~~?:.~~ f.:!.~~~r.!~~ ..~g~..Q.~.~~.~?f~~~~.~.Q?..~~2~.~~.'..N~.L . ..ME:..M.~~ ..:~9.~!~.~y. N~~.f.?~.~~!~.~~.Ag~~~.~~.~~E~J.~~~~.~.A~~2~!.~!~ggJ~.!:}?.~!.1.).' ..~2. . ..!?~.:.~~!.1.~.!::!:!:Y.2~~...... f.:!~~~r.!~~.. ~g~..QE~~.~?f~!.1.~~.~.Q?..~!P.2~~~.'..N~.L . .. M.~.:.M~!.~.M~~N~.~~ ~.g~~~.~~.~~E~.~.~.~~~.~~~!2!.1.grN2Y.!:!:.~E?.!!.~J~.~Ef.~~.' ..N~2. . .. M.~:.. !::~.?.M~.~~~ N~.y.~ ..~~~~j~..P..t:.P.~~~g!..?r!:!.~.~~:.!.~~.~.~~..A9.1!.~~.~~.!~E~.J~~!!.f~~.' ..~~2 . ..P.E:.. Q!n~.~..Q.~!.y.!.~~...... f.:!~~~r.!~~..~g~..Q.~~~.~?..~~!.1.~~.~.~~~~.~f.~~, ..N~.L . ..!?~:.!:r.~~.~~g~ f.:!~~~r.!~~.. ~g~..Q.~~~.~?f~~~~.~.(~.!: ..~.~~~.~~.~.~.@L . ..ME:.. Y..~r.~..R~p.P.~E...... f.:!~~~r.!~~.~.~~ ..QE~~.~?f~g~~~.~~.!:}?..~!.1.:.~.'..Nf.:L . ..P.~:..:r..?!P..§~P.~.!2!.1 f.:!~~~r.!~~..~g~..QE~~.~?~~g~~.~.~Mgg~~?.~!.N!?.2. . Dr. John van der Meer National Research Council (Halifax, NS) Appendix 3 34
DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE COMMITTEE
Addresses of Committee Members and Meeting Participants 26-27 November 1996 and 12 February 1997
Dr. Wendy Watson-Wright (Chair) Dr. Robert Cook Fisheries and Oceans Canada Aquaculture Coordination Office Biological Station Maritimes Region St. Andrews, NB EOG 2XO Fisheries and Oceans Canada tel: 506-529-5860 PO Box 550, Mail Station 19S125 fax: 506-529-5862 Halifax, NS B3J 2S7 email: [email protected] tel: 902-426-9068 fax: 902-426-2706 Dr. David Aiken email: [email protected] Fisheries and Oceans Canada Biological Station Mr. Maurice Daigle St. Andrews, NB EOG2XO Aquaculture Acadienne Ltee tel: 506-529-8854 57 Mathieu Crescent fax: 506-529-5862 Moncton, NB email: [email protected] EOA 6Cl tel: 506-854-4541 Mr. Andrew Bagnall fax: none Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture email: none PO Box 2223 Halifax, NS B3J 3C4 Mr. Richard Gallant tel: 902-424-0355 Prince Edward Island Department of Fisheries and fax: 902-424-4671 Environment email: [email protected] PO Box 2000 Charlottetown, PEl CIA 7N8 Mr. Yves Bastien tel: 902-368-5524 Ministere de I' Agriculture, des Pecheries et de fax: 902-368-5542 l'Alimentation du Quebec email: [email protected] C.P.1070 Gaspe, QC GOC 1RO Mr. Ken Freeman tel: 418-368-7656 Fisheries and Oceans Canada fax: 418-368-8400 PO Box 550 email: [email protected] Halifax, NS B3J 2S7 tel: 902-426-7360 Dr. Andrew Boghen fax: 902-426-1862 Departement de Biologie email: [email protected] Universite de Moncton Moncton, NB EIA 3E9 Mr. Serge Gosselin tel: 506-858-4321 Program Planning & Coordination, Science fax: 506-855-0177 Fisheries and Oceans Canada email: [email protected] 200 Kent Street, Station 1262 Ottawa, ON KIA OE6 Mr. Blythe Chang tel: 613-991-1403 Fisheries and Oceans Canada fax: 613-990-0313 Biological Station email: [email protected] S1. Andrews, NB EOG 2XO tel: 506-529-8854 fax: 506-529-5862 email: [email protected] Appendix 3 35
DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE COMMITTEE
Addresses of Committee Members and Meeting Participants 26-27 November 1996 and 12 February 1997
Mr. Russell Henry Mr. Paul-Lamoureux New Brunswick Department of Fisheries and Fisheries and Oceans Canada Aquaculture PO Box 5030 PO Box 6000 Moncton, NB E1C 9B6 Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1 tel: 506-851-6208 tel: 506-453-2253 fax: 506-851-2079 fax: 506-444-4694 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Dr. Rene Lavoie Mr. Jean-Yves Joanette Maritimes Region Les Pecheries Marinard Fisheries and Oceans Canada 41 de l'Entrop6t Bedford Institute of Oceanography Riviere-au-Renard, QC GOE 2AO PO Box 1006 tel: 418-269-3381 Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2 fax: 418-269-5727 tel: 902-426- email: none fax: 902-426-8484 email: [email protected] Mr. Paul Keizer Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ms. Deborah Lawrence Bedford Institute of Oceanography Policy Branch PO Box 1006 Fisheries and Oceans Canada Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2 200 Kent Street, Station 1160 tel: 902-426-6138 Ottawa, ON KIA OE6 fax: 902-426-6695 tel: 613-993-2152 email: [email protected] fax: 613-990-9574 email: [email protected] Mr. Marc Kielley mpo.x400.gc.ca Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association 21 Mews Place Mr. John Loch O'Leary Industrial Park Regional Director, Science PO Box 23176 Maritimes Region St. John's NF AlB 4J9 Fisheries and Oceans Canada tel: 709-754-2854 Bedford Institute ofOceanography fax: 709-722-1116 PO Box 1006 email: [email protected] Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2 tel: 902-426-3492 Mr. Serge Labonte fax: 902-426-8484 Program Planning & Coordination, Science email: [email protected] Fisheries and Oceans Canada 200 Kent Street, Station 1262 Ms. Marh MacNeil Ottawa, ON KIA OE6 Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia tel: 613-993-9801 PO Box 802, Station M fax: 613-990-0313 Halifax. NS B3J 2V2 email: [email protected] tel: 902-422-6234 fax: 902-422-6248 email: [email protected] Appendix 3 36
DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE COMMITTEE
Addresses of Committee Members and Meeting Participants 26-27 November 1996 and 12 February 1997
Mr. Brian Meaney Dr. L. Scott Parsons Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Assistant Deputy Minister, Science Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Fisheries and Oceans Canada PO Box 8700 200 Kent Street, 15th Floor, Station 1556 St. John's, NF AlB 4J6 Ottawa, ON KIA OE6 tel: 709-729-3726 tel: 613-993-0850 fax: 709-729-6082 fax: 613-990-2768 email: [email protected] email: [email protected]
Mr. John Moores Mr. Vern Pepper Program Coordination & Economics Fisheries and Oceans Canada Newfoundland Region PO Box 5667 Fisheries and Oceans Canada St. John's NF A1C 5X1 PO Box 5667 tel: 709-772-4513 St. John's NF A1C 5XI fax: 709-772-3578 tel: 709-772-0183 email: [email protected] fax: 709-772-4583 email: [email protected] Mr. Lucien Poirier Ministere de l'Agriculture, des Pecheries et de Mr. Leo Muise l'Alimentation du Quebec Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 96 Montee Sandy Beach PO Box 2223 C.P.1070 Halifax, NS B3J 3C4 Gaspe, QC GOC 1RO tel: 902-424-3664 tel: 418-368-7637 fax: 902-424-4671 fax: 418-368-1275 email: [email protected] email: [email protected]
Dr. Gilles Olivier Ms. lola Price Fisheries and Oceans Canada Aquaculture & Oceans Science Branch Halifax Fisheries Research Laboratory Fisheries & Oceans Science Directorate PO Box 550 Fisheries and Oceans Canada Halifax, NS B3J 2S7 200 Kent Street tel: 902-426-7588 Ottawa, ON KIA OE6 fax: 902-426-1862 tel: 613-990-0275 email: [email protected] fax: 613-954-0807 email: [email protected] Dr. Fred Page Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ms. Louise Savard Biological Station Fisheries and Oceans Canada St. Andrews, NB EOG 2XO Institut Maurice-Lamontagne tel: 506-529-8854 CP 1000 fax: 506-529-5862 Mont-Joli, QC G5H 3Z4 email: [email protected] tel: 418-775-0621 fax: 418-755-0740 email: [email protected] Appendix 3 37
DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE COMMITTEE
Addresses of Committee Members and Meeting Participants 26-27 November 1996 and 12 February 1997
Dr. Tom Sephton Dr. John-van der Meer Fisheries and Oceans Canada Institute for Marine Biosciences PO Box 5030 National Research Council Moncton, NB EIC 9B6 1411 Oxford Street tel: 506-851-2053 Halifax, NS B3H 3Z1 fax: 506-851-2079 tel: 902-426-4927 email: [email protected] fax: 902-426-9413 email: [email protected] Mr. William Thompson New Brunswick Salmon Growers' Association Mr. Patrick Vincent R.R. #4 Lime Kiln Road Regional Aquaculture Coordinator St. George, NB EOG 2YO Laurentian Region tel: 506-755-3526 Fisheries and Oceans Canada fax: 506-755-6237 CP 15500 email: [email protected] Quebec, QC G1K 7Y7 tel: 418-648-5929 Mr. Roger Townshend fax: 418-649-8003 President, PEl Cultured Mussel Growers' Association RR#l Mt. Stewart, PEl COA 1TO tel/fax: 902-676-2247 email: none Appendix 4 38
DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE COMMITTEE
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Reporting to the DFO Atlantic Zone Science Management Committee (AZSMC) and taking into account the deliberations of other committees* in the Atlantic zone, the DFO Atlantic Zone Aquaculture Science Committee will, in the context of the DFO Aquaculture Science plan:
• Evaluate annually DFO Science aquaculture work plans and program delivery and report on accomplishments vs. priorities; • Develop and maintain liaison mechanisms with industry clients and provincial R&D committees to annually update research priorities for finfish and shellfish aquaculture in the Atlantic Zone; • Advise as required on the science necessary to achieve Atlantic-wide aquaculture development strategies to those agencies responsible for their implementation (e.g. Provinces, ACOA, NRC lRAP); • Recommend funding strategies and collaborative arrangements to further the achievement of the research priorities; • Publish an annual report of the committee's deliberations and listing of zonal research activities; • Bring to the attention of the Atlantic Zone Science Directors issues as may arise from time to time.
Membership:
Chair: Manager, DFO Maritimes Region Aquaculture Division, St. Andrews Biological Station Provincial Members: New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec Federal Members: DFO Maritimes; DFO Newfoundland; National Research Council-1MB; DFO Laurentian Industry: Representatives on a provincial basis University: APICS representative Ex Officio: Director, DFO Aquaculture and Oceans Science; DFO Atlantic Zone Regional Aquaculture Coordinators
* including but not limited to the Aquaculture Implementation Committees established under the Federal Aquaculture Development Strategy and committees established under the Federal-Provincial Cooperation Agreements when setting priorities
(revised 27 November 1996) Appendix 4 39
DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE COMMITTEE
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Background to Terms of Reference:
Aquaculture has the potential to create employment in Atlantic coastal communities and this potential is recognized in the Federal Aquaculture Development Strategy. However, this potential will not be realized if R&D efforts are fragmented and important gaps in our understanding of the science of aquaculture are not closed.
The federal government and each of the provinces have signed Memoranda of Understanding to guide their respective activities in the aquaculture field. As well, the federal Aquaculture Development Strategy establishes Aquaculture Implementation Committees in each province. There is a plethora of established aquaculture-related committees now, and grafting the Atlantic zone Subcommittee onto an existing committee would be cost effective.
As a result ofProgram Review, DFO Science has created a centre ofexpertise in the Maritime Region, centred in St. Andrews for finfish and co-ordinated out of Moncton for shellfish culture. Aquaculture science co-ordination for the Atlantic zone will be done from St. Andrews (including work plan review) through the Aquaculture Division Manager.
The first meeting to discuss the setting of research priorities on an Atlantic-wide basis was held in Moncton on October 26,1995. Chaired by Dr. Watson-Wright, the meeting was attended by representatives from the provinces of Quebec (3), Nova Scotia (1), New Brunswick (2), Newfoundland (1), Prince Edward Island (2), university sector (1), National Research Council (1), and DFO Science (8) [Laurentian, Maritimes, Newfoundland, HQ]. Industry people were invited but were unable to attend this particular meeting.
It is proposed that this already-established committee (which does have industry and university membership) be used as a vehicle to report to and advise the Atlantic Zone Directors on aquaculture issues, R&D priorities and accomplishments.
(Revised 7 December 1995) Appendix 4 40
DFO ATLANTIC ZONE SCIENCE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH PROGRAM
100 INTRODUCTION
Aquaculture offers an exciting new economic opportunity for both coastal and inland rural areas. Canadian aquaculture has undergone significant growth in the last decade, and the value ofcurrent production is approximately $300 million annually. In Atlantic Canada, annual aquaculture production is valued at approximately $130 million, and the industry has created an estimated 2500 employment opportunities, many of which are full-time, highly skilled positions.
On a global scale, aquaculture is filling the increasing gap between seafood supply and consumer demand, and is revolutionizing the approach to providing fish products to consumers. Advances in culture techniques have supported a significant rate of growth in world-wide production. In Canada, salmon marine cage culture has created the greatest degree of new wealth and employment, and shellfish culture is also important. However, dramatic increases in production in other parts of the world have led to intense competition on a global scale.
In Atlantic Canada, both industry and government recognize the need for a research program that will enhance the competitive position of the existing aquaculture industry as well as foster new opportunities within this industrial sector. Canada has long recognized the importance of research in maintaining and developing the nation's agriculture industry in the face ofglobal competition, with government research laboratories playing pivotal roles. In the context of intense global competition in aquaculture, research is needed to develop new, cost-effective techniques to culture, harvest and process both existing and alternative species. At the same time, research in the environmental field is needed to ensure that culture activities are undertaken at a maximum production level within environmentally sustainable levels.
This document identifies the key elements of the Aquaculture Research Program that will be developed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Atlantic Zone Science over the next five years, as resources allow. We recognize that DFO will not likely have sufficient resources to allow us to address all of these elements concurrently. The Program is being developed in recognition of the major challenges faced by the existing commercial aquaculture industry, plus the new opportunities presented by alternative species that appear to have commercial potential.
2.0 AQUACULTURE RESEARCH PROGRAM
The role of the DFO Atlantic Zone Science Aquaculture Research Program is to provide scientific knowledge for the sustainable development ofaquaculture within the Atlantic Region, including: • the development of an economically competitive industry • the development of an environmentally sustainable industry
The finfish component of the Program will be centred at St. Andrews, with some research also in Newfoundland, while the shellfish component will operate from four locations; Moncton, Halifax, St. Andrews, and St. John's. The Program is comprised of three elements:
• New Species Research • Commercial Species Research • Environmental Research.
These elements are outlined in the following sections.
2.1 New Species Research
Although the marine aquaculture industry in Atlantic Canada is based on salmon, oyster and mussel culture, both industry and government recognize that alternative species offer significant commercial potential. Research will be targeted at accelerating the rate at which a number ofcandidate species are commercialized. The New Species Research Sub-Program has four major objectives: 1) develop broodstock management and/or seedstock collection techniques for candidate species; 2) identify the optimal early rearing techniques for candidate species; and 3) identify the optimal growout techniques for candidate species, including land-based Appendix 4 41
DFO ATLANTIC ZONE SCIENCE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH PROGRAM
technologies; 4) identify finfish and shellfish health concerns as they pertain to growing these new species under intensive culture conditions.
2.1.1 Broodstock Management and Seedstock Collection Techniques Research will be conducted on techniques for the capture and management of broodstock in order to ensure production of sufficient quantities of high quality eggs and larvae when they are needed. This will include environmental manipulation to advance and/or extend spawning periods. Research will be conducted on methods to optimize shellfish seedstock collection techniques, including examining spatial and temporal variations in spat settlement. The research conducted within this sub-component will be undertaken in coordination with the early rearing research effort.
