AQUACULTURE ASSOCIATION OF CANADA SPECIAL PUBLICATION 26 2019 CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW

INSIDE Development of optimal diet for Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Acoustic monitoring of wild fish interactions with aquaculture sites

Potential species as cleaner fish for sea lice on farmed salmon

Piscine reovirus (PRV): characterization, susceptibility, prevalence, and transmission in Atlantic and Pacific Salmon

Novel sensors for fish health and welfare

Effect of climate change on the culture Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis)

Oyster aquaculture in an acidifying ocean

Presence, extent, and impacts of microplastics on shellfish aquaculture

Validation of a hydrodynamic model to support aquaculture in the West coast of Vancouver Island CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 AAC Special Publication #26 ISBN: 978-0-9881415-9-9 © 2019 Aquaculture Association of Canada Cover Photo (Front): Cultivated sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) on a culture line at an aquaculture site. (Photo: Isabelle Gendron-Lemieux, Merinov) First Photo Inside Cover (Front): Mussels. (DFO, Gulf Region) Second Photo inside Cover (Front): American Lobsters (Homarus americanus) in a holding tank. (Jean-François Laplante, Merinov) Cover Photo (Back): Atlantic Salmon sea cages in southern Newfoundland. (KÖBB Media/DFO) The Canadian Aquaculture R&D Review 2019 has been published with support provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP), and by the Aquaculture Association of Canada (AAC). Submitted materials may have been edited for length and writing style. Projects not included in this edition should be submitted before the deadline to be set for the next edition. Editors: Tricia Gheorghe, Véronique Boucher Lalonde, Emily Ryall and G. Jay Parsons Cited as: T Gheorghe, V Boucher Lalonde, E Ryall, and GJ Parsons (eds). Canadian Aquaculture R&D Review 2019. Aquaculture Association of Canada Special Publication 26 (2019) 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction...... 2 Finfish: Freshwater...... 3 Finfish: Salmon...... 9 Sea Lice...... 19 Fish Health...... 29 Environmental Interactions...... 48 Shellfish: Mussels...... 62 Shellfish: Oysters...... 67 Shellfish: Other...... 76 Miscellaneous...... 81 Glossary...... 94 Index of Project Leads...... 96 CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

INTRODUCTION

ELCOME TO THE EIGHTH EDITION OF THE BIENNIAL aquaculture, and to provide access to information on its scientific activities WCANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW. The review is underway within the department and elsewhere in Canada. Publication of an ongoing compendium of the aquaculture research and development ongoing aquaculture research in the Canadian Aquaculture R&D Review projects that have been underway over the past two years from all contributes towards achieving our shared mandates and to reach out to across Canada, whether they are undertaken by researchers from the science community, interested partners and stakeholders, and the academia, government labs, or other research organisations. The review public. Additionally, the publication serves to increase the understanding contains over 150 project descriptions detailing an impressive array of and breadth of scientific activities underway and encouraging topics, disciplines, species, and geography. Projects include marine and development of collaborations, synergies, and coordination of future freshwater species with topics ranging from finfish and shellfish health, activities. Communication and analysis of scientific knowledge is also seaweeds, production, husbandry technology, nutrition, and environmental increasingly pertinent in ensuring a robust evidence-based approach interactions to name a few. to decision making and regulation of the aquaculture industry, which This is the fifth issue of the review that has been produced by contributes to improved social understanding, acceptability and public Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in partnership with the Aquaculture confidence and trust. Association of Canada (AAC). This partnership is highly relevant We would like to take the opportunity to recognize and thank several and mutually beneficial to our respective roles in the area of science people who contributed significantly to the production of this Review. communication and knowledge translation and mobilisation at both Véronique Boucher Lalonde, Emily Ryall, and Tricia Gheorghe, all with the AAC and DFO. This collaboration has allowed us to produce this DFO, were instrumental in the overall coordination of this project and in 2019 edition as an AAC Special Publication, which is an accessible, seeing it through to completion, from beginning to end. Dan McPhee, electronic citation. Digital versions of this document are also available Megan Otu, Lily Weber, Tara Donaghy, Katherine Shepherd, and Zeina on both the DFO and AAC websites. El-Aaraj (all with DFO) variously assisted in several aspects of this project. Aquaculture continues to be an important and growing sector of the We would also like to thank the AAC office staff (Catriona McLanaghan) seafood industry in Canada, as well as globally. As aquaculture continues and Kim Gill, Chair of the AAC Publications Committee, and her committee, to grow, the role of science in supporting the sustainable management, for their support. regulation, and responsible development of this sector is more crucial than ever. This is coupled with the growing need for healthy and secure seafood products, while ensuring that it occurs in an environmentally JAY PARSONS, PHD responsible manner. Ecosystems and Oceans Science Sector The AAC wants to profile advances in aquaculture research in Canada Fisheries and Oceans Canada and provide this information to its members for an expanded dialogue on present and future challenges and opportunities for the industry. As such, this publication falls within the AAC’s mandate of disseminating JOANNE LIUTKUS knowledge and furthering education, and we hope it will continue to be President of interest to a wide audience. Likewise, DFO has a mandate to enable Aquaculture Association of Canada the sustainable development of Canada’s aquatic resources, including CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FINFISH: FRESHWATER

FINFISH: FRESHWATER 3

Buzwah Rainbow Fisheries Trout Photo: Steve Naylor (OMAFRA)

IN THIS SECTION Lake Sturgeon Husbandry Development of a Rainbow Trout Stock Performance Improvement Strategy for Commercial Production in Nova Scotia, Canada Large-Scale Cyclic Restriction-Refeeding Assays in Salvelinus alpinus, the Hybrid S. alpinus Fraser x S. fontinalis Intended for Table Use and S. fontinalis for Seeding: Striped Bass Aquaculture Research & Development in Nova Scotia Maximization and Characterization of Compensatory Growth and Description of Environmental Impacts A Comparison of GIS- and Hydrodynamic-Based Depositional Modelling for the Purpose of Predicting Freshwater Finfish Cage Footprints Impairment of Phosphorus Absorption in Rainbow Trout: Physiological Adaptations to Phosphorus Deficiency In situ Chelation of Phosphorus using Microencapsulated Aluminum and Iron Sulfate to Bind Intestinal Phosphorus in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Study of Apparent Digestibility of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) Meal in Rainbow Trout Novel Feed Additive Analysis for Early Life Stage Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) FINFISH: FRESHWATER CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Lake Sturgeon Husbandry

ake Sturgeon have been a long-standing Ltraditional species for subsistence fishing by many Indigenous communities in Ontario. This species was listed as one of ’special concern’ when the Ontario Endangered Species Act took effect in 2008. This research builds on existing knowledge to enhance our ability to produce Lake Sturgeon, with potential applications for stocking into public waters to support provincial fisheries management objectives and to improve husbandry techniques for the 4 commercial aquaculture industry. Researchers from Wilfrid Laurier University are working together with faculty and staff at the Alma Aquaculture Research Station (AARS) to establish a population of Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) to investigate modes Hatched on May 25, 2017 from wild caught Lake Sturgeon eggs, the fish on top was grown in 15°C water for 11 months, prior to being transferred to 8.5°C . The fish on the bottom was grown in 15°C for 6 months, prior to of lampricide toxicity (3-trifluoromethyl-4- being transferred to 8.5°C. nitrophenol) in non-target fishes. Photo: Alma Aquaculture Research Station To establish a population at the AARS, wild sturgeon eggs were collected in Northern a size threshold above which fish will continue DATE MAY 2016 – DEC. 2020 Ontario by Sustainable Sturgeon Culture in to grow even when moved into cooler water FUNDED BY Great Lakes Fishery Commission the spring of 2016, 2017 and 2018. Efforts have temperatures (from 15°C to 8.5°C). Animals CO-FUNDED BY University of Guelph focused on finding an appropriate early rearing transferred to 8.5°C earlier than 6 months post- PROJECT LEADER Michael Wilkie (WLU) diet and investigating the effects of temperature hatch exhibit a reduction in feeding response PROJECT TEAM Oana Birceanu (WLU) on growth. The results of this research indicate and poor growth. COLLABORATORS Richard Moccia, Marcia that early survival (from hatch to ≤0.49 g) is The knowledge that has been developed Chiasson, Michael Burke (AARS, U Guelph) improved by co-feeding both live artemia and related to the husbandry of Lake Sturgeon has CONTACT [email protected] a commercial marine diet (e.g., GEMMA Micro the potential to inform current rehabilitation WEBSITE http://animalbiosciences.uoguelph.ca/ from Skretting) immediately after hatch. By 0.5 g, initiatives and future interest in sturgeon aquacentre/aars/aars.html sturgeons are co-fed with blood worm and a aquaculture practices. commercial diet. Preliminary results indicate Large-Scale Cyclic Restriction-Refeeding Assays in Salvelinus alpinus, the Hybrid S. alpinus Fraser x S. fontinalis Intended for Table Use and S. fontinalis for Seeding: Maximization and Characterization of Compensatory Growth and Description of Environmental Impacts