2.1.2 Early Rearing The techniques for early rearing stages of candidate species must be refined to a commercially acceptable level. Research will be systems-based to facilitate direct technology transfer to industry. This will include research on culture technologies (including recirculation) and nutritional requirements, in order to produce sufficient numbers ofjuveniles for commercial growout ofcandidate species.
2.1.3 Optimal Growout Technologies Optimal growout technologies will be identified for the candidate species. Research will focus on growout systems design for candidate finfish and shellfish species, including recirculation techniques and land-based systems; nutritional requirements; optimal stocking densities; and harvest techniques.
2.1.4 Finfish and Shellfish Health Research will be conducted on finfish and shellfish health concerns for cultured species, including identification and life histories ofdiseases and parasites; diagnostic techniques; and control methods. This research will be integrated with the early rearing and growout research. Information on normal development of each species will be conducted to provide baseline data for diagnoses of problems encountered under culture conditions.
2.2 Commercial Species Research
The Commercial Species Research component has three major objectives, all directed at species under commercial cultivation: 1) improve growth performance; 2) minimize economic loss from disease and parasites; and 3) minimize economic losses due to biological interactions (e.g. predation, competition, shellfish toxins, biofouling).
2.2.1 Growth Performance Improvements in the growth performance of stocks used in salmon aquaculture are essential to help the Canadian industry meet global competition in this sector. Research on salmon genetics will focus on identifying whether alternative strains of salmon offer growth performance improvement opportunities with respect to cross-breeding. The use of triploid strains will also be investigated. Husbandry technology research will focus on monitoring husbandry operations, determining optimal techniques, and facilitating adoption of new technologies as they are developed.
Basic and applied research will explore productivity ofcommercial shellfish species, including the blue mussel, American oyster, and European oyster. In particular, we will attempt to define the environmental parameters that influence growth, survival and production of cultured and wild shellfish species. This work will include studies on population parameters and life history characteristics, food uptake and physiology, genetics, growout strategies, techniques to improve meat yields, and modelling of sustainable production capacities of bays and estuaries. Research on culture methods will be Appendix 4 42
DFO ATLANTIC ZONE SCIENCE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH PROGRAM
conducted both for culture in which there is control over and ownership of the harvested animals and to enhancement of wild stocks in order to improve fisheries yields:
2.2.2 Finfish and Shellfish Health Diseases and parasites have the potential to cause significant economic loss to the aquaculture industry from direct mortalities and reduced stock performance. Research will focus on diseases and parasites of commercial significance; the identification ofcontrol methods, both preventative and therapeutic; and diagnostic techniques. In addition, we will conduct pathology research and disease surveys for indigenous and introduced finfish and shellfish species, in support of the aquaculture industry. This includes monitoring, directly or indirectly, the histopathobiological effects of parasites and related organisms on wild and cultured indigenous animals of those stocks destined for introduction to the Maritimes Region.
2.2.3 Biological Interactions Biological interactions affecting aquaculture include predation, competition for food and space, shellfish toxins, and biofouling. These interactions can cause significant economic losses to the aquaculture industry each year and/or can limit the spatial growth of the industry. Research will focus on population dynamics and behavior of interacting species, and the development ofefficient, cost effective control methods where appropriate.
2.3 Environmental Researcht
Aquaculture must be conducted in an environmentally sustainable manner if it is to remain viable in the long term and be successfully integrated with other resource users. The environmental research component includes research on all of the interactions between aquaculture and the aquatic environment. The Environment Research Sub-Program has three major objectives: 1) identify optimal aquaculture production levels in the context of environmental sustainability; 2) investigate environmental interactions of chemicals and therapeutants; and 3) protect fish habitat and wild stocks.
2.3.1 Optimal Production Both industry and government recognize the need to more fully describe and understand the local marine environment with respect to optimizing growout production. Research will focus on identifying and describing environmental and oceanographic factors that can be used to establish site selection criteria or that can be monitored/managed as a means of improving production levels to a commercially significant degree.
2.3.2 Chemical and Therapeutant Impacts The aquaculture industry in Canada does not have access to the same range ofchemicals and therapeutants as the aquaculture industries (and other protein producing industries) in other countries to manage diseases and parasites, control biofouling, etc. A major criterion in approving chemicals and therapeutants for marine applications is ensuring that the products are environmentally acceptable. Research will focus on identifying the environmental interactions of chemicals and therapeutants under consideration for approval by government for industry use, on describing the physical oceanographic processes (e.g. circulation, mixing) influencing dispersion and transport of such chemicals in the marine environment, and on monitoring the use of approved products.
2.3.3 Protection of Fish Habitat and Wild Stocks While aquaculture offers significant opportunities for wealth and employment creation, these activities must be integrated with the interests of other marine resource users. Protecting fish habitat and wild stocks is a major consideration of both levels ofgovernment. Research will focus on understanding the
• Enhancement research may require agreement by and cooperation with DFO invertebrate fisheries scientists. T The proposed research under this element will require agreement by and cooperation with DFO environmental scientists and oceanographers. Appendix 4 43
DFO ATLANTIC ZONE SCIENCE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH PROGRAM
interactions between aquaculture and the marine environment, including those between cultured and natural stocks, to facilitate determination of habitat and wild stock protection requirements.
3.0 IMPLEMENTATION
The Atlantic Zone Science Aquaculture Research Program will be undertaken in concert with both industry and provincial governments in Atlantic Canada. Where appropriate, industry advisory committees will be created and multidisciplinary linkages will be established with other federal departments and other divisions within the Fisheries and Oceans Canada. In addition, the research effort will be coordinated with area universities and research institutions. Direct private sector involvement in research within Atlantic Zone Science will also be encouraged to facilitate technology transfer and to meet program objectives.
Technology transfer will also be promoted through the provision of professional advice to clients on the biology, ecology, genetics and diseases of both finfish and shellfish species for aquaculture, enhancement, fisheries management and fisheries diversification. This includes (but is not limited to) Regional Advisory, Coordinating, Standing and Introduction and Transfer Committees which have a mandate for those species ofconcern.
***
(revised 9 January 1997) Appendix 6a CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Fisheries and Oceans Canada· Aquaculture Research Projects in 1996/97
Specie~ ,,,,~-----~~-~.----_.----- [Project Title ! Project Staff (leader in bold) j ! Project Description -_.._._------FINFISH AQUACULTURE RESEARCH - COMMERCIAL SPECIES Maritimes Regioll.. Aqu~ulture j>ivisioI!.:AppILe{) Aquaculture Section (St. Andrews) Salmon growth, smolting & R.L. Saunders* Atlantic salmon Study factors influencing growth, smolling & reproduction of salmon; including reproduction P.R. Harmon cooperative project on transgenic salmon with AlF Protein (Canada) Inc. lD.E. Knox Physiology and production of R.H. Peterson* Atlantic salmon Investigate the ways in which environmental factors and husbandry practices can growout stages of aquaculture P.R. Harmon affect growth and production of market.. size fish. species
Maritimes Region - Aquaculture Division - Fish Health & Nutrition Section (Halifax) _ _ Fish disease and immunology G. Olivier Atlantic salmon Investigate bacteriological diseases of fish and conduct research leading to the research A.R. Moore development of eradication techniques and vaccines. LJ. Marks Finfish parasitology G. McClelland Atlantic salmon Monitor parasites of cosmetic, fish health, and public health concern in wild and OJ. Martell farmed fish; study various aspects of parasite life cycles and population dynamics leading to potential infection control; provide diagnostic scrvice and advice to :t government and industry. . -----_. Fish Health Unit A.-M. MacKinnon Atlantic salmon Provide diagnostic service, formulate and administer quarantines, regulate M.L Campbell movements of salmonids and products under Fish Health Protection Regulations; A. Boraie provide diagnostics and implement Regional Fish Health Guidelines for M. McMenemy* intraprovincial salmonid movements; fish health matters related to federal fish P. Swan culture systems; disease aspects of wild fish kills; diagnostics and counselling to government and industry; transfer of technology in fish disease diagnosis; develop, with industry, disease control programs. _
Newfoundland Region - Pelagic Fish, Shellfish & Salmonids Division - Aquaculture Research Section Marine growth performance V.A. Pepper Atlantic salmon Evaluate the Grand Codroy Strain to determine its future potential to contribute to evaluation of a Newfoundland T. Nicholls the Newfoundland salmon aquaculture industry. salmon stock for aquaculture Marine growth performance V.A. Pepper Atlantic salmon Conduct comparative analyses ofexperimental, all-female diploid and all-female evaluation of all-female, triploid T. Nicholls triploid Atlantic salmon, relative to the industry-standard, mixed-sex strain of Saint Atlantic salmon under NF John River diploid salmon. aquaculture conditions * indicates staff who will be retiring before the end of 1997. Appendix 6a CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Fisheries and Oceans Canada· Aquaculture Research Projects in 1996/97
I Project Title ! Project Staff (leader in bold) i Species ! Project Description .------.-.~---- __--=
FINFISH AQUACULTURE RESEARCH - NEW SPECIES Maritimes Region· Aquaculture Division· Applied Aquaculture Section (St. Andrews) . -----""~ Early fish behavior R.H. Peterson* striped bass Investigate the ways in which environmental perturbation and culture conditions DJ. Martin-Robichaud can affect the physiology and early development candidate aquaculture species, P.R. Harmon including striped bass, haddock, American eel. Marine finfish culture K.G. Waiwood Atlantic halibut, Develop technologies for the culture of marine finfish, such as Atlantic halibut and KG. Howes haddock haddock; including cooperative project on juvenile halibut production with lC. Reid Maritime Mariculture Inc. Finfish reproduction and D.J. Martin-Robichaud Atlantic halibut, Study the reproductive physiology of finfish as applied to aquaculture development, broodstock development K.G. Waiwood haddock, striped bass including: the effects of environmental and hormonal manipulation on K.G. Howes ____re....p_roduction; development of broodstock technolo~ _
FINFISH AQUACULTURE RESEARCH - NEW SPECIES . Maritimes Region - Aquaculture Division - Fish Health & Nutrition Section (Halifax) _ . _ Nutrition - lipid research J.D. Castell various Establish nutritional requirements of candidate finfish aquaculture species; analyze -l> L.D. Boston nutrient composition of natural foods and develop feeds; study role of essential v. nutrients in the metabolism and phy~()logy ofs:~ndidate aquaculture species. Fish disease and immunology G. Olivier various See above under Commercial Finfish Aquaculture Research. research A.R. Moore LJ. Marks Histology and parasitology C.M. Morrison various Describe the histology of normal finfish and shellfish as a baseline for disease investigations; investigate the pathology of disease conditions; conduct taxonomic studies of protozoan parasites of marine fish; provide diagnostic support to the Fish Health Unit.
Finfish parasitology G. McClelland various See above under Commercial Finfish Aquaculture Research. DJ. Martell * indicates staff who will be retiring before the end of 1997. Appendix 6a CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Aquaculture Research Projects in 1996/97
I Project Title ! Project Staff (leader in bold) ! Species ! Project Description
SHELLFISH AQUACULTURE RESEARCH· COMMERCIAL & NEW SPECIES Maritimes Region - Aquaculture Division - Molluscan Development Section (Moncton) _. _ Shellfish pathology S.E. McGladdery American oyster. • Document and evaluate the pathogenic significance of parasites and diseases of M.P. Stephenson European oyster, wild and cultured shellfish in Atlantic Canada. Compile annual reports for sub- blue mussels, mission to International agencies responsible for monitoring international disease soft-shell clam, profiles of aquatic organisms (ICES and OlE). hard-shell clam, • Provide diagnostic examination of shellfish submitted due to abnormal giant scallop, mortalities, growth or proposed for transfer between Provinces or outside Atlantic bay scallop Canada. • Conduct research on specific areas of disease concern, notably Malpeque disease of American oysters, shell damaging organisms (pathogenic and those affecting product quality, e.g., clionid sponges) (with PEI-DFE), development of virological techniques for bivalve molluscs (DFO-IFRE.M§..:.:.R)!.:...__ Molluscan productivity T. Landry American oyster, Document, evaluate and improve our basic understanding of the limiting C.F. Bryan* blue mussel, environmental factors influencing growth, survival, mortality and productivity of .j:>. H.Kerr soft-shell clam, wild and cultured shellfish. 0-. quahaug, • American oysters: research on biology and ecology to improve productivity in the bay scallop, aquaculture industry; evaluate new approaches to management of wild populations. bar clam, • Blue mussels: research on the interaction between wild and cultured stocks; Stimpson's surf clam, evaluate performance of mussels under new culture techniques. European oyster • Soft-shell clams: research on development of culture techniques for spat collection and clam productivity; evaluate impact of harvesting methods to assist in management of commercial fishery and aquaculture development. • Quahaugs: research on biology and ecology to assist in management of commercial fishery and to develop aquaculture; evaluate performance of cultured quahaugs with new culture techniques and new seed sources. • Bay scallops: research to evaluate performance and develop new culture techniques. • Bar clams: research into biology and ecology to assist in the management of commercial fishery; evaluate performance and develop new culture techniques. • Stimpson's surf clams: research to assist in the development of the commercial fishery. • European oysters: research to evaluate performance and develop new culture techniques. * indicates staff who will be retiring before the end of 1997. Appendix 6a CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Fisheries and Oceans Canada· Aquaculture Research Projects in 1996/97
_._. ~c • ~. [ Project Title --- Project Staff (leader in bold) j Species .__.LProject Description
SHELLFISH AQUACULTURE RESEARCH - COMMERCIAL & NEW SPECIES Maritimes Region - Aquaculture Division .l\1011usca~I:>evelopmentSection (Moncton) Scallop fishery and aquaculture L.-A. Davidson giant scallop Document, evaluate and improve present knowledge of the biology and population dynamics of giant scallop to provide advice on the fishery, biology and culture of this species. ~_
Maritimes Region - Aquaculture Division· Molluscan Fisheries Section (Halifax) Molluscan culture and K.K.-- J:
_Maritimes Region - Aquaculture Division· Applied Aquaculture Section (S1. AndI.:ews) Soft-·shell clam aquaculture and S.M.Co Robinson soft-shell clam Understand the mechanisms controlling the population dynamics of the soft-shell fishery ecology J.D. Martin clam so wild stocks can be more optimally exploited and production can be R.A. Chandler* increased through culture-based methods. __, Scallop aquaculture and S.M.C. Robinson giant scallop Derive biologically and economically viable culture-based methods to increase the enhancement research J.D. Martin productivity of the giant scallop in the Maritimes. R.A. Chandler* Green sea urchin fishery ecology S.M.C. Robinson green sea urchin Understand the mechanisms controlling the population dynamics of the green sea and aquaculture J.D. Martin urchin so wild stocks can be more optimally exploited and can co-evolve with the R.A. Chandler* developing culture-based industry. . ..
Newfoundland Region - Pel~gic Fish, Shellfish & Salmonids Division - Aquaculture Research Section Survey of the incidence of R.W. Penney blue mussels Examine samples of mussels from around Newfoundland to identify areas that Mytilus trossulus among MJ. Hart could be avoided by mussel farmers in future spat collections. Newfoundland shellfish aquaculture sites ...-.-._-..__._-----~~--- * indicates staff who will be retiring before the end of 1997. Appendix 6a CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Fisheries and Oceans Canada· Aquaculture Research Projects in 1996/97
[Project Title i Project Staff (leader in bold) i Species i Project Description
AQUACULTURE RESEARCH COORDINATION Maritimes Region - Aquaculture Division Aquaculture Division W.M. Watson-Wright finfish and shellfish Coordinate & manage scientific activities within the Aquaculture Division. management C.S. Carney _ Section coordination: ....~.p.p..l.~~~ ..A9.~.~~~!.~!.~.~.~~~!.?~ _.. ~:.~:..A!.~~~ ~~.~~~ ..l.l.~~ ..~.~.~~!~~~~ _.. ~9.?~.~!!.!.l.l.~~.~.~~§.~~~!.?~:.~ ..~.~}~!.!.~~~.~.~~!.~~!.~~~.~: . Fish Health & Nutrition Section G. Olivier finfish Coordinate the Section's scientific activities ...... ~ _ . ....t:1.?~!.~.~.~.~~ ..I?~~~!.?p.~~!.!~.?.~.~.~~~.~ _..I.:yy.:.~.~p.!.~!.~~ ~~~.I.\r.i.~.~ _.. ~9.?~.~~~.l.l.~~.~.~~ .§.~~~!.?~:.~ ..~.~.~~!.!.~~r.~~.~~~.~~!.~~~~ .. Molluscan Fisheries Section E.L. Kenchington shellfish Coordinate the Section's scientific activities (Invertebrate Fisheries Div.)