rook Trout (S. fontinalis) and Arctic Charr by imposing a cyclic diet of dietary restriction- Finally, Arctic Charr in an aquaculture context B(S. alpinus) demonstrate excellent tolerance refeeding, producers will be able to reduce: is often characterized by the rapid emergence of to prolonged feeding restriction in winter during 1) the costs related to food and labour, and 2) the a hierarchy of dominance. Therefore, a rigorous experiments. When returning to a normal organic load discharged into the effluents, with monitoring of the hierarchical stability during feeding, accelerated growth is expressed and no negative effects on productivity. For farmed treatments and during the recharge phase will allows the attainment of a weight similar to that fish and sport fish (S. fontinalis), the pre-seeding be investigated. of a control group that will have eaten to satiety period of feed restriction should have a positive DATE NOV. 2018 – SEP. 2021 throughout this period. This phenomenon is effect on fishing success by further stimulating FUNDED BY Ministère de l’Agriculture, des known as compensatory growth. the fish to seize the bait. Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) – The Quebec Arctic Charr Research Group, On the other hand, since it has already been Innovamer Program; Montreal Biodome in partnership with Aquaculture Gaspésie demonstrated that the inclusion of nucleotides CO-FUNDED BY Aquaculture Gaspésie inc.; Inc. and Monts-de-Bellechasse Fish Farm in the food facilitates the growth recovery in fish, Pisciculture des Monts-de-Bellechasse inc. Inc., is now proposing a pilot-scale study to our study also proposes, in parallel, to analyse PROJECT LEADER Nathalie R. Le François introduce feeding restrictions in the commercial the effect of the introduction of a nucleotide (Montreal Biodome) production cycle of S. alpinus (Nauyuk), the supplemented feed on S. alpinus (Nauyuk) PROJECT TEAM Simon G. Lamarre (U Moncton); Pierre U. Blier, Ariane Savoie (UQAR); Charles D. S. alpinus Fraser x S. fontinalis Baldwin hybrid, growth recovery to reduce the time required to Johnson (Montreal Biodome) and the S. fontinalis Baldwin hybrid for table achieve complete compensatory growth and COLLABORATORS Francis Dupuis (Aquaculture and seeding purposes. This study aims weight similar to, or greater than, the control Gaspésie inc.); Moïse Cantin (Pisciculture des Monts- to demonstrate in a commercial situation group (i.e., fed to satiety). de-Bellechasse inc.) (commercial basins and high biomass) that, CONTACT [email protected] CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FINFISH: FRESHWATER

Impairment of Phosphorus Absorption in Rainbow Trout: Study of Apparent Physiological Adaptations to Phosphorus Deficiency Digestibility of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) Meal in Rainbow Trout

ith the expansion of aquaculture and Wthe rising price of fish meal and soybean meal, the main sources of protein in fish diets, it is necessary to find alternative foods. Insect meal from the “overcycling” of residual organic matter is a source of high quality eco-friendly protein and energy that has great potential for the 5 aquaculture industry. However, the digestibility of nutrients from insect meal can be influenced by a multitude of factors during production and, in particular, by the stage of development of the insect during harvest. The purpose of this project is to characterize A Rainbow Trout, deficient in phosphorus, is immobilized to measure the specific absorption of the gills. the effects of the use of black soldier fly larvae Photo: Émilie Proulx (U Laval) of different larval stages (larvae, pre-pupae) on nutrient digestibility in juvenile Rainbow Trout. To do this, in vitro assays are performed to measure he proposed project challenges the view may confirm these observations. Expression the presence of anti-nutritional factors (inhibition that the only source of phosphorus (P) evaluation, by qPCR, of proteins involved in T of protease activity in intestinal homogenates), available to freshwater fish is their food. This idea transmembrane phosphorus transport (I-NaPi, and nutritional tests will be conducted to has been largely accepted as P concentrations PC-NaPi and PiUS) and immunohistochemistry measure the apparent digestibility of nutrients. in the natural environment of freshwater fish are (Abs anti-NaPi) in the gills and skin could Our results will help to identify the anti-nutritional relatively low (<0.1 ppm P in water), rendering validate the hypothesis that this adaptation factors present in black soldier flies and find them unable to absorb appreciable amounts of would go through the overexpression of ways to optimize the processing of the product. P from the outside environment. these proteins. Ultimately, we will be able to develop first tools for the Two experiments were carried out: a closed The results of this project will contribute formulation of insect-based diets for Rainbow Trout. circuit experiment (2017) and another one with significantly to the understanding of phenotypic the two circuits (open and closed) combined plasticity in fish. Our work will advance knowledge DATE JAN. 2018 – DEC. 2019 (2018). Preliminary results show that the deficient of the impact of a physiological disturbance FUNDED BY Ministère de l’agriculture, des fish (scale ash = 25%) in a closed circuit absorb (i.e., nutritional deficiency) and will identify new pêcheries et de l’alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) – Innov’Action agroalimentaires Program some of the inorganic phosphorus in the strategies for homeostasis. Formation agricole pour la breeding ponds during the accumulation CO-FUNDED BY DATE JAN. 2013 – MAR. 2018 sécurité alimentaire au Mali (FASAM) test of this element. Meanwhile, fish with the FUNDED BY Natural Sciences and Engineering PROJECT LEADER Grant W. Vandenberg (U Laval) same scale ash as open-circuit deficient Research Council (NSERC)–Discovery Program PROJECT TEAM Bakary Diarra, Marie-Hélène fish and sufficient fish (scale ash = 27–28%), PROJECT LEADER Grant W. Vandenberg Deschamps, Linda Saucier, Cristina Ratti, Alain regardless of the circuit, show no ability to (U Laval) Doyen, Lucie Beaulieu, Marie-Pierre Létourneau Montminy (U Laval); Marie-Pier Aubin, Charles absorb phosphorus in the water basins. These Waly N. Ndiaye, Marie-Hélène PROJECT TEAM Lavigne (QAIC) observations indicate the presence of a signal Deschamps, Émilie Proulx (U Laval) CONTACT [email protected] inducing this adaptation in the closed circuit. CONTACT [email protected] The signal could be related to the accumulation WEBSITE http://www.vrrc.ulaval.ca/fileadmin/ of inorganic phosphorus in the basins during the ulaval_ca/Images/recherche/bd/chercheur/ fiche/424160.html cycle. Data from the contention testing of fish FINFISH: FRESHWATER CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Development of a Rainbow Trout Stock Performance Improvement Strategy for Commercial Production in Nova Scotia, Canada

resently, the Rainbow Trout industry Nova Scotia, and assessing options to develop a likelihood for success, taking into account Pin Nova Scotia has access to a limited local broodstock program that meets the stated all of the pertinent information attained number of approved sources of eyed eggs breeding goals of Nova Scotia producers. The from the previous steps. for production. The primary source is a single broodstock program component followed an This project will establish the framework to supplier in the United States with the ability established Huntsman method to: stabilize and increase Rainbow Trout production to supply all-female, as well as triploid eggs, • Consult with industry partners to establish in Nova Scotia, from a broodstock management and currently meets the fish health and breeding goals, rank company- and perspective. An overall strategy will be offered biosecurity requirements established by sector-specific traits of interest and foster to the industry, including timelines, possible Canadian regulators. There is an opportunity open dialogue; funding opportunities, identified private sector to engage additional suppliers to ensure • Review the state of knowledge of Rainbow and academic collaborators, and, importantly, 6 business continuity, but such alternatives must Trout heritabilities, genetic and phenotypic reasonable anticipated outcomes to their farming demonstrate comparable and predictable correlations, and molecular markers operations and financial well-being resulting from performance of commercially relevant traits pertaining to specific traits of interest a genetic selection broodstock program. in Nova Scotia. identified by the commercial producers; DATE SEP. 2018 – JAN. 2019 Member Rainbow Trout producers of the • Visit operational facilities (primarily FUNDED BY Genome Atlantic Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia land-based production and processing Aquaculture Association of recognize the need to assess its presently facilities) to assess capacity within the CO-FUNDED BY Nova Scotia (AANS) available genetics and egg supplier situation. Nova Scotia Rainbow Trout production PROJECT LEADER Amber Garber (HMSC) This project met this need by developing a ecosystem to support aspects of a PROJECT TEAM Farhad Amini, Chris Bridger plan (methods, facilities and timeframe) to comprehensive broodstock program; and (HMSC); Christophe Herbinger (Dalhousie U) benchmark the performance of commercially • Recommend potential broodstock COLLABORATORS Isabelle Tremblay (AANS) important traits across a broad representation program models, including various trait- CONTACT [email protected] of possible sources of eyed eggs, reviewing specific challenges and data collection WEBSITE Huntsmanmarine.ca best practices for farming Rainbow Trout in approaches, which will offer the greatest

Striped Bass Aquaculture Research & Development in Nova Scotia

he strong market demand for Striped Bass temperatures exceed 18ºC, but they do not feed T(Morone saxatilis) offers a great opportunity in winter (November to April), requiring for intensive aquaculture. Our goal is to help two summer growing seasons after their establish a sustainable land-based Striped Bass transfer to the ponds (at 100 g) to reach market industry in the Maritimes, providing valuable size (1 kg). Hypoxia tolerance in summer is diversity to the finfish sector. Three MSc projects remarkably high. Overwinter mortality is high are ongoing in Nova Scotia to investigate critical among under-yearlings less than 100 g in size, but aspects in the culture of Striped Bass. is negligible among yearlings larger than 250 g. The first project is investigating parameters Together, these projects are helping define that affect cannibalism among Striped Bass the scope for Striped Bass aquaculture in larvae. The incidence of cannibalism, survival Nova Scotia. Establishing a broodstock and growth were significantly affected by program and improving egg quality remain stocking density of both Striped Bass larvae substantial challenges. and Artemia prey. Under sub-optimal density DATE MAY 2017 – SEPT. 2019 conditions, cannibals can become 10-fold larger FUNDED BY Nova Scotia Department of than ’regular’ larvae within 14 days and decimate Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSDFA) the population by 50% or more. CO-FUNDED BY NSERC; MITACS Canada; NS The second project assessed grow-out Graduate Scholarship Program, NS Business Inc. performance in Millbrook First Nations’ (Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program) recirculation system; Striped Bass grew from PROJECT LEADER Jim Duston (Dalhousie U) A 16 mm long bass larva consuming a 11 mm long larva 60 to 800 grams in 10 months reared in 23°C PROJECT TEAM Kare Tonning, Shanwei Qiu, Photo: Shanwei Qiu (Dalhousie U) freshwater, and achieved an FCR of around 1.1 Desiree Roberts (Dalhousie U) (Ewos Vita diet). COLLABORATORS M. Cameron (North River Fish Farms Ltd.); M. Spencer (Millbrook The third project is assessing Striped Bass First Nations) juvenile performance in cages suspended in CONTACT [email protected] constructed freshwater ponds. Pond-reared bass grow fast from June to September when CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FINFISH: FRESHWATER

A Comparison of GIS- and In situ Chelation of Phosphorus using Microencapsulated Hydrodynamic-Based Aluminum and Iron Sulfate to Bind Intestinal Phosphorus Depositional Modelling for in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) the Purpose of Predicting xcess phosphorus in freshwater ecosystems encapsulated aluminium sulfate included in Freshwater Finfish Cage Eincreases primary production which, the diet and phosphorus released by the feces Footprints left uncontrolled, may lead to eutrophication, (y = -1.13x + 10.9; R2 = 0.81). Feces from feed accelerating the aging process of receiving incorporating aluminium sulfate at 0, 3, 6 and quaculture regulators frequently require water bodies. To limit phosphorus release 15 g kg-1 released, had 69%, 58%, 43%, and 34% the use of a depositional model to A resulting from feeding fish, we propose to of the fecal P after 14 days, respectively. Fish fed accompany new site licence applications, and to incorporate microencapsulated P-chelating encapsulated aluminium sulfate have similar support requests for changes to feed quotas or agents into fish diets. growth performance and mineral status. production. Several models to predict the extent In a first trial, alum (Al SO ) and ferrous sulfate Incorporation of encapsulated P-chelating and intensity of deposition of solid waste from 2 4 7 (FeSO ) were encapsulated by spray-chilling agents into fish feed may offer an opportunity fish farms and associated environmental impacts 4 in a hydrogenated lipid matrix. Two practical to manage phosphorus levels from effluents, have been developed, of which DEPOMOD is diets incorporating one of these two chelating particularly from fish feces resulting from the the most widely used. However, within freshwater elements (6 g kg-1) were fed to fish for five Quebec fish farms sector. systems, DEPOMOD is not able to predict certain weeks, and P release from resulting feces was parameters with accuracy, and the production DATE APR. 2014 – OCT. 2018 compared. In a second trial, a similar approach of a DEPOMOD prediction is time consuming. FUNDED BY Ministère de l’Agriculture, was used to evaluate the impact of increasing In addition, it requires extensive data collection des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec supplementation of encapsulated alum (3, 6, (MAPAQ) –Innovamer Program and analysis using specialized software that 15 g kg-1 diet). Feces from the fish fed with the must be purchased and licensed. Although other PROJECT LEADER Grant W. Vandenberg diets incorporating alum and ferrous sulfate (U Laval) modelling processes exist, such as FVCOM, release had 54% and 38% less phosphorus PROJECT TEAM Waly N. Ndiaye, Muriel they too tend to be data intensive and expensive. than those from fish fed with control diets, Subirade, Marie-Hélène Deschamps (U Laval) Therefore, it is worth exploring an alternative respectively. The second experiment revealed COLLABORATORS Yves Comeau (École and more practical modelling process for Polytechnique de Montréal) a negative correlation between the level of freshwater systems. CONTACT [email protected] A modelling approach that incorporates cage movement, while focusing less on the details of hydrodynamic processes, may produce footprint predictions with similar accuracy at less cost to the producer and still meet the need of the regulator. Additionally, if this approach proves promising, then it may become possible in the future to consider how mooring standards could be designed as a way to minimize benthic impacts of deposition. This project aims to use existing data sets to compare the error of depositional modelling estimated using DEPOMOD to that of a GIS- based model that incorporates cage movement. This information can then be used to develop a new basic computational program that will more accurately estimate the depositional footprint of a cage farm based on feed usage and quality, production size, average current speeds, Simplified transit of phosphorus, encapsulated trapping agents in the digestive system of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). and bathymetry. Source: Marie-Anne Robitaille (U Laval)

DATE APR. 2018 – JUN. 2019 FUNDED BY DFO–Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (DFO–ACRDP) CO-FUNDED BY Aqua-cage Fisheries Ltd. PROJECT LEADER Cheryl Podemski (DFO) PROJECT TEAM Jamie Raper (DFO); Gord Cole (Aqua-cage Fisheries Ltd.) COLLABORATORS Jamie Hooft (Aqua-cage Fisheries Ltd.) CONTACT [email protected] FINFISH: FRESHWATER CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Novel Feed Additive Analysis for Early Life Stage Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

reka Solutions is an Ontario-based Ocompany that uses innovative components in animal feeds. Oreka is looking at ways to yield better FCR values in addition to improving the health of the fish consuming their products (decreasing mortality rates, increasing resistance to pathogens, and optimizing production cycle times). The proposed research project will evaluate the extent to which feed formulations can produce improvements in FCR and early life stage survivorship for Rainbow Trout living 8 in typical hatchery conditions. The developed product could reduce the need for antibiotics in aquaculture. As a feed supplement, it will provide the necessary raw materials and ingredients to ignite the metabolism of young fish, thereby facilitating a high functioning immune system which enables the animal to fend off life-threatening bacteria.

DATE OCT. 2018 – JAN. 2019 FUNDED BY Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) PROJECT LEADER Brent Wootton (Fleming College) PROJECT TEAM Jon Carter, Ryan Hill (Fleming College) COLLABORATORS Oreka Solutions CONTACT [email protected]; ryan. [email protected] WEBSITE www.flemingcollege.ca Preparing feeding trials at Oreka Solutions. Photo: Jon Carter (Fleming College) CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FINFISH: SALMON

FINFISH: SALMON 9

Photo: Terry Bungay (DFO)

IN THIS SECTION Migration Routes, Residence Time and Survival of Juvenile Salmon in the Strait of Integrating Genomics within a Phenotypic Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Program Georgia and the Discovery Islands Region Quantifying Direct Genetic Impacts of Escaped Farmed Salmon on Wild Salmon Hybridization of Farmed Escaped and Wild Atlantic Salmon: So What? Populations in Atlantic Canada

Use of Hydro-Acoustic Methods to Assess the Migration Timing and Distribution of Selecting High-Performing Pedigreed Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Juvenile Salmon in Discovery Islands and Johnstone Strait Genetic and Probiotic Improvement of Immunity in Triploid Chinook Salmon Acoustic Monitoring of Wild Fish Interactions with Aquaculture Sites — Phase I Thermal Physiology of Farmed Atlantic Salmon within a Commercial Acoustic Monitoring of Wild Fish Interactions with Aquaculture Sites — Phase II Breeding Program

Migration Timing and Distribution of Juvenile Salmon in Discovery Islands and Optimizing the Performance of Triploid Fish in Aquaculture Johnstone Strait Mitigating the Impact of Climate-Related Challenges on Salmon Migration of Atlantic Salmon Post-Smolts and their Interactions with Aquaculture in Aquaculture (MICCSA) Passamaquoddy Bay, New Brunswick, Canada Enhancing Production in Coho: Culture, Community, Catch (EPIC4) Genomic Baseline for the Quantification of Indirect Genetic Impacts of Triploid Atlantic Salmon Aquaculture in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland

Fundy Salmon Recovery FINFISH: SALMON CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Migration Routes, Residence Time and Survival of Juvenile Salmon in the Strait of Georgia and the Discovery Islands Region

ince 2004, Kintama has been using a Vancouver Island relative to the central SOG. environment. Further, it has provided insight, for Slarge-scale acoustic telemetry array to Travel times were typical for migrating salmon in the first time, into the duration of time juvenile track salmon smolts during their freshwater the SOG (~ 1 body length per second), and then salmon spend near salmon farms on their and early marine migration. Fish are tracked increased through the Discovery Islands and outward migration. with a network of acoustic sensors positioned Johnstone Strait. Additional receivers deployed DATE APR. 2014 – OCT. 2018 in the Fraser River basin and throughout the in 2015 determined that juvenile sockeye FUNDED BY Pacific Salmon Foundation – Salish greater Salish Sea area. By reconstructing the used all possible migration routes through Sea Marine Survival Program movements of each individual recorded by the the Discovery Islands. CO-FUNDED BY Ocean Tracking Network; BC array, it has been possible to estimate survival, In 2017 and 2018, Kintama deployed receivers Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA); Fisheries residence time and travel rate through the Strait near salmon farms in the Discovery Islands to and Oceans Canada (DFO); Hakai Institute; Natural 10 Sciences and Engineering Research Council of of Georgia (SOG) and as far as the North- evaluate fish exposure time to salmon farms. Canada (NSERC) Eastern end of Vancouver Island. Median travel time through Hoskyn and Okisollo PROJECT LEADER David Welch, Erin Rechisky Beginning in 2010, Kintama and UBC began channels was 46 hours. Therefore, exposure (Kintama Research Services Ltd.) collaborating on Chilko Lake sockeye migration time to individual salmon farms was short. PROJECT TEAM Aswea Porter (Kintama); Scott studies. They found three major mortality trends: Median time within the vicinity of the farms Hinch, Christine Stevenson, Stephen Johnston (UBC) high mortality in the small freshwater tributaries was less than 13 minutes. COLLABORATORS Kintama; UBC leading to the Fraser, low mortality in the Fraser This work has been important in further CONTACT [email protected]; joanne@ River mainstream, and higher mortality between characterizing the migration timing of juvenile bcsalmonfarmers.ca the northern SOG and the northern end of salmon species from the freshwater to marine WEBSITE Kintama.com