Newfoundland Region· Pelagic Fish, Shellfish & Salmonids Division Aquaculture Research Section V.A. Pepper finfish and shellfish Coordinate the Section's scientific activities. coordination
.f;:>. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 00 Maritimes Region - Marine Environmental Sciel1lces Division - Bedford Institute of Oceanography _ " ._ Harmful marine algae research P.D. Keizer Long term monitoring of phytoplankton and water quality variables; also provides warning and advice to shellfish growers on potentially harmful a~_. Coastal zone management B.T. Hargrave Develop knowledge and tools to assess the impact of various uses of the coastal studies P.D. Keizer zone on sustainability. Shellfish and finfish culture are major comp~titors for G.A. Phillips coastal zone resources. W.L. Silvert -----:-----:------...;.....=.;...;;~.:.:..:.._------,::------_.------_._---- Development of coastal zone P.O. Keizer Develop tools to collect information, model and provide advice on carrying management tools PJ. Cranford, B.T. Hargrave, capacity of coastal inlets for aquaculture. The field work is being conducted in T.G. Milligan, P.M. Strain, Country Harbour. G. Bugden, B. !Petrie Environmental interactions with P.D. Keizer Assessment of effective monitoring techniques for measuring the impacts of finfish aquaculture B.T. Hargrave aquaculture. The field work has been conducted at salmon sea-cage sites in GA Phillips SWNB. W.L. Silvert Sedimentology of coastal T.G. Milligan Examine generic issues of the interaction of fine grain sediments and toxic habitats K.S. Saunders chemicals. Currently collecting baseline data on Annapolis Basin to detennine ______potential impacts of aquaculture development. Estuarine nutrient dynamics P.M. Strain Examine general issues ofcoastal zone eutrophication; specifically assessing P.M. Clement effects of nutrient loading from finfish and shellfish farms. Appendix 6a CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Fisheries and Oceans Canada· Aquaculture Research Projects in 1996/97 I Project Title _ i Project Staff (leader in bold) i Species i Project Description .. ._--~-=- _ ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH Maritimes Region. Marine Environmental Sciences Division· St. Andrews Biological Station Risk assessment of organic V.E. Zitko Detection, quantitation, and confirmation of organic chemicals and pesticides in chemicals to fisheries K.G. MacKeigan water, sediment, and biological samples; identification of hazards and the assessment of risks to fisheries of these substances. Biochemical indicators of health K. Haya Develop biochemical indicators of sublethal effects caused by the exposure of of aquatic animals L.E. Burridge aquatic animals to chemicals, including the effects of chemicals used in aquaculture on non-target species. Aquatic toxicology of marine K. Haya Study the impacts of marine phytotoxins on wild and cultured finfish and shellfish; phytotoxins L.E. Burridge including movement of toxins through the food web; techniques for detection and quantification of toxins; prediction and detection of toxic blooms. Harmful algal research J.L. Martin Understand phytoplankton autecology of species harmful (or potentially harmful) to commercially valuable bivalve molluscs or finfish and their human consumers. Aquaculture ecology research D.J. Wildish Understand the environmental factors influencing the productivity of finfish and H.M. Akagi shellfish aquaculture, including developing environmental monitoring methods. . _. ~ Effects of changes in coastal and G.L. Lacroix Determine the ecological effect of aquaculture in the coastal environment on the \0 marine environments on Atlantic J.D.E. Knox survival and production of wild stocks of that species. salmon
OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH Maritimes Region· Ocean Sciences Division· Coastal OceanograjlhySection (BedfQi' Maritimes Region· Aquaculture Division· Applied Aquaculture Section (St. Andrews) Bio-physical interactions in B.D. Chang Study interactions between aquaculture and environmental/oceanographic support of aquaculture S.M.C. Robinson conditions. J.D. Martin ._------_._----~._-- Appendix 6a CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Fisheries and Oceans Canada· Aquaculture Research Projects in 1996/97 I Project Title l Project Staff (leader in b0!2) 1 Species ~ i Project Description -.-.------.-~------.--~--.-- HIGH PRIORITY RESEARCH Maritimes Region - Aquaculture, Marine Environmental Sciences, & Ocean Sciences Divisions Alternative treatments for sea B.D. Chang, G. McClelland Atlantic salmon Conduct research on new methods for controlling sea lice on farmed salmon in lice on farmed Atlantic salmon F. Page, R. Losier, V. Zitko, southwestern New Brunswick, induding toxicological and oceanographic studies K. Haya, L. Burridge, aimed at detennining the environmental impacts of chemical therapeutants. High D. Wildish, H. Akagi, S. Lall, Priority Funding. W.E. Hogans (HMSC), B.M. MacKinnon (UNB) Coastal oceanography in support F.H, Page Build models that can be used to help assess aquaculture site suitability and predict of aquaculture T.S. Sephton the maximum sustainable production of a bay or estuary for mollusc or finfish aquaculture and delineate the interactions and effects of environmental perturbations. High Priority Funding. _ _ , VI o Appendix 6b CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Canada / New Brunswick / Nova Scotia New Finfish Aquaculture Species Program Projects Financed in 1996/97 Priority species: • haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) • Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) • winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) • striped bass (Morone saxatilis) • American eel (Anguilla rostrata) I Project Title j Proponent _ j Species i Project Description BROODSTOCK Broodstock holding and J. Malloch haddock, Maintain broodstock, as required by the New Finfish Aquaculture maintenance DFO St. Andrews Atlantic halibut, Species Program. (D. Martin-Robichaud) winter flounder, NBDFA Shippagan (R. Rioux) striped bass Huntsman Marine Science Centre (1. Allen) F. Trask VI Sambro Fisheries (1. Batt) . ..•_ Broodstock collection NBDFA St George (H. Madill) haddock, Collect and/or purchase broodstock, as required by the New Finfish Atlantic halibut . Aquaculture Specie~am. ~ .__~ ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL Development of bioeconomic Tavel Ltd. (W. Apold) all priority species Develop bioeconomic decision models to identify key constraints to decision model commercialization for marine finfish species with aquaculture potential. Short term consulting assistance various Provide technical advice regarding systems design for broodstock and research facilities within the New Finfish Aquaculture Species Program. EARLYREARING Haddock project at Shippagan NBDFA Shippagan haddock Conduct trials to determine appropriate culture techniques for haddock (c. Lanteigne) juvenile production, including: incubation technology, contamination of larval tanks, new tank design, impact of transfers at various times on survival. Early rearing workplan for UNBSJ (M. Litvak) haddock Determine appropriate light intensity, spectrum and tank color; haddock parameters for larval tank design; larval feeding regimes; stocking and feeding densities. _--:- _ Early rearing workplan for HMSCIUNBSJ (M. Litvak) winter flounder Determine the appropriate rearing environment, both physical and winter flounder biological, that will promote high survival and growth of winter • flounder:..;..;;,;..;..:.;;...c;...:.;:under culture;..;.;c.;;-'----'-'~conditions. ,. _ Appendix 6b CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Canada / New Brunswick / Nova Scotia New Finfish Aquaculture Species Program Projects Financed in 1996/97 I Project Title ._~\ Project Staff (leader in bold) \ species j Project Description = _ FISH HEALTH Fish health diagnostic services DFO Halifax (c. Morrison), various Conduct diagnostic studies on eggs and larvae produced within the New Research & Productivity Council Finfish Aquaculture Species Program. (S. Griffiths), Atlantic Veterinary College (D. Groman) Decreasing bacterial load Research & Productivity Council various Assess antibiotic and probiotic treatment in rotiter cultures. Assess associated with feed/prey items (S. Griffiths) efficacy of food treatment on larval viability. for larvae NUTRITION Live feeds analysis DFO Halifax (1. Castell) various Monitor the composition of live food organisms fed to marine fish larvae, so that correlations between composition and larval growth and survival can be evaluated .'--_....-..~~---- Live copepod culture trials DFO Halifax (J. Castell) various Evaluate alternative mass culture systems for harpacticoid copepods to VI Sambro Fisheries (J. Batt) permit larval marine fish feeding trials to be conducted. tv Dalhousie Vniv. (D. Nanton) ._._--_._------_. Nutritional studies on the DFO Halifax (1. Castell) various Investigate options and alternatives in sources and levels of protein and utilization of various protein Sambro Fisheries (1. Batt) amino acids required by marine fish with aquaculture potential. sources during the growout NSAC (D. Anderson) stages of marine fish Diet development for eels DFO Halifax (S. Lall) American eel Evaluate the effectiveness of natural feed ingredients and synthetic NSAC (D. Anderson) compounds in enhancing the palatability and feed acceptance of eel diets. ------:--:-----.,.--=__...,-~,....,_-__: ___.,.------=__...... ,..-----~:..:;;,;-~-_:__.,....-:c_=---.----.------Feed attractants winter flounder Sambro Fisheries (1. Batt) winter flounder Test the effect of using different taste stimulators to increase food DFO Halifax (1. Castell) consumption of winter flounder. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION ._------_.._--- Finfish marketing study Tavel Ltd. all priority species Completion of a marketing and economic evaluation of the new species being considered as ~ of the Program to detennine their suitabilitL-_ Support for Maritime Maritime Mariculture Inc. Atlantic halibut Develop technology for mass production ofjuvenile halibut for the Mariculture Inc. juvenile halibut (D. Raymond) aquaculture industry in Atlantic Canada and to determine optimal production project at St. growth and survival conditions for juvenile halibut. Andrews Biological Station Appendix 6c CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Canada / New Brunswick / Prince Edward Island Alternate Shellfish Species for Aquaculture Development Program Projects Financed in 1996/97 Priority Species: • soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria) • giant scallop (Placopecten magellaniclls) • bay quahaug (Mercenaria mercenaria) • bar clam (SpislIla solidissima) I Project Title ~ Proponent ~ Species ~ Project Description REARING TECHNOLOGY & STRATEGIES Culture of giant scallops (oyster D. Jaillet giant scallop Adapting off-bottom growout methods for culturing giant scallop seed in rack & bag) deeper (8-10 m) water inshore leases used for oyster Evaluation of different seeding Mills Seafood Ltd., soft-shell clam, Studies of suspended a nursery system using down-welling flow-through strategies for soft-shell clams GTA Consultants Inc. bar/surf clam technology followed by an evaluation of different seeding densities on and bar clams in New Brunswick bottom and in protected cages. Survival and growth rate of giant DFO Moncton giant scallop Study the survival and mortality ofjuvenile and adult scallops on warm· scallop cultured on mussel and (L.-A. Davidson); water oyster sites, to examine the feasibility of using them as scallop oyster leases Aquatic Industries Ltd. growout sites...... ,Vl (1. Parsons) Growout feasibility of soft-shell DFO St. Andrews soft-shell clam Study innovative growout techniques for soft-shell clams, using typical clam in the Bay of Fundy (S. Robinson) _ clam substrate in Bay o~harvesting areas. .._ Limitations imposed by winter U. de Moncton (A. Boghen) bar/surf clam Initiate study of the physical effects of over··wintering ice on the physical ice on potential growout sites for bar clam habitat at both an off-shore (unprotected) and inshore study surf clam locations...... ;;~=:.;:..:.:.:..---::------:--.,.-._------:---:-:----:--:----- Soft..shell clam project S. Doucet soft.. shell clam Evaluation of manual and hydraulic methods of collecting and transfening seed clams from high density recruitment areas to growout sites. Quahaug and bar clam growout Pecheries W.J. Ltd. quahaug, Study of the effects of different seeding densities and predator control (1. & L. Jones) bar/surf clam methods on the growth and survival of bar clams, quahaugs and soft shell clams. Population and mortality study NBDFA (M. Niles, D. Methe) soft-shell clam Statistical analysis of the population structure and rates of recruitment of of soft-shell clams soft-shell clams at different locations in NB with insight into . determining the timing of sEatfall. Juvenile quahaug growout study DFO Moncton (H. Kerr) quahaug Study innovative quahaug culture techniques on 3 typical quahaug leases in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and PEl, in direct collaboration with growers. . Tidal upweller M. Daigle soft-shell clam, Field trials of s full scale moored tidal upwelling nursery system adapted quahaug, from the USA. Evaluation of soft..shell clams, quahaugs and bar clams bar/surf clam from hatchery seed sources. _~_. . Appendix 6c CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Canada / New Brunswick / Prince Edward Island Alternate Shellfish Species for Aquaculture Development Program Projects Financed in 1996/97 I Project Title \ Proj2onent -- 1 Species - \ Project Description --, SEEDSTOCK SUPPLY Giant scallop spat prediction and DFO Moncton (1. Parsons, giant scallop Spatfall monitoring at 30 locations along the eastern coast of NB for monitoring L.-A. Davidson) giant scallop spat using suspended spat collectors and determine the time for collector deployment based on GSI from wild stocks. Shellfish hatchery production & A. Maillet, NBDFA Shippagan various Operation of the experimental shellfish hatchery at the Centre Marin, field work (P. Cormier) Shippagan to produce seed for the different species for the nursery growout trials for the entire Program. Includes the evaluation of nursery systems in close j2roximity tOJhe facility. SHELLFISH HEALTH Parasite and disease survey DFO Moncton (S. McGladdery) soft-shell clam, • Development of a reference base of parasites, pests and diseases of UNBSJ (G.S, Bacon) hard-shell clam, bivalves being investigated as possible additional aquaculture species for bar/surf clam, Atlantic Canada (in collaboration with PEl-DFE, DFO-SABS, private giant scallop, growers). Vl European oyster • Examine the causes of pathogenicity of specific diseases such as QPX -I:>.. of hard-shell clams (with PEI-DFE), haemic and gonadal neoplasia of soft-shell clams (DFO-SABS, University of Maine), • Examine the opportunistic pathogens affecting mortality of clams during hatchery production (PEI-DFE, private ~__ FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Shellfish marketing study Tavel Ltd. all priority species Completion of a marketing and economic evaluation of the new species being considered as part of the Program to determine their suitability. _ Appendix 6d CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH National Research Council, Institute For Marine Biosciences I Project Title i Proponent - i Category/Species :=j Project Description ---..--.----~-~- ~------_. -- FINFISH Molecular biological M. Reith Broodstocklseedstock: The objective is to better understand oocyte provisioning during investigations on oocyte winter flounder, other marine development with a view ofeventually being able to undertake controlled development in marine fish finfish manipulation of internal and external factors critical to the production of high quality eggs. Microsatellite markers for winter S. Douglas Broodstocklseedstock: Microsatellites are cloned and sequenced from genomic DNA and primers flounder D. Cook (Dalhousie) winter flounder are designed to amplify specific microsatellites by PCR. The products are resolved and the results are used to estimate genetic diversity of wild stocks and form the basis for selective breeding of aquacultured lines. Analytical chemistry of MA Quilliam Fish health: Develop and validate analytical methods for chemotherapeutants and their chemotherapeutants in finfish salmonids (primarily Atlantic metabolites in finfish tissues. Research directed towards helping with salmon) approval of new therapeutants for use in aquacu._lt_u_f.;..e. _ Interactions between microbial LL Brown Fish health: Investigate microbial species and potential pathogens in aquaculture organisms and aquaculture salmonids (Atlantic salmon, environment; investigate cellular, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms species; improved diagnostic Pacific salmon, rainbow by which intracellular bacterial pathogens survive within the immune cells of Vl techniques for bacterial diseases trout), Atlantic halibut, fish; improve diagnostic techniques; study early development of immune Vl of aquaculture species; yellowtail or winter flounder, systems. development of the immune cod system of marine finfish species Protistan parasites in marine fish M. Ragan Fish health: Characterize protistan parasites using sequence data from nuclear ssu-rRNA and shellfish R. Cawthorn (AYC), salmon, marine fish, lobsters genes. Design and application of oligonucleotide probes for detection of T. Rand (St. Mary's), protistan parasites. Molecular characterization of protistan parasites of M. Kent (DFO-PBS) economic importance. Fish Physiology and K.Y. Ewart Fish health: Investigate a number of natural small molecules and proteins that play roles Biochemistry salmonids and flatfish in the protection of fish from infections, from freezing, and other challenges. Study gene expression, protein structure and function, and metabolism using molecular and biochemical techniques. _ Ontogeny of digestive enzyme S. Douglas Fish health: PCR is used to amplify portions of specific digestive enzyme genes which expression in larval marine fish winter flounder, haddock, are then used as probes to isolate corresponding cDNAs. A combination of sablefish molecular biological and microscopic techniques will be used to determine the timing and cellular location of digestive enzyme gene expression during larval development. . __ Establishment of EST database S. Douglas Fish health: Sequence and identify approx. 1-200 random cRNA clones from several from winter flounder winter flounder winter flounder libraries (pyloric caeca, intestine, spleen) by comparing against genetic databases. Identify clones containing highly expressed genes, give information on codon usage (necessaIy for design of PCR primers), and provide startpoints for genome mapping. Appendix 6d CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH National Research Council, Institute For Marine Biosciences I Project Title i PrsiE_on_e_n_t__. LC:::lIte~pecie~ _ j Project Description FINFISH Ontogeny of the immune system S. Douglas, L. Brown Fish health: Sequence cDNAs encoding genes involved in the immune system and design winter flounder primers to determine onset of expression of the genes in larval fish using RT-PCR. Will allow accurate estimation of establishment of immune competence in larvae. Surfaces of fish eggs and larvae, C. Bird; Fish health: Examine surfaces of eggs and larvae by electron microscopy to determine their flora and survivorship C. Morrison (DFO-HFRL) winter flounder, haddock correlations between microflora and health. Fish nutrition research SoP. Lall Nutrition: Research on nutrient requirements for growth, reproduction, and health; diet salmonids (Atlantic salmon, development; biochemical characterization of nutritional deficiency diseases; rainbow trout), flesh pigmentation of salmonids. American eel, winter flounder ---'-~------Investigations into the rearing of S.c. Johnson; Seedstock, growout: Initiate investigations on improvements to egg, larval, and juvenile rearing alternative marine fish species in Dalhousie Aquatron; yellowtail flounder; systems and husbandry techniques. Effects of hatchery conditions on V> Canada. ind~.:;.art:.::.:.ne:.:r,;:.s _ Pacific and Atlantic halibu_t_ adaptation to, and performance of, fi~ng growout. __. _ '" SHELLFISH Genetic discriminants and C. Bird; BroodstoclCrassostrea) Role of organic flocculant A. Cembella Nutrition, environment: Determine the distribution and population dynamics of phycotoxin·· material, phytoplankton giant scallop, blue mussel producing organisms (primarily associated with diarrhetic shellfish toxins dynamics, and epiphytic and spirolides) at selected aquaculture sites in Nova Scotia. Assist in microalgae in shellfish nutrition 'ground truthing' and validation of novel marine technologies, including and phycotoxicity airborne sensing (CASI), in situ photography and underwater video imaging adjacent to shellfish culture installations. Define the components of marine flocculant material and the abundance and seasonal distribution of associated epiphytes and epizootic microalgae. _ Paralytic shellfish poisoning R. Richards Environment: Produce a series of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against various toxins: production and detection shellfish PSP toxins and investigate their potential use in various immunoassay formats with view to produce a rapid and sensitive dockside or shipboard assay kit. Produce common PSP toxins and research the chemical interconversion ofthese toxins into saxotoxin congeners which are not easily obtainable from natural sources. Appendix 6d CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH National Research Council, Institute For Marine Biosciences I Project Title ! Proponent ~ i Category/Species i Project Description SHELLFISH Analytical chemistry of marine M.A. Quilliam Environment: Develop analytical methods for detection, identification, and quantitation of toxins mussels, scallops, and toxins in shellfish and source organisms. Provide assistance for emergency assorted shellfish problem solving and collaborate with other researchers to understand toxin production and develop rapid assays for toxins. Modelling phycotoxin kinetics A. Cembella, M. Bricelj Environment: Provide information to the aquaculture industry and to managers of wild in commercial shellfish species surf clam, soft-shell clam, stocks with actual or potential commercial significance. By determining the bay scallop, giant scallop, uptake and detoxification kinetics under controlled laboratory conditions and blue mussel, lobster building dynamic models of toxin compartmentalization and biotransformation in shellfish tissues, effective management and harvest strategies can be developed. Development of an effective S. Connors, A. Cembella Environment: Provide an action plan for a program to shift certain costs and/or phycotoxin monitoring program Pacific coast shellfish responsibility of phycotoxin monitoring for commercial aquaculture from the for the Pacific coast aquaculture (especially Manila clam, Canadian Food Inspection Agency to alternative laboratories, This will industry Dungeness crab, Japanese include a detailed examination of current practices in other countries (e.g., VI oyster, scallops) New Zealand, Japan, France, etc.) and the available technologies for '_1 systematic seafood inspection. --_._-----_.----, AQUATIC PLANTS ".w • Acadian Seaplants Ltd. J. Craigie Growout: Aim is to grow and market edible marine plants and value added products collaboration on sea vegetables Chondrus crispus therefrom. Current focus is on the red alga Chondrus crispus. Aquaculture will be conducted using land-based systems. Marine BioProducts Inc. 1. Craigie Growout: Aim is to produce high quality agar for specialty markets. This is to be done Collaboration on agarophyte Gelidium sp. by integrating land-based aquaculture of specific strains of a red alga, cultivation Gelidium sp., with customized extraction technology. Ocean Produce International J. Craigie Growout: Aim is to market sea vegetables for human consumption. The focus is on collaboration on sea vegetables Palmaria palmata high quality products which can only be obtained through cultivation. The immediate target is Sea ParsleyTM a strain of the red alga Palmaria palmata (dulse). Belyjo Inc. collaboration on J. Craigie Growout: Aim is to supply the domestic and later the export market with aquatic plants aquarium plants freshwater algae for aquaria. The demand for high quality, disease-free stock can only be met by controlled cultivation. Six freshwater species are being evaluated. Interest exists in eventuall~ producing similar plants for marine aquaria. Appendix 6e CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Provincial Government Agencies, Universities, Industry, Other Research Institutions [Project Title i Proponent i Category/Species i Project Description _ _ FINFISH Physiology of triploid (sterile) T. Benfey (UNB) Broodstocklseedstock: Goal is to understand basic biology and optimum rearing salmonids. salmonids (Brook trout, requirements of triploid (sterile) salmonids. Currently investigating Arctic char, Atlantic salmon, hematology, respiratory efficiency, aerobic capacity, stress response, ______rainbow trout) competitive behaviour, and gametogenesis in triploids. Comparison of growth and J. Duston (NSAC) Broodstock: The Nova Scotia trout industry seeks to improve production by the salinity tolerance between two rainbow trout introduction of new strains. This project is comparing the "Silver Bullet" strains of rainbow trout strain (Washington State) with an established Bras d'Or strain. Controlling spawning time of J. Duston (NSAC) Broodstock: Goal is to produce Atlantic Salmon eggs year-round. Serve as a consultant, Atlantic salmon by photoperiod Atlantic salmon applying knowledge gained from research largely on rainbow trout manipulation broodstock. Effet de l'elevage en milieu C. Audet (INRS-Ocean.) Broodstock: Measure reproductive success of Arctic char (Fraser strain) in relation to cotier sur Ie succes reproducteur J. de la Nolie (U. Laval) Arctic char summer rearing conditions (salinity and temperature). de l'omble chevalier Broodstock technologies for SCB Fisheries; Broodstock;. Proposed work will take advantage of salmon strains already available in Vl salmonids Newfoundland Salmonid Atlantic salmon Bay d'Espoir to evaluate gynogenesis as a means to achieve all female 00 Growers' Association strains. Transgenic Atlantic salmon J. Allen (HMSC) Broodstock: Development of a transgenic Atlantic salmon broodstock. industry Atlantic salmon Memorial Arctic char strain development 1. Allen (HMSC) Broodstock: Development of a strain of Arctic char which is more" tolerant of salt wa-ter, .. Arctic char Arctic char molecular genetics Great Northern Peninsula Broodstock: Develop 2 types of molecular genetic markers and associate one or more of Development Corporation Arctic char the desirable economic traits of Arctic char culture performance with the (NF) genetic markers as a base for broodstock selection. __ _ Cod hatchery research program Sea Forest Plantation Broodstocklseedstock: The project will allow the completion of research and development to Company Ltd. (NF) cod address critical issues that currently impede the mass production ofjuvenile cod for growout in aquaculture operations. ~_,_ Mise au point des conditions C. Audet (INRS-Ocean.) Broodstock: The objective of this project is to determine the optimal rearing conditions d'elevage pour les geniteurs, un winter flounder for developing a high quality winter flounder broodstock. outil essentiel dans Ie cteveloppement de l'elevage de la plie rouge Culture of small marine 1. Allen (HMSC) Broodstocklseedstock: Hatching and nursery studies on small marine flatfishes with aquaculture flatfishes industry __ small marine flatfishes potential. Appendix 6e CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Provincial Government Agencies, Universities, Industry, Other Research Institutions I Project Title ---_ i Proponent _ i Category/Speci~s i Project Description , --,-...------.-, FINFISH Sturgeon culture 1 Allen (HMSC) Broodstock, growout: Evaluation of the life cycles of Atlantic sturgeon and shortnosed sturgeon for universities Atlantic sturgeon, aquaculture. industry shortnosed sturgeon Development of alternate finfish M. Litvak (UNBSJ) Seedstock, growout: Focus is on the development of early rearing and juvenile on-growing species for aquaculture winter flounder, haddock protocols for marine finfish. In particular, research on new larval fish rearing systems: tank design, light regimes, feeding protocols, stocking density and temperature effects. Project also described under CanadaiNB/NS New Finfish Aquaculture Species Program. _ Developing and improving lA. Brown (Memorial) Seedstock, growout: The research focus is on developing or improving rearing protocols for larval rearing technologies for larval & Atlantic halibut, Atlantic and juvenile marine fishes. Factors such as temperature, light intensity and juvenile marine fish aquaculture cod, striped & spotted photoperiod, prey density & type, loading density, weaning strategies, and wolffish, yellowtail diet development (with S. Goddard) have been examined for the species ______fl..;,.o..;,.u..;,.n""d..:.e..;,.r___ mentioned above._,___ _ ., ~. Halibut research Canadian Centre for Seedstock, growout: The proponents plan to introduce Norwegian halibut aquaculture technology .-:t~o-:N..:e:::..w:.:..f~o::..::u::.:n:;:d.:.:la::.:n:;:d::... l.h Fisheries Innovation Atlantic halibut -:-_. :-- :--__ _..' _ \0 The interaction between sea lice J.F. Burka, D. Speare, G. fish health: This group is examining factors in the blood, tissues, and mucus of Atlantic and salmonid fishes: Conboy, D. Sims (AVC); Atlantic salmon salmon which are associated with sea lice induced stress in salmon. We will development of alternative N. Ross, S. Johnson, also determine if L. salmonis produces substances that modify host methods of control. S. Lall (NRC-1MB); responses, characterize the bioactive components, and determine their CAIA; suitability for modulation. These parameters will be used to develop Aqua Fish Health Inc.; husbandry practices and nutritional, biological, and pharmaceutical products NRC/NSERC Research to maintain healthy fish in culture. Partnership Program. The biology of sea lice B. MacKinnon (UNB) Fish health: Various studies on the biology of sea lice Lepeophtheirus salmanis, Caligus infections salmonids (Atlantic salmon, elangatus) and their host/parasite relationships with an overall aim of Arctic char) finding non-drug methods of control. Projects include: effect of host stress, immunity and nutrition on infections; effects of pollutants on subsequent susceptibility of fish to sea lice; sea lice reproduction; larval behaviour; the use of cleaner fish and mechanical devices to reduce infection. Physiology/pharmacology of J.F. Burka (AVC) Fish health: Examination of the effects of pH on contractility of rainbow trout intestinal salmonid gastrointestinal smooth salmonids (rainbow trout, smooth muscle in vitro. Examination of smooth muscle contractility and muscle motility Atlantic salmon) stress parameters (cortisol, glucose, etc.) in the blood of Atlantic salmon smolt maintained at two different temperatures over a I year period. Another aspect of this study is an examination of these stress parameters when the water temperature is changed by SoC over a S day period in comparison to a I day period. Appendix 6e CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Provincial Government Agencies, Universities, Industry, Other Research Institutions I Project Title _ i Proponent - i Category/Species i Project Description FINFISH The study of parasitic infections B. MacKinnon (UNB) Fish health: Studies of the basic biology of parasites and their impact on fish hosts are in finfish species being winter flounder, haddock, conducted. One completed study examined the prevalence, intensity and developed for aquaculture Atlantic halibut pathology of metacercarial cysts of Stephellostomwll bllccatllm on winter flounder. Parasites of aquaculture species J. Allen (HMSC) Fish health: Research on loading, control, and population biology of parasites of NBDFA various species aquaculture species. industry Energy-protein ratios in diets for D.M. Anderson (NSAC); Atlantic salmon S.P. Lall (NRC-1MB) Influence of oxygen levels on J. Allen (HMSC) Nutrition, environment: 0\ salmon feeding industry A tl I Project Title ; Proponent i Category/Species i Project Description .--.-..---- FINFISH Technology development for J. Allen (HMSC) Growout: Development of technology for aquaculture, including: recirculation, aquaculture industry, government salmonids, marine finfish utilization of waste heat; cage and net pen design; intertidal and land-based site evaluation. Improving survival and growth J. Duston (NSAC) Growout: Applying technologies developed from striped bass culture in southern USA ofjuvenile striped bass striped bass to suit indigenous stocks and local climate. Striped bass culture 1. Allen (HMSC) Growout: Studies on the utilization of coastal ponds and waste heat for striped bass industry striped bass gro""'()llt inthe Jtly of Fundy. Effect of stocking density on J. Duston (NSAC) Growout: Stocking density has a major effect on growth rate by altering social growth of American eel. American eel interaction between individuals. The optimum stocking density for this species is unknown. American eel culture J. Allen (HMSC) Growout~ Research on American eel culture: utilization of waste heat; growth and industry American eel maturation; sex determination and color change.. . _ Seal problems and acoustic 1. Terhune (UNBSJ) Growout, environment: Acoustic devices are being used to deter harbour seals from interfering with deterrent devices Atlantic salmon, aquaculture cage sites in southwestern New Brunswick. The ill situ sound harbour seals, levels at various distances from the devices relative to the hearing sensitivity ""...... harbour porpoise of both seals and harbour porpoise will have to be determined to enable assessing the possible acoustic disturbance to these, and other, species. " ~., Effects of salmon farming on the J. Allen (HMSC) Environment: Research on the effects of salmon farming on the marine benthic marine benthos NBDFA Atlantic salmon environment in SWNB. industry Environmental effects of 1. Allen (HMSC) Environment: Research on the environmental effects of therapeutants used by the aquaculture therapeutants on the DFO,NBDFA Atlantic salmon aquaculture industry; includes participation in the DFO High Priority sea marine environment industry lice research project. _ Appendix 6e CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Provincial Government Agencies, Universities, Industry, Other Research Institutions I Project Title i Proponent i Category/Species =i Project Description _S;;:.:H:.:;E:.:;,L::::;L::::;F:..:;I:.:::S.:.,:H:..------. Broodstock holding and F. Coulombe (MAPAQ- Broodstock: Maintain giant scallops from the three maritime coastal regions of Quebec. maintenance CAMGR) giant scallop, Maintain American oysters transferred from New Brunswick. American oyster Broodstock conditioning F. Coulombe (MAPAQ Broodstock: Environmental influences on broodstock conditioning. CAMGR); shellfish A. Mallet (MRS Ltd); J. Cote (PecNord Inc); H. Guderley (U. Laval) _ _ Reproductive physiology of P. Beninger (U. Moncton) Broodstocklseedstock: Research on reproductive physiology ofcrustaceans. crustaceans crustaceans Mussel larval and spatfall C. Couturier (Memorial) Seedstock: Investigating temporal and geographical scale dynamics in mussel seed dynamics in Newfoundland blue mussel supply at commercial farm locations in Newfoundland. The data is supported coastal inlets with site specific biological and environmental data such as temperature, 0\ salinity, chlorophyll a, dissolved oxygen, and condition factors. Sites are N being categorized by hydrographic regime. . _ Mussel aquaculture, particularly Seedstock, growout: Understand the summer mortality phenomenon; gather data for better in the Magdalen Islands blue mussel knowledge and management of the only site used for spat collection on the Iles-de-la-Madeleine; quantify the presence of Mytilus trossulus; distinguish between local mussel stocks and assert the impact of mussel operations on their genetic characteristics. Giant scallop spat collection in GJ. Parsons (Memorial); L.