Hybridization of Farmed Escaped and Wild Atlantic Salmon: So What? An Empirical and Model-Based Exploration of the Consequences for Wild Populations Throughout the North Atlantic

nterbreeding between wild and escaped Ifarmed salmon has been reported both in Europe and North America and can alter wild population characteristics, eroding local adaptation and causing wild population declines. The resiliency of wild populations to escapees, the recovery time following hybridization, and the efficacy of possible mitigation strategies remain unclear, and hamper management efforts in North America and Europe. Currently, independent studies are underway across the North Atlantic to explore the genetic consequences of farm-wild interbreeding and the ultimate impact on population stability and Atlantic Salmon sea cages in southern Newfoundland. Photo: KÖBB Media / DFO persistence. The goal in each case is to quantify

the extent and magnitude of genetic impacts due will: (1) quantify the magnitude of hybridization DATE APR. 2016 – MAR. 2019 to farmed escaped salmon, directly informing among wild and escaped farmed salmon FUNDED BY DFO – Program for Aquaculture mitigation and risk management strategies. and explore growth, survival and biological Regulatory Research (DFO – PARR) The overall objective of this international differences among wild and hybrid individuals; PROJECT LEADER Ian Bradbury (DFO) collaborative research, which is under the and (2) develop an international collaboration PROJECT TEAM Steven Duffy, Lorraine auspices of the “Galway Aquaculture Working to explore optimal approaches to model these Hamilton, Carole Grant, Chris Hendry, Brian Group”, is to provide the basis for robust interactions and the subsequent impact on Dempson, Ross Jones (DFO) scientific advice regarding the genetic impacts population productivity and stability. This work COLLABORATORS Ian Fleming, Matt Rise (MUN); Kjetil Hindar (NINA); Kevin A. Glover (IMR); Eric of escaped farmed Atlantic Salmon on wild will directly foster international collaboration Verspoor, Mark Coulson (RLI); Phil McGinnity (UCC); populations both locally (i.e., Newfoundland) and aimed at better understanding and managing Einar Nielsen (DTU); Kristen Gruenthal (NOAA) across the North Atlantic. Specifically, this work the impact of farmed escaped salmon on wild CONTACT [email protected] will directly complement existing studies and populations throughout the North Atlantic. WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2016- NL-11-eng.html CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FINFISH: SALMON

Use of Hydro-Acoustic Methods to Assess the Migration Timing and Distribution of Juvenile Salmon in Discovery Islands and Johnstone Strait

uring their migration to the Northern agreement with data collected using purse Results generally show that inverted DPacific, juvenile wild salmon from the seine and trawl methods. Peak migration echosounders provide a cost-effective, non- Strait of Georgia pass through the Discovery occurred from mid-May to mid-July in 2015, intrusive option for long-term monitoring of wild Islands and Lower Johnstone Strait, where and from mid-May to mid-June in 2016. Total fish populations in this region. salmon farming occurs. This project examined abundances (all salmon species confounded) DATE MAY 2015 – JUN. 2017 the risk of disease transfer between wild and were similar in 2015 and 2016. The acoustic time FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative farmed salmon in this area by studying wild series provided detailed information on schools Research and Development Program salmon migratory pathways and the duration structure, density, and depth. Results suggest (DFO – ACRDP) of their residency in the vicinity of fish farms. that high abundances of juvenile salmon are CO-FUNDED BY BC Salmon Farmers The effectiveness of hydro-acoustics as a way present in Okisollo channel during fish farm Association (BCSFA) 11 of monitoring fish abundance, behaviours, active operations. However, to what extent PROJECT LEADER Stéphane Gauthier (DFO) and distribution for extended and continuous the juvenile salmon interact with the fish farms PROJECT TEAM Stewart Johnson, Marc Trudel, periods of time was evaluated. and the degree of proximity is still unclear, Chrys-Ellen Neville (DFO) A two-year dataset was gathered for a site and further research is required to investigate COLLABORATORS Joanne Liutkus (BCSFA) located in Okisollo channel, in the Discovery these aspects. CONTACT [email protected] Islands region near a Cermaq Atlantic Salmon WEBSITE www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/rp-pr/ acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/15-1-P-02-eng.html farm. Acoustic monitoring data showed strong

Acoustic Monitoring of Wild Fish Interactions with Aquaculture Sites — Phase I

on the migration timing, duration, and dynamics of wild salmon populations. Results from this project : 1) Showed that juvenile salmon behaviour near aquaculture sites appears to vary in relation to both the diurnal and tidal cycles, as well as fish size; 2) Documented the number of juvenile salmon schools interacting with fish farms from May to August, allowing to infer disease transfer potential; Brown’s Bay processing plant. DIDSON recording station. 3) Provided detailed population monitoring in Photo: Stéphane Gauthier (DFO) Photo: Stéphane Gauthier (DFO) the Okisollo channel, from which salmon productivity can be estimated. Data collected as part of this project are needed to assess the sustainability, and inform mitigation measures if needed, of the aquaculture industry around the Discovery Islands in BC.

DATE AUG. 2017 – AUG. 2018 FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (DFO – ACRDP) CO-FUNDED BY Cermaq Canada Ltd.; Marine Cermaq Venture Point site. Marine Harvest site in Okisollo. Harvest Canada Limited Photo: Stéphane Gauthier (DFO) Photo: Stéphane Gauthier (DFO) PROJECT LEADER Stéphane Gauthier (DFO) PROJECT TEAM Stewart Johnson, Chrys Neville, he sustainability of the British Columbia The project showed that acoustic systems Marc Trudel (DFO) salmon aquaculture industry is widely can successfully monitor, in near real-time, COLLABORATORS Barry Milligan (Cermaq T Canada Ltd.); Sharon DeDominicis (Marine Harvest questioned due to concerns related to the populations of juvenile wild salmon in areas Canada Limited) potential risk posed by farmed salmon to wild utilized by the aquaculture industry. The project CONTACT [email protected] salmon. This project monitored the migratory was also successful in using imaging sonars WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ pathways of wild salmon and the duration of to monitor wild fish interactions with aquaculture aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/17- their residency in the vicinity of fish farms. facilities. These systems provide detailed data 1-P-01-eng.html FINFISH: SALMON CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Acoustic Monitoring of Wild Fish Interactions with Aquaculture Sites — Phase II

his project will be a continuation and monitoring of wild salmon migration in Okisollo Texpansion of a previously funded ACRDP channel using moored echo sounders close to project, which monitored wild fish interactions the aquaculture facility. with Atlantic Salmon farms using a high DATE JUN. 2018 – MAR. 2020 resolution imaging sonar and multi-frequency FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative echo sounders. For the continuation of the Research and Development Program project, experiments will be repeated for two (DFO – ACRDP) consecutive seasons to further assess the CO-FUNDED BY Cermaq Canada Ltd.; Marine potential variations due to wild salmon juvenile Harvest Canada species, ensuring that interactions at fully PROJECT LEADER Stéphane Gauthier (DFO) stocked fish farm facilities throughout the PROJECT TEAM Ben Snow, Stewart Johnson, 12 summer migration period are monitored. Chrys-Ellen M. Neville, Marc Trudel, Shani Rousseau (DFO) To assess the timing and dynamics of wild COLLABORATORS Barry Milligan (Cermaq salmon migration, and interactions of wild fish Canada Ltd.); Sharon DeDominicis (Marine at aquaculture facilities, the two main objectives Harvest Canada) of this project are to: 1) monitor activity of wild CONTACT [email protected] fish in the direct vicinity of aquaculture sites WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ using high resolution imaging sonar mounted aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/18- p-06-eng.html on aquaculture facilities; and 2) continue the DIDSON set-up. Photo: Stéphane Gauthier (DFO)

Moorings before deployment. Cermaq Venture Point. Installing DIDSON. Photo: Stéphane Gauthier (DFO) Photo: Stéphane Gauthier (DFO) Photo: Stéphane Gauthier (DFO)

Migration Timing and Distribution of Juvenile Salmon in Discovery Islands and Johnstone Strait

uring their migration to the Northern stock, all stocks of Fraser River Sockeye Salmon Moreover, information from this project has DPacific, juvenile wild salmon from the Strait co-migrate with other juvenile salmon through been, and is currently being used in a Risk of Georgia (SOG) pass through the Discovery the DI over a five to eight week period (mid-May Assessment of pathogen transfer from farmed Islands (DI) and Lower Johnstone Strait, where through July), with the majority of the migration salmon to wild Fraser River Sockeye Salmon. salmon farming occurs. This project evaluated occurring over a two to three week period (late DATE MAY 2014 – JUN. 2016 the risk of disease transfer associated with May to early June). FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative interactions between wild and farmed salmon In addition, this project is the first to report Research and Development Program in this area by studying wild salmon migratory juvenile Sockeye Salmon carrying infectious (DFO – ACRDP) pathways and the duration of their residency in hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) in marine CO-FUNDED BY BC Salmon Farmers the vicinity of these fish farms. waters. It is not known whether these carriers Association (BCSFA) Data from net-based and hydroacoustic shed virus but, if they do, this may be a significant PROJECT LEADER Stewart Johnson (DFO) surveys, collected over three years of source of IHNV exposure to farmed salmon. PROJECT TEAM Stéphane Gauthier, Marc outmigration (2014-2016), show that juvenile This project also provided the first estimate Trudel, Chrys-Ellen Neville (DFO) Fraser River Sockeye Salmon enter the SOG of the duration of interactions between farmed COLLABORATORS Joanne Liutkus (BCSFA) over a five to six week period (mid-April – May) salmon and juvenile Sockeye Salmon in CONTACT [email protected] and spend five to eight weeks, depending on the DI, which could then be incorporated in WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/ the year, in the SOG during which they migrate management practices to reduce the potential P-14-01-001-eng.html northwards. With exception of the Harrison Lake risks associated with these interactions. CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FINFISH: SALMON