- Seedstock: Spatial distribution of spat settlement throughout the Northumberland Strait Northumberland Strait and A. Davidson (DFO-GFC), giant scallop and northern NB. northern NB S.M.C. Robinson (DFO-SABS) Land-based nursery culture of P. Dabinett, C. Ryan, J. Seedstock: Growth and survival of post set scallops under various hatchery and nursery giant scallops Parsons (Memorial) __ giant scallop conditions. Research conducted at Belleoram, NL.. Sea scallop nursery Scallop Culture Consultancy Seedstock: This project will evaluate five different nursery options in a commercial Inc. giant scallop scale trial to determine the best strategy for the production of marketable seed for sale to the Newfoundland aquaculture industry. Scallop culture for stock G. Cliche, M. Nadeau, Seedstock, growout: Gather information on spawning, larval cycle and spat collection around the enhancement (REPERE) M. Gaudet (MAPAQ giant scallop Magdalen Islands; determine the best procedure for young scallops growout STMIM) and for bottom seeding procedure; quantify predation, natural mortality and dispersionof seeded scallops. Triploid production in American J. Davidson (AVC) Seedstock: Triploid production in the American oyster (Crassostrea virginica) oyster. American oyster Malpeque strain. Appendix 6e CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Provincial Government Agencies, Universities, Industry, Other Research Institutions [Project Title ; Proponent _-_'_ ; Category/Species ; Project Description SHELLFISH Selection of seed oysters with AVC; Seedstock: Selection of seed oysters with superior growth rates in Bideford River· superior growth rates in Holland College American oyster genetic or environmental? Bideford River. Histopathology and A. Boghen (U. Moncton) Shellfish health: Effects of the turbellarian urastoma cyprinae on the biology of oysters in the parasitological studies of oysters oysters Gulf of St. Lawrence region. . _., _ Particle processing in bivalves P. Beninger (U. Moncton) Nutrition: Research on particle processing in bivalves, including physiological studies, bivalves capture, transport and selection. Development of the European C. Enright (NSAC) Nutrition: Development of a more cost-effective commercial diet for hatchery reared oyster aquaculture industry in European oyster European oysters. Further, an assessment of the extent to which the Nova Scotia European oyster has successfully reproduced and established in Nova Scotia is an area of research interest. Cultures volumineuses P. Marsot (INRS-Ocean.) tl\!trition: A) Isolation of bioactive products from algae and study of antimicrobial and phytoplanctoniques en J.P. Gagne (Universite du shellfish anticancerous activities in native microalgae species. laboratoire Quebec aRimouski) B) Development of techniques for mass culture of axenic phytoplankton. 0\ C. Hamelin (Institut The goal is application in shellfish hatcheIies. W Armand-Frappier) R. Fournier (INRS-Ocean.) Microalgal mass culture J. Cote (PecNord Inc); Nutrition: Pilot-scale development of continuous culture and seawater sterilization P. Marsot, R. Fournier shellfish techniques. (INRS-Ocean.); F. Coulombe (MAPAQ CAMGR); A. Mallet (MRS Ltd) Feeding biology and B. MacDonald (UNBSJ) Nutrition, growout, The research involves the influence of environmental factors on physiological ecology of environment: the production of commercially important bivalves in Atlantic Canada. molluscan shellfish. giant scallop, American Establishing the relationships between food supply and modelling carrying oyster, soft-shell clam, other capacity, the potential impact of suspended peat particles on oyster feeding, bivalves and in collaboration with other colleagues work on establishing techniques for grow out in clams, assessing parasites and diseases in Atlantic shellfish _ and uptake of toxic algae by bivalves. _, _ Microencapsulated feeds for J. de la Nolie, J.-c. Nutrition: Development of diets for feeding larval snow crab and sturgeon. (Project larval rearing of 'new' Vuillemard, S.P. Gauthier snow crab also listed under Finfish) aquaculture species. (U. Laval); E.D. Lane (Malaspina) Appendix 6e CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Provincial Government Agencies, Universities, Industry, Other Research Institutions I Project Title j Proponent _ j Category/Species j Project Oe~cription SHELLFISH Alternate growout strategies for C. Couturier (Memorial) Growout: Preliminary investigations of alternate growout strategies for mussels on the mussels blue mussel south coast of Newfoundland, including deepwater longlines, rafts (submersible), and traditionallonglines. Evaluation of methods to deter B. Gillis, N. MacNair (PEl- Growout: Evaluation of different techniques to prevent seaducks from preying on seaducks for feeding on recently blue mussel recently socked mussels. Types of techniques that are being studied include socked mussel seed. NS Dlept. of Fisheries and underwater acoustic devices, deterring with boats and other bird scaring Aquaculture; devices. Project is ongoing. Memorial; industry Comparison of spawning times B. Gillis (PEI-OFE); Growout: Mussel spawning times were determined by sampling two wild sites and one of wild blue mussels with T. Landry, C. Bryan (OFO blue mussel cultured site for mussel meat yields. This information was correlated with cultured blue mussels OFC); industry time and water temperature. The effect of water temperature J. Oavidson (AVC); Growout: Research at St. Peters Bay, PElon the effect of water temperature and sex on and sex on composition and industry; blue mussel glycogen and lipid levels and post harvcst mortality in blue mussels. mortality of cultured mussels. PEl-OFE Cytological sexing of marine S. Burton (AVC) Growout: Cytological sexing of marine mussels over a 12 month period at St. Peters ~ mussels. blue mussel Bay, PEl. ~ _ Natural variation in glycogen 1. Oavidson (AVC) Growout: Natural variation in glycogen and lipid levels in Mylilus edulis at St. Peters and lipid levels in Mylilus blue mussel Bay, PEl. edulis. Investigation into a blue mussel N. MacNair (PEI-OFE); Growout: Complaints of blue mussel shell discolouration led to the surs;quent--- shell boring organism, that OFO-GFC; blue mussel investigation and discovery of an unknown organism causing shell damage. invades the shell peristracum, AVC; The study is ongoing at PEl estuaries. and nacreous layers. industry Giant scallop growout in 0.1. Parsons (Memorial); L.. Growout: Growth and survival of giant scallops on ten mussel and oyster leases in Northumberland Strait and A. Oavidson (OFO-GFC) giant scallop Northumberland Strait and northern NB. northern NB Ocean-based nursery culture of J. Parsons, L. Levy, Growout: Growth and survival of post set scallops in various growth systems. Research giant scallops P. Oabinett (Memorial) giant scallop conducted at Belleoram, NF. Improved methods of ongrowing C. Couturier (Memorial) Growout: Recently completed study of growth and survival of scallop seed held in 3 giant scallops giant scallop types of cage enclosures: traditional pearl nets, oyster bag and frame systems, and tray and rack systems, on the south coast of.:'-N.;,;F;.,:.~ _ Sea scallop seeding on exploited Association des pecheurs de Growout: Undertaking of a research program on the applicability of this enhancement grounds petoncles Gaspesie; Centre giant scallop technique along the Gaspe Peninsula coast. Specialise Peches; MAPAQ· CAMGR OFO-MLI Appendix 6e CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Provincial Government Agencies, Universities, Industry, Other Research Institutions ~t Title - ! Proponent _ ! Category/Species- ! Project Description SHELLFISH Husbandry methods for the M.J. Dadswell (Acadia) Growout, seedstock: New methods of handling all phases of scallop aquaculture are being economic commercialization of giant scallop examined using a small commercial-size farm (100,000 harvestable scallops/ sea scallop aquaculture in year). At this size all of the problems that would be experienced by large Atlantic Canada operations are encountered, but solutions can be worked out without economic ruin. Advances in the last 2 years include reduction of work loads and increases in efficiency for some operations (net loading) of 200-300%. Cost per scallop unit has been reduced from $0.2 I to $0.10 ea., survival rates have been increased to 80-90% and growth time to harvestable stock has been reduced by 6 months. Market value of $0.30-$0.40 per unit of stock has been obtained in of 26-36 months from birth depending on market type (whole animal, meats). Flow rates of fouled pearl nets. J. Parsons, M. Reid 5]rowout, environment: Study effects of fouling, mesh size and current velocities on the flow rate of (Memorial) giant scallop _ water through pearl nets. __ _ ._.__~ Assessment of soft shell clam N. MacNair (PEI-·DFE); Growout: Evaluate the success of transplanting clams from contaminated areas, where 0'\ culture techniques DFO-GFC; soft-shell clam there is large numbers of small unmarketable clams, to suitable leased areas V. industry that had previously supported clams, but have no or minimal clam populations. Growth, survival and population regeneration is being determined. As well, clam spat collection methods are being evaluated. The study is ongoing at Darnley Basin, Cascumpeque, Marchwater, Chichester Cove, Pinette (PEI)._ American oyster growth, J. Davidson (A VC); Growout: Studies of oyster growth, mortality and glycogen/lipid content in bottom mortality and glycogen/lipid Holland College; American oyster culture, suspended intertidal culture and suspended subtidal culture at content.. industry; Bideford River, PEl. PEl-DFE Comparison of growth rates and M. Smith (PEl-DFE); Growout: Evaluation of rack and bag culture in various estuaries on PEl. Performance survival ofjuvenile American industry American oyster is determined by measuring seed oyster growth, volume and mortality oysters from II sites on PEl numbers. This project has been duplicated for two subsequent years and is using the rack and bag culture ongoing. system. Oyster culture M. Gaudet (MAPAQ- Growout: Evaluate the potential for the grow out of American oyster juveniles in the ______--:- -::S...:Tc.:.M=IM=-)_~.,_,:_----- American oyster __ lagoons. .. _ Site evaluation in Gaspesie; B. Thomas (MAPAQ- Growout: Three sites were chosen with the collaboration of a biologist from the New American oyster introduction in CAMGR) American oyster Brunswick Dept. of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Close to 80000, 25··35 mm Quebec; bottom oyster seeding; juveniles were seeded or bagged on three different sites. off bottom oyster growout on tables ._------.._-~---,---_. Appendix 6e CURRENT ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH Plrovincial Government Agencies, Universities, Industry, Other Research Institutions i CategorylSp~cies i Project Description ----~"'------[ Project Title i Proponent ,------,------SHELLFISH Impacts of ice on growout of A. Boghen (U. Moncton) Growout: This project is studying the impact of ice on growout sites of the surf clam surf clam surf clam Spisula solidissima in the Gulf of St. Lawrence region. Development of a sustainable S. Motnikar (MAPAQ Growout: Two information workshops on the sustainable development of the green sea fishery and enhancement of CAMGR) green sea urchin urchin were held in Grande-Riviere and the Magdalen I. A multidisciplinary product through short term work group is in place to coordinate and develop research and development aquaculture priorities. Determine effect of photoperiod and temperature on gametal development in ripe urchins. Valorisation de la gonade de P. Marsot, R. Fournier Growout: The goal of this project is to determine optimal rearing conditions for I'oursin vert du Quebec: (INRS-Ocean.) green sea urchin maintaining or increasing the gonadosomatic index in green sea urchins to determination des conditions supply markets when natural populations are not accessible. optimales pour la stabulation el Ie conditionnement sexuels en vi viers 0\ Conditioning of sea urchins in NBDFA; .CJrowout: Two prqjects in northern New Brunswick: one looking at conditioning of sea 0\ northern New Brunswick P. Mallet (DFO-GFC); green sea urchin urchins maintained in cages and one looking at conditioning in holding Bas-Caraquet Fishermen's tanks. Co-op ,------~ - ~-----~~-----~-----~~----- Maintenance of crustaceans in A. Boghen (U. Moncton) Growout: Stress-related studies on crustaceans maintained in recirculating systems. recirculating systems crustaceans Lobster seeding on exploited S. Motnikar (MAPAQ Growout: Start of programs, site and technique selection, Close collaboration with bottoms and artificial reefs. CAMGR) lobster industry (advisory role). Short term pound holding and product enhancement. Environmental monitoring for C. Couturier, J. Parsons Environment: Review and development of long term environmental and biological the Newfoundland shellfish (Memorial) blue mussel, giant scallop monitoring program needs for the Newfoundland shellfish culture industry. culture industry Establishment of a comprehensive database on environmental, biological, and physical features of growout sites. Categorization of sites into physical units and preliminary evaluation of "carrying capacity". _.. _ Determination des conditions de B. Long, S. Roy (INRS Environment: The objective is the development of a new technology to predict toxic algal remise en suspension des kystes Ocean.) shellfish blooms from measurement of sediment movements following storms. d'algues toxiques Appendix 7a 68 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 Shellfish Aquaculture Research 13203 - Molluscan Genetics (continuing) Project Leader: E.L. Kenchington Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Molluscan J,<'isheries Section (Halifax) Species: mussels, oysters, scallops Category: seedstock Molecular markers will be used to identify individual molluscs at all stages of their life history. This ability allows for the tracing of pedigrees in hatchery reared animals for such purposes as quantifying inbreeding, selecting good performance lines, etc. Molecular markers allow for experimental animals to be mixed, allowing reduction in tank space and permitting greater statistical power. A long term goal of this research is to produce superior lines of shellfish for culture. Research on strain development will lead to enhanced products for marketing. There are also uses for these tools in the areas of proprietorship and ecological impact, amongst others. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Develop and test molecular markers for use on commercial molluscan species. 2. Develop and assess triploid shellfish (scallops, oysters, mussels) for growth and yield potential (in collaboration with NRC). 3. Prepare publications arising from research with the microsatellite and cDNA probes developed for the sea scallop. 4. Analyze and publish the results of the pedigree analysis on hatchery-reared sea scallops (in collaboration with industry) assessed with microsatellite DNA markers. 5. Promote the all-female line ofMytilus edulis blue mussels for distribution to hatcheries. IMussel Stock Structure Analysis (continuing) Project Leader: R. Penney Location: Newfoundland Region; Pelagic Fish, Shellfish & Salmonids Division; Aquaculture Research Section (St. John's) Species: blue mussels Category: seedstock Three species of mussels (Mytilus edulis, Mytilus trossulus, and Modiolus modiolus) are found in the Newfoundland Region. The presence of the latter two species on mussel farms adversely affects the economics of commercial production. The two Mytilus species can only be reliably distinguished by genetic characters. This project is aimed at determining the distribution of the two Mytilus species; investigating the stock structure of wild populations; and determining species profiles. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Complete allozyme analyses (MPI) to determine the distribution of the two mytilid species in wild populations. 2. Use three other allozymes, coupled with morphometric characters, to investigate the stock structure of wild populations as potential spat sources for commercial use. Appendix 7a 69 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 Shellfish Aquaculture Research Production Analysis of Transferred Mussel Stocks (new project) Project Leader: R. Penney Location: Newfoundland Region; Pelagic Fish, Shellfish & Salm<-mids Division; Aquaculture Research Section (St. John's) Species: blue mussel Category: seedstock Many mussel farms throughout Atlantic Canada rely on sites geographically separated from their farms for annual spat collection. The performance of these transferred stocks has been variable, some proving totally unusable for commercial purposes. This project, in collaboration with Thimble Bay Farms Ltd. of Notre Dame Bay, will examine production characteristics of transferred stocks. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Undertake allozyme analyses of transferred stocks to determine their species profiles and monitor changes in genetic structure, growth, survival, and commercial production characteristics. 13201 - Molluscan Culture Assessment (continuing) Project Leader: K.R. Freeman Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Molluscan Fisheries Section (Halifax) Species: blue mussel, soft-shell clam, American oyster, giant scallop Category: seedstock, growout This project supports shellfish aquaculture and wild harvest shellfisheries in the Atlantic Zone. Research is conducted into the biology and ecology ofcommercially important molluscs and others with commercial potential, including mussel, oyster, scallop and clam. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Provide biological advice to the industry and management. 2. Data analysis on diel migrations and differential depth settlement of M. edulis and M. trossulus larvae studied in the Dalhousie Aquatron. 3. Participate in other DFO-sponsored activities pertaining to the aquaculture of blue mussels. 4. Prepare technical report on soft-shell clam field studies completed to date. 5. Prepare technical report on spat collection and winter holding techniques for Crassostrea virginica. 6. Participate with MES Division personnel in Country Harbour aquaculture production capacity/biological assessment program preparatory to commencement of Sable Gas Project. Appendix 7a 70 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 Shellfish Aquaculture Research IAmerican Oyster Aquaculture Potential Evaluation (new project) Project Leader: R. Penney Location: Newfoundland Region; Pelagic Fish, Shellfish & Salm(mids Division; Aquaculture Research Section (St. John's) Species: American oyster Category: seedstock, growout Newfoundland is outside the natural range for American oysters. This project will evaluate the aquaculture potential in Newfoundland of American oysters introduced from New Brunswick. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Evaluate growth, survival, and condition of introduced American oysters in Newfoundland. 2. Use the data as the basis of a bio-economic analysis of oyster farming as a potential new aquaculture species in Newfoundland. IMollusc Productivity (continuing) Project Leader: T. Landry Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Molluscan Development Section (Moncton) Species: blue mussels, oysters, quahaug, soft-shell clam, Stimpson's surf clam Category: seedstock, growout, environment This project documents, evaluates and improves our basic understanding of the limiting environmental factors influencing growth, survival, mortality and productivity of wild and cultured shellfish populations. Target species are: blue mussel, eastern oyster, quahaugs, and Stimpson's surf clam. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Molluscan aquaculture research 1.1 Oyster monitoring - expand a monitoring network in the most important areas of molluscan aquaculture in the Gulf Fisheries Region to collect standardised information of an index species (Crassostrea virginica) and establish new monitoring sites in QC, NF & NS. *1.2 Conduct two trials on oyster conditioning for summer marketing using starvation shortly before the spawning period (in collaboration with industry). 