Migration of Atlantic Salmon Post-Smolts and their Genomic Baseline for Interactions with Aquaculture in Passamaquoddy Bay, the Quantification of New Brunswick, Canada Indirect Genetic Impacts

e are conducting an acoustic telemetry meters to determine to what extent salmon of Triploid Atlantic Salmon Wproject in Passamaquoddy Bay, New post-smolts are using currents during their Aquaculture in Placentia Bay, Brunswick, to provide information on Atlantic migration at sea. Newfoundland Salmon post-smolts, including their migration This research will provide the first estimate of n 2013, DFO Science evaluated the potential routes out of the Passamaquoddy Bay, the residence time of Atlantic Salmon post-smolts effects of domesticated Norwegian speed at which they move out of the bay, their near aquaculture sites in Eastern Canada. I Atlantic Salmon on wild Atlantic Salmon survival rates in the estuary and in the ocean, Results of this research will be used to inform in Newfoundland and recommended the and to determine if there is any interaction with the risk of disease transfer from Atlantic Salmon production of all-female sterile triploids to salmon aquaculture. aquaculture to wild Atlantic Salmon. reduce the likelihood of direct genetic effects 13 For this project, we are implanting acoustic DATE JAN. 2017 – SEP. 2021 on wild fish populations. In 2016, an aquaculture tags in salmon smolts that have been reared in FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Ecosystems expansion in Placentia Bay was approved, substrate ponds at the Mactaquac Biodiversity Interactions Program (DFO – AEIP) involving the production of seven million Facility, and releasing them below the dam in CO-FUNDED BY NSERC Strategic triploid Norwegian salmon annually. The use the Magaguadavic Basin. Their migration and Partnership Grant of triploid all-female salmon is expected to survival is monitored with receivers placed in PROJECT LEADER Marc Trudel (DFO) reduce direct genetic interactions, although the the Magaguadavic Basin and estuary, on either PROJECT TEAM Brent Wilson, Chris McKindsey, actual magnitude of direct and indirect genetic side of the mouth of the estuary, at all the exit Fred Page (DFO); James Hawkes (NOAA Fisheries); interactions remains unknown. points of Passamaquoddy Bay, and at active Glenn Crossin (Dalhousie U) This project will develop genomic baseline and inactive salmon aquaculture sites. These COLLABORATORS Susan Farquharson (ACFFA); Jason Daniel, Jon Carr (ASF); Fred data to allow future resolution of any direct receivers will detect if any of the smolts that Whoriskey (Ocean Tracking Network); David Hardie, and indirect genetic impacts. Additionally, have been implanted with an acoustic tag are Ross Jones, John Whitelaw (DFO) this project will develop genomic tools for the migrating nearby. We are also manually tracking CONTACT [email protected] identification of escapee Norwegian salmon smolts in the bay, and have installed current and hybrids; the genome wide characterization of diversity to allow quantification of changes in wild populations due to changes in the selective landscape (i.e., disease, parasite, competition); and finally the estimation of effective population size of wild populations in Placentia Bay to allow declines in wild population size to be quantified in future. The baseline genomic data produced here will provide unprecedented resolution of direct and indirect genetic impacts due to aquaculture expansion introduced in Placentia Bay and better inform aquaculture management and risk mitigation measures. Map showing the location of the receivers. Marc Trudel performing salmon surgery. Photo: Marc Trudel (DFO) Photo: Brent Wilson (DFO) DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2020 FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Ecosystems Interactions Program (DFO - AEIP) PROJECT LEADER Ian Bradbury (DFO) CONTACT [email protected] WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2017- nl-05-eng.html

Marc Trudel deploying receivers. Photo: Brent Wilson (DFO) Releasing salmon. Photo: Brent Wilson (DFO) FINFISH: SALMON CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Fundy Salmon Recovery

undy Salmon Recovery is a collaboration of Fpartnering organizations from government, industry, academia and Indigenous communities working together to recover inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon through their state-of-the-art recovery model. Through collaboration and innovation, their goal is to restore wild Atlantic Salmon populations in the inner Bay of Fundy. The Fundy Salmon Recovery model works to maximize the early exposure to the wild, resulting in fish that are better at surviving and 14 reproducing. Young salmon are collected in their native rivers and brought to the world’s first wild Atlantic Salmon Marine Conservation Site in Dark Harbour, Grand Manan, managed by Cooke Aquaculture. When mature, the adult salmon are released back to Fundy National Park rivers to spawn naturally. This model is already producing results; with In the spring, unfed fry are released for early exposure to the wild environment. Photo: N. Fearon (Parks Canada) the release of successfully spawning adults, we are seeing abundant wild juvenile salmon populations throughout the Upper Salmon River in Fundy National Park. After spawning, these adult salmon leave the river and we have seen high numbers of salmon returning to spawn a second and third year. These returns have recently contributed to 29-year high salmon counts in Fundy National Park rivers. In the fresh water of the Upper Salmon River, ecosystem productivity has significantly improved due to marine nutrients attributed to the presence of high numbers of adult salmon. This research suggests that this increased productivity translates to improved feeding and survival conditions for juvenile salmon that would not exist without the nutrient input. Once collected as spring smolt or fall parr, salmon are brought to the world’s first wild Atlantic Salmon marine conservation farm, managed by Cooke Aquaculture, to mature into spawning adults. DATE OCT. 2014 – ONGOING Photo: N. Fearon (Parks Canada) FUNDED BY Parks Canada CO-FUNDED BY Cooke Aquaculture; Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA); Fort Folly First Nation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO); Province of New Brunswick; University of New Brunswick (UNB) COLLABORATORS Cooke Aquaculture; ACFFA; Fort Folly First Nation; DFO; NB; UNB CONTACT [email protected] WEBSITE www.fundysalmonrecovery.com

After being moved from the conservation farm, salmon are transferred into bins and brought by helicopter to the river for release. Photo: N. Fearon (Parks Canada) CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FINFISH: SALMON

Integrating Genomics within a Phenotypic Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Program

egulations require that only Saint John the four base population year classes used to identified as having the expected alleles and RRiver strain Atlantic Salmon are to be initiate the Atlantic Salmon broodstock program. 46,669 showed allelic variation. Therefore, from raised on the East Coast of Canada, but, The purpose of this initial sequencing was to this commercially available chip, a minimum of European-origin Atlantic Salmon is the basis define options as to whether a commercially approximately 47K SNPs would be polymorphic for the published Atlantic Salmon genome. available SNP array might have value specific in our Saint John River Atlantic Salmon The ultimate aim of this project is to discover to the Saint John River Atlantic Salmon stock population and these polymorphic SNPs are molecular markers pertaining to the specific or if developing a stock-specific SNP array distributed across the published European Atlantic Salmon population and commercial represents a better option. This question is assembly/reference genome. traits of interest. valid as the available SNP arrays were originally DATE JAN. 2017 – DEC. 2018 Since 2010, Huntsman has collected millions developed using European stocks of Atlantic FUNDED BY Atlantic Canada Opportunities of data points on nearly 135,000 individually Salmon, whereas the local industry in Atlantic Agency–Atlantic Innovation Fund (ACOA–AIF) PIT-tagged Atlantic Salmon that represent Canada must farm the Saint John River stock. 15 CO-FUNDED BY New Brunswick Innovation 663 families from eight year classes in two Through the sequencing of individuals Foundation; Northern Harvest Sea Farms generations. Approximately 40,000 fish had from each of the base year classes, the 280K PROJECT LEADER Amber Garber (HMSC) finclips archived, following evaluations, to collect Affymetrix™ SNP chip described 280,255 PROJECT TEAM Michelle Miller, Kirill Krivushin, data on commercially important traits. These SNPs. Of these SNPs, 180,316 could be placed Paul Stothard, Arun Kommadath (Delta Genomics); finclips are available for trait marker discovery. on the assembly and had alleles consistent Chris Bridger (HMSC) As an initial step, eight finclips were sent to with the European reference genome. Of COLLABORATORS Aaron Craig (Northern Harvest Sea Farms) Delta Genomics (University of Alberta affiliated) those SNPs, compared to the eight Saint John CONTACT [email protected] for genome sequencing; two from each of River genome sequences, 67,731 SNPs were WEBSITE Huntsmanmarine.ca

Quantifying Direct Genetic Impacts of Escaped Farmed Salmon on Wild Salmon Populations in Atlantic Canada

quaculture escapees represent a chronic escapes and large acute events will DATE APR. 2016 – MAR. 2019 Ademonstrable threat to the persistence and be quantified. This project directly targets FUNDED BY DFO – Program for Aquaculture stability of wild salmon populations, with impacts the needs of clients in both aquaculture Regulatory Research (DFO – PARR) occurring through both genetic and ecological management and salmon assessment and, PROJECT LEADER Ian Bradbury (DFO) interactions. However, the presence and for the first time, will allow genetic threats PROJECT TEAM Steven Duffy, Lorraine magnitude of genetic impacts have been difficult posed by farm escaped salmon on wild Hamilton, Carole Grant, Chris Hendry, to quantify. Our goal is to quantify the extent and populations in Atlantic Canada to be quantified. Brian Dempson, Ross Jones (DFO); magnitude of direct genetic impacts on wild Identifying risks and potential mitigation COLLABORATORS Ian Fleming (MUN); Jon Carr salmon populations due to escaped farmed strategies associated with Atlantic Salmon (ASF); Ross Hinks (NL) salmon to inform management decisions and aquaculture escapees is paramount to the CONTACT [email protected] advise on appropriate mitigation strategies. successful conservation of wild salmon WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2016- Specifically, this work addresses three populations, the stability of recreational and NL-02-eng.html objectives: (1) to quantify the magnitude of Indigenous fisheries, and the continued growth low-level chronic escapes through an annual of the aquaculture industry. targeted survey (Newfoundland, 2016-2018); (2) to quantify annual variation (2016-2018) in hybridization among wild and farm escaped Atlantic Salmon; and (3) to evaluate survival of hybrids in the wild. By evaluating the occurrence of hybridization among escaped farmed and wild Atlantic Salmon over time, the magnitude of the risk to wild populations of both low-level