2. Molluscan population research 2.1 Evaluate the impact of the expanding commercial bottom harvesting and seed mussel fishery on the mussel aquaculture industry. *2.2 Determine the spawning and setting time of soft-shell clams in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. *2.3 Determine the spawning and setting time ofquahaugs in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 3. Extension services contracts, interviews and under-utilised species. 3.1 Provide scientific advice to government and non-government agencies. *3.2 Provide assistance to industry by advising, proposing, organizing, planning, participating and analyzing R&D projects for special funding programs 4. Maintain national and international contacts and exchange of information with the scientific community and industry. * Pending B-Base funding. Appendix 7a 71 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 Shellfish Aquaculture Research IScallop Aquaculture and Fishery (continuing) Project Leader: L.-A. Davidson Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Molluscan Development Section (Moncton) Species: giant scallop Category: growout, seedstock, environment This project's long term objectives are to document, evaluate, and improve the present knowledge of scallop biology and population dynamics to provide advice on fishery, biology and culture. Objectives {or 1997-98 1. Continue study on scallop growth at inshore mollusc leases, including examination of predator exclusion techniques and close-bottom, low-maintenance procedures. 2. Examine the predictability and productivity ofspat collection areas previously identified by commercial fishers and aquaculturists, as well as new areas in NB and PEL 3. Conduct scientific studies in support of the southern Gulf scallop fishery, including participation in scallop survey, logbook program and aging project; providing samples for a conditioning and bio-energetic study; monitoring scallop fishery data; providing biological advice to managers. 4. Evaluate bottom conditions ofareas identified by commercial fishers for large-scale enhancement projects. 5. Attend training courses, workshops and conferences. 6. Monitor spatfall at various sites in NB in order to determine best times and sites for spat collection. 7. Monitor the survival and growth ofscallops at inshore aquaculture leases in NB and PEL IMollusc Aquaculture and Enhancement (new project) Project Leader: S.M.C. Robinson Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Applied Aquaculture Section (St. Andrews) Species: new shellfish species (giant scallop, soft-shell clam) Category: seedstock, growout This project is concerned with the development of economically viable culture-based methods to increase the productivity ofcommercially-important molluscan shellfish, and the generation of biological information that will allow the different management levels to implement flexible, production-based resource management policies for both wild and cultivated stocks. Research in this project encompasses everything from the basic biology and population ecology of wild stocks to the development of extensive and intensive culture methodology of selected mollusc species. Research on the sea scallop and the soft-shell clam is emphasized, but other molluscs are included as appropriate. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Evaluate the aquaculture potential of the soft-shell clam; 2. Evaluate the possibilities for enhancement of the soft-shell clam resource; 3. Develop techniques and strategies for scallop aquaculture; 4. Investigate the enhancement ecology of the scallop; 5. Monitor the wild fishery and the environment of the soft-shell clam; 6. Consult with clients in the culture and capture industries. Appendix 7a 72 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 Shellfish Aquaculture Research ISea Urchin Culture and Enhancement (new project) Project Leaders: S.L. Waddy, S.M.C. Robinson Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Applied Aquaculture Section (St. Andrews) Species: green sea urchin Category: broodstock/seedstock, growout This project supports the developing sea urchin culture industry through field and laboratory research on the biology and culture of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis. The research focus is on understanding the biological mechanisms- including growth, maturation, and reproduction-that affect performance in culture systems. This information is then used to develop strategies and techniques for urchin culture and gonad enhancement. In addition, Information is collected on local wild stocks in order to understand their natural biological cycles and the mechanisms that control population dynamics. Information from this project is used to help develop the sea urchin culture industry and to provide fishery managers with options for the development of more flexible, production-based regulations so that sea urchin stocks can be optimally exploited. The project is funded from a variety of sources and involves collaborations with industry as well as other government and academic researchers. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Research on the biology of sea urchin growth and reproduction in support of the enhancement and culture industries; 2. Determination of the feasibility of aquaculture/enhancement of sea urchins; 3. Development of strategies for sea urchin culture and gonad enhancement; 4. Client consultation and service; 5. Production and publication of the proceedings of the sea urchin roe enhancement workshop held in Ottawa in 1996; 6. Monitoring of the green sea urchin fishery in southwestern New Brunswick; 7. Investigation of the local population dynamics of the green sea urchin. IMussel Farm Production and Inventory Control (new project) Project Leader: R. Penney Location: Newfoundland Region; Pelagic Fish, Shellfish & Salmonids Division; Aquaculture Research Section (St. John's) Species: blue mussel Category: growout, environment This project will provide data and analyses which will be the basis for both production and carrying capacity modelling of blue mussel aquaculture. This is a joint project with the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Collect blue mussel biomass and production data on selected existing mussel farms in Newfoundland. 2. Monitor stock growth, mortality, and production rates over at least one (preferably more) production cycle from spat collection to harvest. 3. Collect data on site topography and bathymetry, tidal exchange rates, and seasonal temperature/salinity dynamics. 4. Develop a farm inventory control system which monitors stock performance, tracks stock inventory, and forecasts future harvest. Appendix 7a 73 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 Shellfish Aquaculture Research 13202 - New Candidate Species Research (continuing) Project Leader: E.L. Kenchington Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Molluscan Fisheries Section (Halifax) Species: quahaug, jackknife clam, octopus Category: growout The purpose of this project is to identify native molluscan species which have potential for either aquaculture or enhancement in Atlantic Canada. Research is undertaken to determine unknown biological constraints which might render these species unsuitable for culture. Collaboration with industry in culture trials is an essential part of this work. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Investigate potential species for commercial harvest not currently under development by industry or other agencies. 2. Ensure that species selected for study have commercial potential. 3. Assist clients interested in harvestinglculturing new species. 4. Supervise a Ph.D. student studying life history characteristics of the octopus Bathypolypus and publish information gathered on the life history and egg brooding of this species. 5. Publish research on the growth rate in wild and cultured populations of the Atlantic jackknife clam (Ensis directus) for culture and capture fisheries. IShellfish Pathology Project Leader: S.E. McGladdery Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Molluscan Development Section (Moncton) Species: mussels, oysters, scallops, clams Category: shellfish health This project documents and evaluates the pathogenic significance of parasites and diseases of wild and cultured invertebrates in Atlantic Canada, including blue mussels, American oysters, giant sea scallops, bay scallops, hard-shell clams, soft-shell clams, bar clams and European oysters, based on geographic and seasonal surveys, as well as health diagnostics of wild and cultured shellfish. Investigations of specific disease problems pertinent to Atlantic Canadian shellfish fisheries and aquaculture are based on the information collected from the above sources. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Conduct a parasite and disease survey to monitor the dynamics of commercial shelIfish diseases and parasites around Atlantic Canada. 2. Conduct transplant experiment to determine the current virulence of Malpeque Disease in American oysters at 2 endemic sites in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 3. Conduct survey of parasites, pests and diseases of soft-shelI clams, hard-shell clams, and bar clams. 4. Compile and spatially analyze data collected since 1990 in order to divide Atlantic Canada into zones within which shellfish have similar health profiles. 5. Provide scientific advice on shelIfish and finfish diseases to clients, particularly Provincial Introduction and Transfer Committees. 6. Provide shellfish health diagnostics as required. 7. Maintain contacts with national and international experts through work travel and conferences. Appendix 7b 74 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 Salmonid Aquaculture Research IBroodstock Technologies (continuing) Project Leader: V.A. Pepper Location: Newfoundland Region; Pelagic Fish, Shellfish & Salmollids Division; Aquaculture Research Section (St. John's) Species: salmonids (Atlantic salmon) Category: broodstock This project is aimed at the production of an all-female line of Atlantic salmon for aquaculture. Presumed all-female salmon eggs were produced by the gynogenesis technique (using UV-irradiated Atlantic salmon sperm) in the fall of 1996 and the resulting fry are being raised in the hatchery. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Fry will be retained in the hatchery until they reach a weight of approx. 5 g, at which time blood sampling and flow cytometry analyses will be conducted to determine if the technique has been successful. IGrand Codroy Salmon Strain Performance Evaluation (continuing) Project Leader: V.A. Pepper Location: Newfoundland Region; Pelagic Fish, Shellfish & Salmonids Division; Aquaculture Research Section (St. John's) Species: salmonids (Atlantic salmon) Category: broodstock/seedstock This project examines the Grand Codroy strain of Atlantic salmon, as to its potential for Newfoundland salmon aquaculture development. This project began in 1989 with collection ofgametes from the Grand Codroy River. Performance of the first generation Grand Codroy strain salmon was inferior to that of the standard Saint John River strain. However, through 1996, second generation Grand Codroy strain salmon revealed superior performance relative to parallel work with Saint John strain salmon in Newfoundland aquaculture cages. Objectives for 1997-98: I. Continue to monitor the performance of the Grand Codroy strain salmon through the summer of 1997. ITriploidy Research (continuing) Project Leader: V.A. Pepper Location: Newfoundland Region; Pelagic Fish, Shellfish & Salmonids Division; Aquaculture Research Section (St. John's) Species: salmonids (Atlantic salmon) Category: broodstock/seedstock This project is aimed at the development ofa production line of triploid Atlantic salmon. The initial research was undertaken by the Newfoundland aquaculture industry in 1985, and has been continued by DFO science in collaboration with SCB Fisheries Limited. Experiments during 1995 and 1996 suggest that the all-female triploid salmon are significantly outperforming the control groups. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Completion of present experiment in November 1997. Appendix 7b 75 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 Salmonid Aquaculture Research Molecular Genetics for Arctic Char Broodstock Development (continuing) Project Leader: V.A. Pepper Location: Newfoundland Region; Pelagic Fish, Shellfish & Salmonids Division; Aquaculture Research Section (St. John's) Species: salmonids (Arctic char) Category: broodstock This project is aimed at producing Arctic char families of known parentage. Family lines have been established at the Daniel's Harbour Hatchery on which to base the molecular genetics research. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Develop two types of molecular genetic markers that are distributed across the Arctic char genome (i.e. short tandem repeat polymorphisms and randomly amplifiable polymorphic DNA). 2. On-growing of family lines, periodic blood sampling of both superior performers (top 10%) and inferior performers (smallest 10%), and identification of DNA characteristics of superior vs. inferior char performers. 3. Tagging of fish to correlate phenotype with genotype. 4. Retention of tagged fish for future use as broodstock. 5. Screening of potential broodstock for the presence of the genetic markers that have shown linkage with the particular traits for which selection is desirable. 6. Isolation of sex-related genetic markers. IFish Disease Research (continuing) Project Leader: G. Olivier Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Fish Health & Nutrition Section (Halifax) Species: salmonids, new finfish species Category: fish health This project leads DFO Atlantic Zonal research on fish diseases, provides advice to the Fish Health Unit and other clients on fish diseases, and collaborates with other fish health specialists which will help to improve overall fish disease control. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Continue research on the development of a vaccine against BKD (Bacterial Kidney Disease). 2. Investigate if strains of R. salmoninarum are invasive for fish cell lines (RTG2, CHSE), in order to determine if stimulation ofcellular immunity is required in evaluating vaccines against BKD. 3. Evaluate the effect ofdietary iron on the immune response of Atlantic salmon. 4. Establish marine finfish cell lines from different organs, to help diagnose epizootics of viral etiology. 5. Complete three manuscripts for publication. Appendix 7b 76 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 Salmonid Aquaculture Research IFish Health Programme (continuing) Project Leader: A.-M. MacKinnon Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Fish Health 8f Nutrition Section (Halifax) Species: salmonids, other Category: fish health This project provides a comprehensive fish health diagnostic and consultative service to the Region's federal, provincial and private fish culture facilities and for fish kills in the wild. The programme provides Canadian Fish Health Protection Regulations (FHPR) Fish Health Official services (performs certification inspections) and FHPR Local Fish Health Officer services (administers the FHPR) for the Maritimes Region. The lab also provides FHPR inspection services for the Newfoundland and Laurentian Regions. The programme also administers the Regional Fish Health Policies under Part VIII F(G)R and the fish health (quarantine/isolation) aspects of Section 4 finfish transfers. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Provision of fish health services (diagnostic and consultative) to private and public culture facilities/programmes and for fish kills in the wild. 2. Canadian Fish Health Protection Regulations (FHPR): administer regulations, provide 'certification' inspections, and review and prepare 'import' permits. 3. DFO Section 4 quarantine/isolation licences: review requests, draft licences, conduct quarantine/isolation inspections, monitor compliance with licences, conduct pre-release inspections of fish in quarantine/isolation, participate in development and implementation of a Quality Assurance programme for diagnostic laboratories conducting testing under the FHPR. 4. Adminster Regional Fish Health Policies under the Fishery (General) Regulations, provide inspection analyses, participate in revision/updating of regional policies. 5. Participate on DFOlProvincial fish health advisory committees, Regional introductions and transfers committees, and provide advice on various aquaculture proposals. 6. Participate in ICES and other International cooperationslcollaborations. IBrook Trout Aquaculture (new project) Project Leader: V.A. Pepper Location: Newfoundland Region; Pelagic Fish, Shellfish & Salmonids Division; Aquaculture Research Section (St. John's) Species: salmonids (brook trout) Category: growout, nutrition This project, in collaboration with SCB Fisheries Limited, is looking at the potential of using brook trout to diversify the Bay d'Espoir salmonid aquaculture industry. The goa is to undertake an estuarine experiment with alternative feeds and various net depths. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Evaluate the effect of three net depths on the ability of brook trout to survive fall salinity turnovers. 2. Evaluate two different feeds to determine the ability of diet to help brook trout adjust to the salinity fluctuation in the estuary. Appendix 7b 77 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 Salmonid Aquaculture Research IPhysiology and Production of Growout Stages of Aquaculture Species (to terminate July 1997) Project Leader: R.H. Peterson Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Applied Aquaculture Section (St. Andrews) Species: Atlantic salmon Category: growout, environment This study compares the growth rates, mortality rates, feed conversion efficiency and behaviour of Atlantic salmon at 20 farms, and evaluates the importance of environmental variables (temperature, stocking density, flushing rate, dissolved oxygen) and husbandry practices (feeding frequencies and times, feed type, smolt source, etc.) on these factors. Objectives for 1997-98 (project terminates in July): 1. Size and quality of fish processed from each of the 60 cages in the study will be determined to compare farm performance; 2. Standard and multivariate statistical techniques will be utilized to identify important variables influencing farm performance IAtlantic Salmon Aquaculture (new project) Project Leader: E.A. Trippel Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Applied Aquaculture Section (St. Andrews) Species: Atlantic salmon Category: growout This study will pursue research on factors that influence the growth performance of salmon during pre- and post smolt life cycle stages, and will attempt to develop methods of improving salmon growth efficiency in the hatchery as well as in sea pens. Objectives for 1997-98 1. Develop a salmon aquaculture research program. Appendix 7c 78 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 New Finfish Species Aquaculture Research IFinfish Reproduction and Broodstock Development (continuing) Project Leader: D.J. Martin-Robichaud Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Applied Aqu~culture Section (St. Andrews) Species: new finfish species (Atlantic halibut, haddock, striped bass) Category: broodstocklseedstock This project provides support for the aquaculture species diversification initiative through the development of effective broodstock management techniques for marine finfish and the production of high quality seedstock for research on early rearing and the development of new growout techniques. These objectives are achieved through two distinct but related activities: Production, including the acquisition and maintenance of broodstock and the production of eggs and larvae for use by others; and Research, which seeks to improve the technology for managing marine fish broodstock, enhance gamete quality and optimize egg production. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Provide a broodstock research and production base for new species aquaculture development; 2. Conduct photothermal manipulation offinfish reproductive cycles; 3. Investigate the effects oftemperature and salinity on halibut egg fertilization and milt motility; 4. Determine the effect of short-term storage on halibut gamete viability; 5. Study haddock reproductive cycles under ambient and advanced photothermal regimes; 6. Participate as a member ofthe Broodstock Management and Collection Subcommittee of the New Finfish Aquaculture Cooperative Agreement; 7. Technology transfer and scientific communications. IEarly Fish Behaviour (to terminate July 1997) Project Leader: R.H. Peterson Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Applied Aquaculture Section (St. Andrews) Species: new finfish species (striped bass) Category: broodstocklseedstock, growout This project utilizes knowledge of finfish behavioural and environmental requirements to develop improved methods of culturing the early life stages of fish. In past years the project has included work on Atlantic salmon, striped bass and American eels. In this final year of the project, juvenile striped bass will be produced to assist start-up operations in the private sector. Objectives for 1997-98 (project terminates in July): 1. Production of several thousand striped bass fry. Appendix 7c 79 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 New Finfish Species Aquaculture Research IHistology and Parasitology (continuing) Project Leader: C.A. Morrison Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Fish Health 8? Nutrition Section (Halifax) Species: new finfish species (haddock, Atlantic halibut) Category: fish health This project studies the histology, histopathology and parasitology of finfish and shellfish as part of the Atlantic Zone aquaculture research priorities. The histology of normal tissues are described as a baseline for disease investigations. An expertise in the histopathology of fish disease, including the life-cycle and impact of protozoan parasites of fish is being accumulated. This knowledge enables diagnostic support to be provided to clients. Objectives fOr 1997-98: 1. Set up protocol for histopathological detection of noda virus and similar viruses causing brain damage in larval and juvenile finfish. 2. Provide information and advice on histopathology and protozoan parasitology when required by clients. 3. Supervise dark-room, common histology room and EM suite for common use. 4. Aid with development of plans for histology unit at St. Andrews, and supervise packing and transport of equipment and supplies, and set-up of histology unit at St. Andrews. 5. Complete collaborative research and start manuscript on abnormal branching organism found on haddock larvae. 6. Complete collaborative research and start manuscript on normal and abnormal development of haddock swimbladder. 7. Complete collaborative research and start manuscript on normal development of haddock larvae. 8. Complete collaborative research and start manuscript on growth and impact of micro-organisms on haddock eggs. IFinfish Parasitology (continuing) Project Leader: G. McClelland Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Fish Health & Nutrition Section (Halifax) Species: new finfish species (winter flounder, other), salmonids Category: fish health This project leads DFO Aquaculture Atlantic Zone research in parasitology. The project monitors parasites of fish health, public health, and cosmetic concern in farmed, introduced, and indigenous free living fish, and investigates various aspects of their life cycles, population dynamics, and pathogenicity. Research will focus on adaptations and improvements to existing preventative measures, therapies, and diagnostic techniques, and the development of new diagnostic and control procedures. Diagnoses, background information, and advice on parasites in seafood are also offered to government, industry, commercial and recreational fishers, and consumers. Objectives fOr 1997-98: 1. Collaborate in use of microsatellite markers in flatfish broodstock selection; continue advisory function in High Priority sea louse research; monitor parasites of natural origin in plaice broodstock. 2. Provide government, aquaculturists, fish processors, commercial/recreational fishers, and consumers with diagnoses of parasites in marine finfish, background information, and advice on treatment and control. 3. Document parasitic infections of fish health, public health, and cosmetic concern in free-living marine finfish. 4. Study the dynamics of economically important fisheries parasites, such as sealworm, in their definitive marine mammal hosts. 5. Study parasite transmission patterns and efficiencies, and the growth and development of economically important finfish parasites in intermediate and definitive hosts. Appendix 7c 80 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 New Finfish Species Aquaculture Research INutrition - Lipid Research (Marine Finfish Nutrition) (continuing) Project Leader: J.D. Castell Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Fish Health &, Nutrition Section (Halifax) Species: new finfish species (Atlantic halibut, haddock, winter flounder) Category: nutrition The project will establish the nutritional requirements of commercially important and/or "candidate" aquaculture species and analyze the nutrient composition of natural foods of aquaculturally important species and develop their feeds; acquire a basic understanding of the role of essential nutrients (particularly lipids) in the metabolism and physiology of marine organisms. The nutritional requirements of marine fish species, such as Atlantic halibut and haddock, are studied by: analyzing the nutrient composition of natural, live and formulated feeds; conducting feeding trials using live or formulated diets varying in specific nutrients; using radio tracers and short-term physiological experiments. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Analyze the nutritional value of live food organisms, including algae, artemia, rotifers, and wild zooplankton. 2. Development of micro-diets to replace live foods for marine fish larvae and conduct feeding trials with larval and early juvenile winter flounder. 3. Production and evaluation ofjuvenile and broodstock reference diets and vitamin supplements for Atlantic halibut and haddock. 4. Determine digestibility of various protein sources, evaluate the performance of various diet formulations, determine optimal protein/energy levels, and evaluate various feed attractants for juvenile flounder and haddock. 5. Communicate information to public, schools, and universities. Marine Fish Aquaculture (continuing) Project Leader: K.G. Waiwood Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Applied Aquaculture Section (St. Andrews) Species: new finfish species (Atlantic halibut, haddock) Category: growout, nutrition This project is concerned with the development of technologies for the culture of marine finfish in support of the aquaculture industry in the Maritimes Region. It includes determination of the feasibility of introducing new marine fish species and culture techniques for aquaculture purposes, the transfer of marine fish technologies to industry, and the provision of advice on technological, physiological and behavioural finfish problems related to the aquaculture of marine finfish in the Maritimes Region. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. In collaboration with private industry, produce juvenile halibut under pilot-scale culture conditions; 2. Initiate the drafting ofa handbook on halibut juvenile production in the Maritimes; 3. Conduct a study on the seasonal variation in rotifer abundance and quality; 4. In collaboration with private industry, evaluate net pen growout technology for haddock; 5. Continue studies on growth and food metabolism of haddock; 6. Present a paper at the European Aquaculture Society meeting on cold water marine species in Trondheim, Norway. Appendix 7d 81 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 Aquaculture-Environment Research Note: this list only includes environmental projects involving the Maritimes Region Aquaculture Division and the Newfoundland Region Aquaculture Research Section. Refer to separate information provided on other aquaculture related research by the Maritimes Region's Marine Environmental Sciences Division and Ocean Sciences Division. Biophysical Interactions in Support of Aquaculture (continuing) Project Leader: S.M.C. Robinsou, B.D. Chang Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Applied Aquaculture Section (St. Andrews) Species: shellfish, finfish Category: environment The objective of this project is the generation of knowledge required to understand and manage complex issues such as sustainable aquaculture development, fisheries enhancement, and biophysical interactions through studies on the biological and physical marine environment. Objectives for 1997-98 1. Measure hydrographic conditions and estimate primary biomass in the Quoddy Region and relate these to the potential for aquaculture development; 2. Environmental characterisation of a scallop aquaculture site. IBiological Responses to Aquaculture Chemicals and Therapeutants (new project) Project Leader: S.L. Waddy Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Applied Aquaculture Section (St. Andrews) Species: salmon Category: environment This project involves multidisciplinary research on the biological responses of non-target species to chemicals and therapeutants used in aquaculture. Emphasis is on the American lobster and other commercially important invertebrates that occur near aquaculture sites in the Bay of Fundy. The research integrates invertebrate seasonal behavior and biology with studies on the lethal and sublethal effects ofchemical and therapeutants. By taking a broader approach, the resulting information is more comprehensive and of use to a greater variety ofclients. This information will help the aquaculture industry to get more rapid approval for therapeutants and enable governments and industry to respond to public concerns about aquaculture impacts. The research in this project is done collaboratively with industry groups, the Marine Environmental Sciences Division, the N.B. Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and others as appropriate. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Conduct collaborative studies with the Marine Environmental Sciences Division on the biological impact ofchemicals used to treat sea lice on commercially important species; 2. Edit and publish a report from a sea lice meeting held in 1996, in Washington, DC. Appendix 7d 82 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 Aquaculture-Environment Research Alternative Treatments for Sea Lice on Farmed Salmon (High Priority Funding, continuing) Project Leaders: B.D. Chang, G. McClelland Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture, Marine Environmental Sciences, and Ocean Sciences Divisions (St. Andrews, Halifax, Dartmouth) Species: salmon Category: environment, fish health This project's goal is to examine alternative treatments for the control of sea lice parasites on farmed salmon in Atlantic Canada. The treatments available when this project began in 1995/96 were mostly ineffective and/or expensive. Various alternative treatments, both chemical and non-chemical, have been examined. In the short-term, chemical treatments seem most promising, so research has concentrated on research into chemicals, primarily aimed at providing the required information to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency to allow for full registration of chemicals (including toxicology to non-target organisms, oceanographic dispersion, and efficacy in removing sea lice). Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Collect additional data on dispersion of chemical treatments, including more drifter studies and summaries of Lagrangian flow at selected sites; deployment of current meters; development of a 3D circulation model; comparisons of observed and predicted currents; summarize dispersion theory and idealized models; calculate exposure and toxicity scenarios from model runs. 2. Conduct additional toxicological work on azamethiphos, including sublethal effects of repeat exposures (especially on lobsters), and toxicology of cypermethrin. 3. Examine the possibility that lice can develop resistance to azamethiphos. 4. Continue examination of the role of dietary factors. 5. Monitor the use of sea lice chemicals. Coastal Oceanography for Sustainable Aquaculture Development and Coastal Zone Management (High Priority Funding, continuing) Project Leader: F.H. Page, T.W. Sephton Locations: Maritimes Region; Ocean Sciences and Aquaculture Divisions (St. Andrews, Dartmouth, Moncton) Species: shellfish, finfish Category: environment This project will develop circulation models in key areas of Atlantic Canada and develop important criteria for the rational selection and development ofareas for finfish and shellfish aquaculture. The study areas will be SWNB, Annapolis Basin, Country Harbour and Murray River PEI. The Country Harbour work is be largely supported by an offshore gas pipeline initiative and the Bay d'Espoir effort is being supported by a Newfoundland provincially-funded program. The project concept is supported by each of the Maritime provinces, the aquaculture industry, and by Atlantic Zonal scientists from DFO, universities and industry. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Begin to compile historical oceanographic data for the study sites of interest. 2. Obtain new hydrographic and biological data by surveying/mapping each study area using CTDs and moored instruments, with particular emphasis on SWNB. 3. Obtain new current data for the SWNB for use in model calibration and validation. 4. Develop box and high spatial resolution circulation models of SWNB and Annapolis Basin. 5. Initiate experiments to determine a robust index of shellfish food. 6. Initiate development and testing of affordable monitoring instrumentation for aquaculture sites. 7. Convene a workshop to review project progress and plans for the following year. Appendix 7d 83 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 Aquaculture-Environment Research ISalmonids - Overwintering Holding Capacity (continuing) Project Leader: V.A. Pepper Location: Newfoundland Region; Pelagic Fish, Shellfish & Salmonids Division; Aquaculture Research Section (St. John's) Species: salmonids (Atlantic salmon, steelhead) Category: environment This project provides scientific input relative to the goal of determining the potential magnitude of sustainable salmonid aquaculture production in Bay d'Espoir. This project is being conducted at three overwintering study sites within the Bay d'Espoir estuarine fjord. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Initial estimates of the overwintering holding capacity for Northwest Cove, Roti Bay, Man of War Cove. 2. Continuation of water chemistry profile analyses and bottom sampling. 3. Implementation of oceanographic elements of the proposed program. 4. SWATH bathymetry to provide computer compatible records and distribution of bottom types. IAquaculture Escapees (new project) Project Leader: V.A. Pepper Location: Newfoundland Region; Pelagic Fish, Shellfish & Salmonids Division; Aquaculture Research Section (St. John's) Species: salmonids (Atlantic salmon, steelhead) Category: environment This project, in collaboration with the Council of the Conne River Micmacs, has a goal to establish recapture strategies that would be implemented by industry automatically following escape of a significant number of aquaculture fish. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Controlled releases of acoustic/radio tagged salmon and steelhead, plus both fixed and mobile monitoring arrays, to determine fish behavior on escape from confinement at strategic aquaculture sites in Bay d'Espoir. 2. Establish recapture strategies. Long-term Temperature Monitoring (continuing) Project Leader: G. Bugden, D. Gregory, F. Page, B. Petrie Location: Maritimes Region; Ocean Sciences Division; Coastal Oceanography Section (Dartmouth, St. Andrews) Species: Category: environment The objective of this project is to collect high frequency data on nearshore water temperatures throughout the Maritimes Region. Objectives for 1997-98: I. Deploy recorders. 2. MaI)age data. 3. Summarize data. 4. Explore prediction methods. Appendix 7d 84 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 Aquaculture-Environment Research IInlet Classification (continuing) Project Leader: B. Petrie, G. Bugden, D. Gregory Location: Maritimes Region; Ocean Sciences Division; Coastal Oceanography Section (Dartmouth) Species: Category: environment This project addresses the need to provide information on the general characteristics of all inlets in the Maritimes Region. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Collate hydrographic and current data 2. Estimate and summarize physical characteristics such as mean temperature, salinity, and flushing times. 3. Group inlets statistically. ICoastal Exchange (continuing) Project Leader: B. Petrie, G. Bugden Location: Maritimes Region; Ocean Sciences Division; Coastal Oceanography Section (Dartmouth) Species: Category: environment This project addresses the need to provide information on the general flushing characteristics of all inlets in the Maritimes Region. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Develop simple models of exchange that include tidal and meteorological forcing. ICountry Harbour (1996-?) Project Leader: G. Bugden, B. Petrie Location: Maritimes Region; Ocean Sciences Division; Coastal Oceanography Section (Dartmouth) Species: shellfish and finfish Category: environment The offshore gas pipeline will be coming ashore in an inlet with active aquaculture operations. This project will estimate carrying/holding capacity for shellfish and finfish aquaculture. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Current meter deployments. 