Juvenile Atlantic Salmon sampled in Atlantic Salmon sea cages in southern Newfoundland. southern Newfoundland. Photo: KÖBB Media / DFO Photo: KÖBB Media / DFO FINFISH: SALMON CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Selecting High-Performing Pedigreed Atlantic Salmon Broodstock

tlantic Salmon with Northern Harvest ASea Farms is the surrogate species for Huntsman to develop and commercialize effective broodstock development models. In this case, the breeding nucleus is maintained at commercial facilities in PEI, while the random challenge group are held at the Huntsman – both have PIT tagged individuals representing all families within each year class (YC). Huntsman staff travel at strategic times, namely when fish are at 1, 2 and 3 years old, to assess and sort the 16 breeding nucleus fish through ultrasound sexing and the removal of early maturing individuals. Staff also assist during spawning season to produce the future breeding families and to guide spawning for production eggs. A commercial comparison group with untagged fish from all families of a YC is raised Huntsman staff completing commercial harvest evaluation in 2018. Photo: M. Brown (HMSC) within commercial hatchery and sea cage

operations until harvest when Huntsman DATE JAN. 2017 – DEC. 2018 completes a comprehensive harvest evaluation • Numerous assessments and spawning at FUNDED BY Atlantic Canada Opportunities within the processing plant. During 2017 and the commercial facility in PEI. Agency–Atlantic Innovation Fund (ACOA–AIF) 2018, Atlantic Salmon broodstock program Huntsman has extensive infrastructure and CO-FUNDED BY New Brunswick Innovation activities and milestones included: expertise to positively effect genetic gains Foundation; Northern Harvest Sea Farms • PIT tagging and deformity assessment of within cultured aquatic species. Developing PROJECT LEADER Amber Garber (HMSC) 2016/2017 YC; models that effectively allow these assets to be PROJECT TEAM Susan Hodkinson, Phil Wiper, • Sea lice challenges of 2014/2015 YC; accessed by numerous companies and sectors Brooke Barrett, Chantal Audet, Danny Craig, Howard Streight, Jamie Carpenter, Brian Goggin, Anne • Smolt survival challenges of 2015/2016 YC; across a broad range of species will provide McCarthy, Rebecca Eldridge, Elizabeth Dowling, • Freshwater critical thermal maximum significant impact to regional and national Kelly Greig, Angela Rehhorn, Erica Harvey, Trena challenge of 2016 YC to elucidate the aquaculture sectors. Commercial producers Hurley, Ellen Fanning, Dave Goodwin, Farhad Amini, Chris Bridger (HMSC) effects of climate change; benefit from broodstock management, and COLLABORATORS Aaron Craig (Northern • Harvest evaluation of 1500 fish from the producers’ needs to maintain sufficient fish for Harvest Sea Farms) 2014 YC commercial comparison group, commercial egg production are also met. CONTACT [email protected] including nearly 30 morphometric and WEBSITE Huntsmanmarine.ca quality traits; and

Genetic and Probiotic Improvement of Immunity in Triploid Chinook Salmon

n the west coast of Canada, Atlantic Salmon This project examines the possibility that Improving the immunity of triploids, through Ois still dominant, but Chinook Salmon offers triploid fish have compromised immunity due to genetics and probiotic diets, and allowing their a native species alternative. Escapees mixing with their genetic background, causing family specific use in commercial aquaculture will mitigate the wild stocks can, however, be a potential hazard differences in expression of their immune genes, environmental impact of escapees and extend for this species. One mitigation strategy is to use combined with behavioural differences seen the harvest period for greater profits. triploid fish, as they are sterile. This strategy offers in triploids. It will also examine the possibility DATE OCT. 2018 – OCT. 2021 the added advantage that triploid fish do not of ameliorating detrimental effects of triploidy FUNDED BY Natural Sciences and Engineering mature sexually, a process that degrades market through immunostimulatory probiotic diets. Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Strategic quality of the fillets. Chinook Salmon maturation The results of this research will provide Network Program is a seasonal process, causing a rush to optimize information that might allow the selection of CO-FUNDED BY Yellow Island Aquaculture; harvest before the fish mature. Non-maturing broodstock and diet formulations that will Taplow Feeds triploids will reduce losses due to early maturation produce triploid fish with minimal extra disease PROJECT LEADER Brian Dixon (U Waterloo) of fish and extend the harvest time, providing resistance, providing the environmental and PROJECT TEAM Dan Heath, Tina Semeniuk increased profits. Triploid salmon are more economic benefits which triploid fish offer. (U Windsor); Gregor Reid (U Western); Paul Craig (U Waterloo) susceptible to disease, however, and currently that Additionally, the results of this research will CONTACT [email protected] prevents the aquaculture industry from obtaining provide information on fish genetics and these benefits. The degree of this disease immunity so novel and unique that it will provide susceptibility differs among families of fish. benefits to the aquaculture of all finfish. CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FINFISH: SALMON

Thermal Physiology of Farmed Atlantic Salmon within a Commercial Breeding Program

ild fish populations have the ability to resistance, etc.), there is always more work to we will evaluate the effects of this non-lethal Wgeographically shift their range to avoid be done. Global climate change presents a temperature challenge on different biological the long-term effects of climate change, but fish new challenge for the aquaculture industry, and responses (e.g., growth rate) and identify farming lease sites are fixed spatially. A finding of future breeding programs may need to select minimally invasive, non-lethal proxies for thermal family differences — and therefore heritability — fish that are better able to withstand and thrive at tolerance for use in commercial breeding in thermal tolerance will allow this trait to be higher temperatures. programs. One MSc student is being trained included in Atlantic Salmon selective breeding This project will assess the scope for with funding through this project. indices. This project holds potential to alter how selection of thermal tolerance within the North DATE SEP. 2018 – AUG. 2020 and where salmon farming is undertaken in American-origin Saint John River strain of FUNDED BY ACOA AIF Canada in future years, especially threatened Atlantic Salmon by examining differences New Brunswick Innovation locations that may otherwise be rendered of no between fish among families following exposure CO-FUNDED BY Foundation, Northern Harvest Sea Farms Ltd., value for this purpose. to the same thermal challenge. All challenged Huntsman Marine Science Centre, University 17 This project is assessing the thermal fish within a year class will be PIT-tagged and of New Brunswick tolerance of Atlantic Salmon parr and reared communally for the duration of the PROJECT LEADER Amber Garber (HMSC) post-smolts across more than 186 families, project. Individuals from each family will be PROJECT TEAM Charlotte Bartlett, Tillmann representing two-year classes within a exposed to a critical thermal maximum (CTmax) Benfey (UNB); Chris Bridger, Anne McCarthy, Rebecca Eldridge and Elizabeth Dowling (HMSC) commercial breeding program. While selection challenge as parr in freshwater and again as COLLABORATORS Aaron Craig (Northern programs have revolutionized the industry post-smolt in seawater, allowing comparisons Harvest Sea Farms Ltd.) and allow companies to realize genetic gains to be made both within and among individuals CONTACT [email protected] for specific traits (e.g., rapid growth, disease and families across life stages. From there,

Optimizing the Performance of Triploid Fish in Aquaculture

cell (RBC) synthesis and turnover, as an overabundance of senescent, inefficient RBCs could be driving high RMR in triploids. This could be a direct outcome of their larger genomes, and hence nuclear and cellular volumes, compared to diploids. By defining the conditions under which triploids fail to thrive, and by understanding why they fail, we will be able to optimize rearing practices to facilitate the adoption of triploidy as a standard practice in aquaculture. There are clear benefits to using triploid (sterile) fish in aquaculture, but these remain largely unrealized because of performance limitations compared to diploids. Our goal is Intermittent flow respirometry system for simultaneous measurement of post-feeding metabolic rate in four to better understand the underlying reasons individual fish. for these limitations and thereby improve Video: Nicole Daigle (UNBF) production protocols for integrating triploids nduced triploidy is the only method currently whole-animal respirometry to measure into commercial aquaculture. available to produce reproductively sterile maximum and routine metabolic rates (MMR I DATE ONGOING populations of fish for commercial aquaculture. and RMR) at various acclimation temperatures, FUNDED BY NSERC (Discovery Grants Program) Reasons for using such fish include mitigating we have shown that this is due to high RMR New Brunswick Innovation ecological impacts of escapes, protecting rather than low MMR. We are now probing this CO-FUNDED BY Foundation—Research Assistantships Initiative breeding rights, and eliminating precocious in more detail by acclimating fish to different PROJECT LEADER Tillmann Benfey (UNBF) sexual maturation. However, their use has been temperatures and then challenging them at high PROJECT TEAM Chris Small, Krista Latimer, hindered by reduced performance with respect temperatures under progressive hypoxia, and Nicole Daigle, Rebecca Porter (UNBF) to aerobic stressors such as high temperature, are also investigating the energetic cost of food COLLABORATORS Charles Sacobie (UNBF); hypoxia, and exhaustive exercise. processing and ammonia excretion, and how Jim Kieffer (UNBSJ); Christine Verhille (MSU) Our research and that of others suggests these are influenced by temperature and CONTACT [email protected] that aerobic scope is reduced in triploids, meal size. WEBSITE https://benfey.wordpress.com/ leaving them with less metabolic reserves to Another current line of research is using overcome physiological challenges. Using zebrafish to measure the rate of red blood FINFISH: SALMON CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Mitigating the Impact of Climate-Related Challenges on Salmon Aquaculture (MICCSA)