2. Hydrographic profiles. 3. Circulation modelling (box models). Appendix 7d 85 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORKPLANS FOR 1997/98 Aquaculture-Environment Research ISalmon Production (to terminate July 1997) Project Leader: F. Page Location: Maritimes Region; Ocean Sciences Division; Coastal Qceanography Section (St. Andrews) Species: salmonids (Atlantic salmon) Category: environment, growout This project identifies the relative importance of factors influencing the production of cultured Atlantic salmon. This project is in collaboration with the project 'Physiology and Production of Growout Stages of Aquaculture Species' (Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Applied Aquaculture Section). Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Temperature monitoring. 2. Current meter deployments. 3. Fish growth and mortality monitoring. 4. Husbandry approaches. 5. Statistical analyses of multi-variate data. Appendix 7e 86 DFO ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SCIENCE WORK PLANS FOR 1997/98 Other Aquaculture Projects Note: not included in this list are projects associated with Division management and Section administrationlcoordination. Project leader: S.L. Waddy Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Applied Aquaculture Section (St. Andrews) DFO is a member of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC). The CCAC mandate is to ensure, through education, assessment and persuasion, that research and other activities that utilize animals handle those animals according to acceptable scientific standards. The CCAC operates through institutional committees and the Maritimes Region has a single animal care committee responsible for the ethical use of all animals in DFO-supported research. Membership includes scientists and biologists from groups that use animals, representatives from programs that are not using animals, a community representative, and a veterinarian. The animal care committee must approve each protocol involving animals as being ethically acceptable before animals can be used, and is responsible for monitoring the conduct of the project to ensure there is not unnecessary pain or distress to the animals. The fulfillment of the committee's responsibility is ensured during CCAC assessments. IGulf Fisheries Aquaculture Coordination (continuing) Project Leader: T.W. Sephton Location: Maritimes Region; Aquaculture Division; Molluscan Development Section (Moncton) DFO is the lead Federal agency responsible for aquaculture as determined by the authority vested in DFO for the management of Canadian Fisheries under the constitution. The advent of aquaculture has resulted in a number of new initiatives including the development offederaVprovincial/industry agreements on aquaculture, linkages with other federal agencies, a broadening of consultations within the science and technology community and increasing concerns regarding environmental impacts. Given the growth potential within the mollusc aquaculture industry and its socio-economic benefits for the Gulf Fisheries Region, there is an ongoing requirement for an effective means to coordinate and focus the various DFO Branch activities and contributions to the Regional aquaculture program and coordinate those activities with Maritimes Branch HQ. Objectives for 1997-98: 1. Represent Gulf Fisheries in national & inter-Departmental aquaculture consultations. 2. Represent Gulf Fisheries on NB and PEl MOD Aquaculture Coordination Committees and Aquaculture Implementation Committees, and participate in strategic planning meetings to develop and review Provincial Cooperation agreements, Provincial aquaculture strategies, and Federal-Provincial management strategies. 3. Serve as representative on Provincial Tripartite (Federal/Provincial/industry) Committees and at meetings of aquaculture and shellfisheries associations. 4. Oversee the implementation of the Federal Aquaculture Development Strategy, the development of comprehensive and integrated Gulf Fisheries Regional policies on aquaculture management, research and development, and coordinates Departmental responses to issues. Appendix 8 87 PARTNERING AGREEMENTS (Summary of presentation by P. Lamoureux) Types of agreements: .. Type A: Parallelfunding .. each party is responsible for administration of its own expenses. No money changes hands. .. Type B: Funding by the partner .. another party contributes resources/money totally in support of a project. Money received is placed in a Special Purpose Account (SPA) and administered by DFO. .. Type C: lointfunding .. DFO and another party contribute resources into a project and share the benefits. When DFO acts as project administer, money received is placed into a SPA and administered by DFO. .. Type D: Funding by DFO .. DFO and another party contribute resources into a project and share benefits. Costs are shared by both parties, but DFO transfers some money to the party to cover some of the costs of the projects. Agri-Food R&D Matching Investment Initiative (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has had such a fund since 1995 ($12 million R&D). For every dollar contributed by industry, matching funds are contributed from this fund. PEl (Province) has a similar fund (currently $800K). • DFO is exploring this concept. Would identification of such a fund make industry more receptive to contributing to collaborative projects? Up to now DFO has usually only contributed expertise and facilities. • noted that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada system is quick, and involves hiring expertise (i.e. not students). Generally short-term projects. Administered at research lab level. • industry seems receptive. Appendix 9 88 NEW MARINE FINFISH AQUACULTURE SPECIES RESEARCH IN ATLANTIC CANADA (W. Watson-Wright & B. Chang) Summary of presentation originally given at CanadafNorwaylUSA Workshop on Rearing of Marine Finfish at University of Rhode Island, 21-25 October 1996 New Brunswick Salmon Aquaculture Industry • began in late 1970s • 1995 production: 15,000 t (C$110 million) • 90% of all finfish mariculture production in eastern Canada • 3% of world salmon aquaculture production • prices have dropped in recent years Early Marine Finfish Aquaculture Research in Eastern Canada: • Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St. Andrews Biological Station (from late 1980s) • Ocean Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland (late 1980s) • Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Halifax Fisheries Research Laboratory (late 1980s) • Huntsman Marine Science Centre (early 1990s) Recent Federal-Provincial Initiatives: • 1994: Canada-New Brunswick program on New Finfish Aquaculture Species initiated • 1995: Nova Scotia began contributing to Canada-New Brunswick program • 1996: new federal/provincial aquaculture program in Newfoundland CanadalNBINS New Finfish Aquaculture Species Program: • Major Research Participants: • Fisheries & Oceans Canada (St. Andrews, Halifax) • New Brunswick Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture (St. George, Shippagan) • University of New Brunswick (Fredericton, Saint John) • Huntsman Marine Science Centre (St. Andrews» • Atlantic Veterinary College (Charlottetown) • Nova Scotia Agricultural College (Truro) • Research and Productivity Council (Fredericton) • National Research Council of Canada (Halifax) • Research Components: • Broodstock collection & management • Early rearing • Nutrition • Fish health • Engineering & technology • Priority Species: • haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) • Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) • winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) • striped bass (Morone saxatilis) • American eel (Anguilla rostrata) Research in Newfoundland: • Major Research Participants: • Memorial University of Newfoundland (J. Brown, L. Crim) • Fisheries Resource Development Ltd. • Sea Forest Plantation Co. Ltd. Appendix 9 89 NEW MARINE FINFISH AQUACULTURE SPECIES RESEARCH IN ATLANTIC CANADA (continued) Research in Newfoundland (continued): .. Species: .. cod (Gadus morhua) .. Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) .. yellowtail flounder (Limandaferruginea) .. wolffish (Anarhichas lupus & A. minor) .. lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) Research in Quebec: .. No research program dedicated to marine finfish aquaculture, but there is aquaculture-related research at DFO's Maurice Lamontagne Institute (J.-D. Dutil) .. Species: cod (Gadus morhua) Atlantic halibut research: .. DFO Biological Station (K. Waiwood) .. 1988: research started: .. Broodstock collection and management .. Early rearing and growout technologies .. Food collection and production .. 1993: first juvenile production in North America (-50 fish) .. 1994 & 1995: no juvenile production .. 1996: collaboration with Maritime Mariculture Inc. (-10,000 juveniles produced) .. Newfoundland: Memorial University (1. Brown, L. Crim), Fisheries Resource Development Ltd. (G. Goff): .. Broodstock collection & management .. Low temperature tolerance .. Nutrition (collaboration with DFO Halifax) .. CanadaINBINS New Species Program: .. Broodstock collection and maintenance (St. Andrews & other sites) Winter Flounder research: .. Major research sites: .. Huntsman Marine Science Centre (M. Litvak, UNBSJ) .. Sambro Fisheries (J. Batt) .. Research programs: .. Broodstock collection & management .. Early rearing techniques .. Juvenile production .. Moving to pilot-scale production Yellowtail Flounder research: .. Major research sites: .. Huntsman Marine Science Centre & Fisheries Products International (G. Goff) .. Memorial University (J. Brown, L. erim) .. Research programs: .. Broodstock management .. Reproduction & early rearing research .. Juvenile production .. Moving to pilot-scale production Appendix 9 90 NEW MARINE FINFISH AQUACULTURE SPECIES RESEARCH IN ATLANTIC CANADA (continued) Haddock research: " DFO Biological Station: .. 1992-93: Program began (K. Waiwood) .. 1992: broodstock collection and management '" 1993: produced 63 juveniles '" 1994 & 1995: no juveniles produced (1995 funding from Canada-NB-NS new species program) " 1996: approx. 1,200 juveniles produced " HMSCIUNBSJ (M. Litvak) and NBDFA Shippagan (c. Lanteigne) (funding from Canada-NB-NS new species program): .. Broodstock collection & management • Early rearing techniques .. Food production and nutrition research .. No large-scale production 1995 & 1996 Cod research: .. Sea Forest Plantation .. Started in Newfoundland and Labrador in 1986 using small cod caught in traps and moved to net pens for growout .. Hatchery development started after fishing moratorium imposed .. First juveniles produced by hatchery in 1996 .. Memorial University (including collaborations with Sea Forest Plantation): .. Broodstock kept and spawned .. Larval nutrition (showed importance of wild zooplankton) .. Feeding and growth in net pens .. DFO Maurice Lamontagne Institute .. Survival of cod transferred to low salinity .. Stocking density and nutrition in net pens Wolffish research: .. 2 species: striped and spotted - spotted (Anarhichas minor) appears better for culture .. Research at Memorial University (1. Brown): .. Reproductive behavior and early rearing .. Nutrition and feeding strategies .. Role of behavior in early growth and survival Striped bass research: .. Research at DFO Biological Station (R. Peterson, D. Martin-Robichaud) and HMSC (W. Hogans) .. Broodstock maintained and spawned .. Juveniles supplied to industry .. Research on swimbladder inflation, incubation temperature, & culture technology .. Manual on culture techniques produced Marine finfish nutrition research: .. Research sites: .. DFO Halifax (1. Castell, S. Lall) .. CanadaINBINS New Species Program .. DFO Halifax .. Nova Scotia Agricultural College .. NRC Institute for Marine Biosciences .. Atlantic Low Temperature Storage / Acadia University .. Memorial University (S. Goddard) Appendix 9 91 NEW MARINE FINFISH AQUACULTURE SPECIES RESEARCH IN ATLANTIC CANADA (continued) Marine finfish nutrition research (continued): .. Research Programs: .. Formulated feeds and vitamin supplements for various species & life stages .. Assessment of live food organisms .. Micro-diets to replace live foods .. Diets for juvenile flounders .. Cryopreservation of bivalve larvae Fish health research programs: .. Research sites: .. Research and Productivity Council .. DFO Halifax .. University ofNew Brunswick .. Programs: .. Establishment ofcell lines of various species and organs .. Potential of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for rapid diagnostics .. Analyses of bacterial content of water and food from research sites .. External parasites of winter flounder Fish health diagnostics programs: .. Sites: .. Research and Productivity Council .. DFO Halifax .. Atlantic Veterinary College .. Programs: .. Disease outbreak investigations .. Health management .. Diagnostic histopathology .. Analysis of diets, vitamin supplements, etc. Conclusions .. Increased interest in new marine finfish species for aquaculture .. Several species with promise .. Research has advanced development .. Several problem areas still be overcome before production-scale achieved .. Need increased collaboration among researchers, institutes and countries Appendix 10 92 REPORT ON SEA URCHIN CULTURE WORKSHOP (4 June 1996, Ottawa)' (G. Jay Parsons) As part ofthe Aquaculture Association of Canada's 13th Annual Meeting in Ottawa from 2-5 June 1996, a special one day workshop devoted to sea urchin culture was convened on Tuesday 4 June 1996. The Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation sponsored the workshop and publication of these proceedings. Speakers were invited from across Canada, the US and Europe. The workshop was attended by over 75 participants, including people from the sea urchin industry, researchers, government representatives, prospective culturists and others. The speakers in the morning session presented research dealing specifically with gonad ("roe") enhancement by natural or artificial diets. The afternoon session had speakers presenting papers on sea urchin biology, industry development, marketing, and economics. As part of the AAC Annual Meeting, N. Hagen presented a poster and the abstract of that work is also presented herein. In the late autumn of 1996, the AAC received an unsolicited manuscript from B.G. & A.I. Hatcher. This paper is presented in this issue as it was related to the overall theme of these proceedings. This singular workshop represented a turning point in sea urchin culture. It brought together a number of the researchers involved in sea urchin culture from Atlantic Canada (Quebec, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia), western Canada, the United States, and Europe (France, Ireland, and Norway). It offered the opportunity for both researchers and industry to interact and exchange ideas on the current status and future prospects of the industry. Several new collaborations resulted from the day's deliberations. A number of the presentations and subsequent discussions stressed the need for further research, in order to develop and strengthen the industry. The research priorities can fit into the following categories: 1. gonad enhancement, 2. reproductive manipulation, 3. culturing systems, and, 4. in the long-term, seed supply and whole-animal growth. Some of the specific priorities include: lao Develop a cost-effective commercial diet capable of producing high quality (colour, texture, and flavour) gonads acceptable to the market. 1b. Determine effect of season and feeding duration on gonad quantity and quality. lc. Determine the feeding rates, food conversion ratios and nutritional requirements needed to optimize sea urchin gonad growth and whole-animal growth. ld. Establish quality standards to assess gonad colour, texture and flavour. Ie. Examine sea urchin feeding behaviour under high stocking density conditions in order to improve gonad quality. 2a. Determine optimal temperature, photoperiod and feeding regime for the productio,n of out-of-season high quality gonads. 3a. Determine the most cost effective growout system whether it be land-based or sea-based. 4a. Determine the optimal conditions (e.g., food, temperature) for the hatchery production of sea urchin larvae and seed. 4b. Determine the effect of size-grading on whole-animal growth rates. 4c. Determine the risk of disease outbreaks for gonad enhancement or growout operations. These research priorities do not preclude the need for discussion and consideration of the many resource management issues related to sea urchin aquaculture involving the availability to lease sites (land-based or sea based), access to commercial-size sea urchins for gonad enhancement, availability and access to wild food sources (i.e., kelp), and resource assessments. , This report is from the Introduction to the Proceedings of the Sea Urchin Workshop, which will be published in the Bulletin of the Aquaculture Association ofCanada vol. 97-2. Appendix 11 93 LIST OF ATLANTIC ZONE AQUACULTURE SPECIES Scientific name 1 Common name - EnRlish Common name - French Salmonids ..9.~!E?!.~Y.~~~~~..~y.~!.~.~ .L.~~~.~~?~ ..~?~!!.. ~!.~.~!.~~.'.l.~ - l..~~\~~.~:::.:~.~~~~.~! . .. :?:~!.~.~.~.~!.~:. .L.A!.~~~.!~s:.~~~?~ l..~~.~~?~ ..'.l.!!.?~.!ig~.e. . .§~!.y.~!.{~~.~..q!P..~~.~~ .L.A~c.!.~~ ..'?~~ 1..?~~!.~.:::.~~.Y.~.~\~E. . Salvelinus fontinalis 1 brook trout 1 omble de fontaine Canada / New Brunswick / Nova Scotia New Finfish Aquaculture Species Program - priority species .. !.:!.{PP..~8.?~~~~~ ..~.ipl?~8.!.?~~~~ L. A!.~~~.!~s:.~.~!.~~.~! l..f.!~.~~!.l:.~~!~.~~\g~~ . ..M.~.?q?!9.8.Cq~~.~~..q~.8.!.~fi.~.~~ .L.~.~~.~.~~~ l..~igl~f\~ . .. r.~.~.~q?I?!.~~!.~~.~~!.~~.9.~~:.!.~q~!!§ L.~\.~ ~~.~..~?~~.~~.~ l..p.!~.e..~?~g~ . ..M9.:.~~~..~~q!.U{~ .l..~~~.~p.e.~ ..~?!:~.~ l..~.~.~?y..~ . AnRuilla rostrata 1 American eel ~ anguille d'Amerique Other Finfish Species ..~!?p..~~~.~:..!?c~!:'.~:.q§.e:!!.~ .L.~~.?E~~9.~~~ .. ~!.~~g~.?!.l: l..~~~~Eg~?~ ..~.~~.~.~~~.:::.~~.~ . ..~!?p..~~~.~:..~-9.C~y.~~~~§ L.A~~~~.!~s:.~~~g.e.?~ l..~~~~Eg~?~.!.l:?\~ . ..~~q.C~!E~.~~.!.~I?!!.~ .L.~~!.P..~.~ ..~9.!ff\~~.;.A!.!~!.l:!~.c..~?!fy.~~ U.~~.P. ..~!!.~~.~~.g~~ . ..~~q.C~!E~9.~ ..~!.~9.:. .L.~p.?~!~.~ ..~9.!f.f\~~ l}~~.P. ..~~:::.~~.~~ . ..Q.~!!.~.~g!.~!!.q .L.A!~~g!~.c..:::.?~ .l..~?E.~~..:f!.~.I?:~~.~: ..~.?E~.e. .~~!~.~~~g~!? . LimandaferrURinea 1 yellowtail flounder 1 limande 1:1 queue iaune Canada / New Brunswick / Prince Edward Island Alternate Shellfish Species for Aquaculture Development Program - priority species ..My.q..q!.~.~~:.{9. .L.~9.g~.~.~~.!! ..c.!~ l..~y..e. . .. r.!.q!?~p.~q!.~~.~q.8.~.~!9.~.{!?If.~ L$\~.~!.. ~~?!:!!.?p.;.~~.~.~:::.~!!.?p. i..P.~~.?~.c.!!?.g~~~.! . ..M.~:.~~~q.C{q.. ~.~:.!?~.~9.:.{9. .L.g~?!:~~.~g.;.~~y..g~~.~~.~g;.!?:~~.:~!?:e.!.!.:::.!~~ i..p.~!. Names of finfish species are from: W.B. Scott and M.G. Scott. 1993. Atlantic fishes ofCanada. Can. Bull. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 219: 731 p.