n this pan-Atlantic applied research project, The results of this project may lead to an Iresearch tools and products are being improved capacity to monitor fish welfare developed to: enable the Atlantic Salmon and health, and may contribute to improved aquaculture industry to prepare for, and broodstock that can tolerate climate-related monitor, the predicted effects of warming and challenges and are more resistant to hypoxic coastal waters; and to develop fish that important diseases. are better protected from infectious salmon DATE SEPT. 2016 – SEPT. 2022 anemia (ISA) and sea lice (Lepeophtheirus FUNDED BY Atlantic Canada Opportunities salmonis). These goals will be achieved by: 1) Agency – Atlantic Innovation Fund (ACOA – AIF) defining the sub-lethal and lethal temperatures Laboratory for Atlantic Salmon and Climate Change Research (Ocean Sciences Center, MUN). CO-FUNDED BY Innovate NL; Innovate PEI; of current Atlantic Salmon stocks (i.e., fish of Photo: Kurt Gamperl (MUN) Memorial University; University of Waterloo; 18 Saint John River origin); 2) studying how fish Huntsman Marine Science Center; Center for Aquaculture Technologies Canada; Somru with varying genetic backgrounds perform monitor free-swimming Atlantic Salmon in BioScience under conditions of hypoxia and elevated sea cages; provided significant data on how PROJECT LEADER Kurt Gamperl (MUN); temperature; 3) developing molecular markers high temperatures (20–23˚C) alone, or in Mark Fast (UPEI) (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) for combination with moderate hypoxia, impact PROJECT TEAM Brian Dixon (U Waterloo); selecting broodstock with high temperature production characteristics, stress physiology, Matt Rise (MUN); Roy Danzmann, Fabio Zanuzzo, tolerance, robust immune responses and and the salmon’s immune response to viral Anne Beemelmanns, Aaron Frenette, Olufemi Ajiboye, Zoe Zarini, George Heath, Rebeccah improved disease and stress resistance; and and bacterial antigens (i.e., vaccination); Sandrelli, Ellen Peroni, Tanya Rodríguez-Ramos, 4) developing genomic and antibody-based identified several key immune- and stress- Shona Whyte, Sara Purcell (U Guelph); Danny diagnostic assays for assessing fish health and related genes (biomarkers) that are responsive Boyce (JBARB) producing improved, more effective, vaccines. to temperature / hypoxic challenges; and COLLABORATORS Amber Garber, Chris Bridger (HMSC); Tiago Hori (CATC); Jessi Rix (Somru This research program has already: validated produced antibodies and ELISAs (Enzyme- BioScience) the use of data loggers that simultaneously Linked Immunosorbent Assays) to several CONTACT [email protected] record heart rate, activity/swimming speed biomarkers so that their protein levels can be and body temperature that can be used to quantified and monitored.

Enhancing Production in Coho: Culture, Community, Catch (EPIC4)

oho Salmon, one of the most highly valued The EPIC4 project aims to develop and use scientific knowledge about Coho Salmon to Cspecies in British Columbia (BC), began new genomics tools to address challenges help revive and sustain the wild Coho fisheries. suffering declines in 1989 due to lower returns facing safe, secure and sustainable production The work on this project could lead to more and high harvest rates, to the point where the of Coho Salmon. The interdisciplinary team economically viable Coho Salmon fisheries commercial fishery for Coho Salmon was has sequenced the Coho Salmon genome and serving both domestic and export markets. essentially closed in 1997. Reopening the Coho the first results have resolved clear patterns Our results should also be transferable to other Salmon fishery using recovered and enhanced of regional population structuring, both within species of Pacific salmon, as well as salmonids populations would bring economic and social BC and across the entire distribution range. from other regions of Canada. benefits to BC. Genotyping of the hatchery broodstocks DATE OCT. 2015 – SEP. 2020 sampled in 2014 and 2015 FUNDED BY Genome Canada; Genome British showed strong regional Columbia population structuring and CO-FUNDED BY Genome Quebec; Fisheries allowed high levels of accuracy and Oceans Canada (DFO); University of Victoria; in assigning salmon to specific Benchmark Genetics Chile; Resources Aquatiques Quebec (RAQ); Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des hatcheries or geographic Systèmes (IBIS); Thermofisher regions. In addition, first results PROJECT LEADER Ben Koop (UVic); William S. on heritability and genetic Davidson (SFU); Louis Bernatchez (U Laval) correlation shed light on the PROJECT TEAM Roberto Neira, Jose Yanez genetic basis of flesh colour (U Chile); Terry Beacham (DFO); Grant Murray and the response of this trait to (VIU, Duke U); Kerry Naish (U Washington); Rashid Sumaila, Ralph Matthews (UBC); artificial selection for harvest Steven Jones (SFU) weight over the time course of COLLABORATORS Robert Devlin, Ruth Withler, eight generations. David Willis (DFO); Brian Riddel (Pacific Salmon The team is also working Foundation); Jean Paul Lhorente (Aquainnovo) with stakeholders, including CONTACT [email protected] Spawning day at Inch Creek Hatchery. The staff are measuring and First Nations, regarding the WEBSITE http://www.epic-4.org recording the phenotypic data from 2017 female broods. implementation of EPIC4 Photo: Michelle TT Crown (SFU) CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 SEA LICE

SEA LICE 19

Source: J. Day (DFO)

IN THIS SECTION Susceptibility of Farmed and Two Origins of Wild Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) to Effects of New and Existing Anti-Sea Lice In-Feed Treatment Options on Force Fed Experimental Infestations with Sea Lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) Adult American Lobsters (Homarus americanus)

The Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Anti-Sea Lice Therapeutants on Marine Benthic Pile Perch (Rhacochilus vacca) as a Cleaner Fish for Sea Lice on Farmed Salmon: and Pelagic Invertebrates Identification of Pathogens of Concern with Respect to Salmon and Perch Health

Defining the Risk of Sea Lice Infections through the Development of an Understanding The Environmental Effects of Anti-Sea Lice Pesticides on Marine Benthic Species of the Early Life History Population Dynamics of Sea Lice on Atlantic Salmon Aquaculture Sites in the Bay of Fundy Refining the Use of Warm Water Showers to Remove Sea Lice from Atlantic Salmon and Understanding the Fish Health Implications of the Technique Effects of Organophosphate Aquaculture Pesticide Azamethiphos on American Lobster (Homarus americanus) Larvae (Stage I, II, III) The Environmental Effects of Anti-sea Lice Pesticides on Marine Zooplankton

Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Sea Lice Infestations on Wild and Farm-Raised Assessing the Potential for Development of Thermal Resistance of Sea Lice to Warm Salmon on the British Columbia Coast Water Showers

Characterizing Function of Enzymes in the Chitin Synthesis Pathway of Underwater Drones Lead the Way to More Opportunities in Cleaner Fish Behaviour Lepeophtheirus salmonis Research within Atlantic Salmon Sea Cages

Effects of New and Existing Anti-Sea Lice In-Feed Treatment Options on Voluntary Genomic Assessment of Potential Genetic Interactions of the Use of European Feeding Juvenile American Lobsters (Homarus americanus) Lumpfish as a Cleaner Fish in Atlantic Salmon Aquaculture in Newfoundland

Development of Diets and Feeding Strategies for the Implementation of Sea Lice Spatial Heterogeneity in Sea Lice Infestations on Farmed Salmon in British Columbia Cleaner Fish in Salmon Farms in BC SEA LICE CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Susceptibility of Farmed and Two Origins of Wild Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) to Experimental Infestations with Sea Lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis)

ea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) are This project also utilized controlled sea higher erosion in farmed smolts. In addition, wild Scommon pests on farmed Atlantic Salmon lice laboratory infestations to evaluate the and farmed infested salmon presented different and can have large economic consequences susceptibility of three populations of Atlantic dose-responsive up-regulation of skin key for the salmon industry. Since sea lice may use Salmon to sea lice. Wild salmon from two immune-relevant genes. This result highlights light as a cue to make contact with the host origins (Garnish River and Conne River) of a discrepancy in both innate and adaptive fish, the project assessed whether the light Newfoundland’s South coast and farmed (local and systemic) immune system function regimen in a tank (full time low light vs alternance salmon were exposed to sea lice for a period of between wild and farmed salmon. between light and dark) affected the settlement 26 days. It was observed that Conne River fish DATE APR. 2015 – MAR. 2017 patterns of sea lice on salmon post-smolts, had significantly higher sea lice densities than FUNDED BY DFO–Aquaculture Collaborative taking into account fish size and fin erosion. farmed salmon and wild salmon from Garnish 20 Research and Development Program Results demonstrated that the light regimen did River, suggesting that genetic differences (DFO–ACRDP) not influence sea lice infestation levels, but did influence susceptibility. Differences in sea lice CO-FUNDED BY Cold Ocean Salmon Inc. impact distribution of sea lice on the host body. locations were identified among the salmon PROJECT LEADER Dounia Hamoutene (DFO) Additionally, fin erosion did not have a significant populations, particularly: 1) more sea lice on gills PROJECT TEAM Lynn Lush, Kimberley Burt, effect on total sea lice counts, but affected of farmed fish compared to Conne River salmon, Daria Gallardi, Harry Murray (DFO) proportional distribution of sea lice. Increased likely due to differences in gill vascularization and COLLABORATORS Julia Bungay (Cold Ocean fin erosion lowered the number of sea lice localized immune responses; 2) more sea lice on Salmon Inc.) observed on paired fins and increased sea lice paired fins of wild populations (significant only in CONTACT [email protected] on the other anterior parts of the fish body. Garnish fish) compared to farmed fish, linked to WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/ a greater fin surface area in wild salmon due to 15-1-N-01-eng.html

The Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Anti-Sea Lice Therapeutants on Marine Benthic and Pelagic Invertebrates

he environmental consequences of Taquaculture chemotherapeutants used as a treatment for sea lice were assessed by generating data on the effects of these chemicals on pelagic and benthic non-target marine organisms under realistic exposure concentrations and durations. Currently, there is specific concern regarding bath chemotherapeutant toxicity to planktonic organisms or to those that inhabit the water column for specific life stages (e.g., gametes or larvae). Both lethal and sublethal effects associated with short-term pulse exposures Behavioural assay tanks for polychaetes (Attila virens) exposed to chemotherapeutants. under environmentally realistic concentrations Photo: Lindsay Woof (SFU) are known in only a few specific planktonic species (or life stages) found on the East coast Benthic and epibenthic organisms are at risk of relevant. These data are required to ensure the of Canada and in the marine waters of Europe. exposure to both ivermectin and SLICE® that proper and safe use of these chemicals through Here, a series of studies were conducted partition to sediments. Subchronic sediment science-based regulations. that expand currently funded research using exposures (>28 days) were incorporated into DATE SEP. 2017 – MAR. 2018 targeted representative Pacific marine species experiments aimed at determining the sublethal FUNDED BY DFO–National Contaminants (bivalves and echinoderms). toxicity of these chemicals for these potentially Advisory Group (DFO–NCAG) In current experiments, reproduction susceptible groups of organisms. Effects on CO-FUNDED BY Simon Fraser University (SFU) and development were examined in both organism avoidance and locomotory behaviour, PROJECT LEADER Chris Kennedy (SFU) adult (fertilization/gametes) and larval oxygen consumption, as well as effects on PROJECT TEAM Lindsay Woof, Samantha stages (development) of purple sea urchin growth were measured. Lunquist, Stephanie Cooper, Munraj Bajwa (SFU) (Stronglylocentotus purpuratus) and blue mussel This research provides targeted information COLLABORATORS Nautilus Environmental (Mytilus edulis) that would be found in the water on the lethal and sublethal toxicity of these CONTACT [email protected] column to determine the lethal and sublethal compounds, focusing on exposure pathways WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/ effects of both Salmosan® and Paramove® 50. and durations that are most environmentally rp-pr/ncag-gncc/projects-projets/041-eng.html CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 SEA LICE

Defining the Risk of Sea Lice Infections through the Development of an Understanding of the Early Life History Population Dynamics of Sea Lice on Atlantic Salmon Aquaculture Sites in the Bay of Fundy

his is an important time for the salmon larvae finding and attaching to their host fish. Tfarming industry on the East coast as there It is providing some of the first views of larval are signs that resistance is developing in sea sea lice densities in proximity to salmon farms in lice to the current suite of therapeutant sea lice the Bay of Fundy and how they vary over time treatments resulting in more intense infection and space. pressures on the salmon. This is not only DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2020 hindering current farming operations, but also FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative future development, thereby creating a demand Research and Development Program for more effective alternative approaches to (DFO – ACRDP) 21 parasite control. CO-FUNDED BY Cooke Aquaculture Inc. This project will seek to better understand PROJECT LEADER Shawn Robinson (DFO) Plankton net used to sample larval sea lice in and the distribution and dynamics of sea lice around salmon cages with an inset showing a larval PROJECT TEAM Emily Nelson (DF0) larvae originating from salmon farms to help sea louse. COLLABORATORS Keng Pee Ang (Cooke Photo: S. Robinson (DFO) identify specific options for treatment or farm Aquaculture Inc.) management techniques to target sea lice known on the early life history of this species, CONTACT [email protected] larvae and reduce the overall frequency and/or this information will be crucial to successfully WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ severity of sea lice infestations on salmon farms manage this issue. aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/17- 1-M-01-eng.html in the Bay of Fundy. As sea lice are currently This project is designed to combine both one of the major issues affecting the success lab and field components to understand the of salmon farming, and very little information is mechanisms behind the infection dynamics of

Effects of Organophosphate Aquaculture Pesticide Azamethiphos on American Lobster (Homarus americanus) Larvae (Stage I, II, III)

oth the American Lobster fishery and for exposure. Decreasing AChE activity BAtlantic Salmon aquaculture are important was significantly correlated with increased to the economy of Atlantic Canada. Research immobilization and mortality, and activities is needed to better understand any interactions below 1.1, 1.2 and 22.9 nmol/min mg for Stage I, and their possible effects given that these II and III, respectively, may indicate significant industries often operate in close proximity. immobilization and predict future mortality of Laboratory exposures have revealed various those stages. The temporal and geographical pesticide effects on lobster larval survival, overlap of larval lobster life stages and the use behaviour, development and immunity. This of Salmosan® is important to consider when study explored the effects of Salmosan® assessing potential risk. WP50 – active ingredient azamethiphos – on This research provides information on sensitive the survival and development of planktonic life stages of a non-target organism under early life stages of American Lobsters, Homarus environmentally realistic conditions, thereby americanus. Salmosan® is used to treat Atlantic improving risk assessments, and providing Salmon infestations with parasitic sea lice. valuable input to support integrated pest Eggs develop on the abdomen of a berried female At each planktonic stage (Stages I-III), management strategies on aquaculture sites. American lobster (top left), then hatch to become planktonic Stage I larvae (top right). These larvae individual lobsters were exposed for three molt to become Stage II larvae (middle right), then DATE JUN. 2017 – OCT. 2017 hours to water-borne Salmosan® at six molt to become Stage III larvae (bottom right). All FUNDED BY DFO-National Contaminants of these planktonic larval stages were exposed to treatment concentrations ranging from 0.21 Advisory Group (DFO-NCAG) complete the project. to 42 µg L-1 azamethiphos, with 30 individuals Source: Huntsman Marine Science Centre PROJECT LEADER Dounia Daoud per treatment. Treatment-related effects (Homarus Inc.) were observed, with higher concentrations PROJECT TEAM Benjamin de Jourdan, Anne causing increased mortality and decreased McCarthy, Rebecca Eldridge, Ellen Fanning, moulting success. Significant effects on Elizabeth Dowling, Erica Harvey, Aldea Poirier, Emma Bowland, David Goodwin (HMSC) immobilization were observed after three COLLABORATORS Marc Surette (U Moncton) hours of exposure to concentrations as low as CONTACT [email protected] 2.8 µg L-1 azamethiphos. Acethylcolinesterase WEBSITE http://www.homarus.org/ (AChE) response proved consistent across stages in terms of acting as a biomarker SEA LICE CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Spatial and Temporal Patterns Characterizing Function of Enzymes in the Chitin Synthesis of Sea Lice Infestations on Pathway of Lepeophtheirus salmonis

Wild and Farm-Raised Salmon s an arthropod, the salmon louse on the British Columbia Coast A(Lepeophtheirus salmonis) relies on the n 2016, UPEI and the BCSFA initiated the production of chitin. Drugs targeting chitin IWild Salmon Sea Lice Integration Project synthesis have been largely successful against (WSSLIP), aggregating data from around terrestrial parasites, where the pathway seventy different sources, which has led to the has been well characterized. However, a largest collection of sea lice records relating to comparable approach against L. salmonis wild salmon to date anywhere in the world. By has been less successful, likely due to a poor the end of 2017, data had been collected from understanding of the chitin synthesis pathway (CSP). RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful 22 almost one million wild Pacific salmon at over three hundred sampling locations along the BC method for evaluation of protein function in non- coast over the previous sixteen years. From model organisms and has been successfully these, almost 250,000 fish captured at around used to deduce function of several genes in 12,000 separate events had been assessed for L. salmonis. Thus, the purpose of this work was sea lice infestation. to use RNAi to characterize the function of A project funded through the BCSFA’s Marine putative genes in the CSP of L. salmonis. Environmental Research Program (MERP) Using this technique, we demonstrate enabled the use of this large database on sea complete abrogation of infectivity in larval lice infestation in wild Pacific salmon for the L. salmonis after knockdown of key CSP study of spatial and temporal patterns of sea lice enzymes, glucosamine: fructose-6-phosphate infestation in both wild and farmed salmon. The aminotransferase (GFAT), or chitin synthase initial work focused on collecting comparative (CHS). Both groups of treated sea lice were data from BC salmon farms over a similar observed to molt to the infective copepodite Copepodite L. salmonis after knockdown of GFAT stage but were unable to maintain position using RNAi showing extreme phenotypic anomaly. period. In addition to sea lice levels on around Photo: Laura Braden (AVC/AquaBounty) 220,000 farmed fish from over a hundred in the water column or attach to a host fish. sites, data on around 550 cycles of Atlantic Sea lice with the CHS1+2 knockdown did not Salmon production and 675 treatment events present any obvious phenotypic variation; have been integrated into the data set. Work is however, in contrast, the GFAT knockdown now underway to complete a peer-reviewed was accompanied by a severe phenotypic manuscript, which will summarize and describe aberration whereby all appendages were trends and associations within these data. thickened (as can be seen in the picture). This exploration of spatial and temporal This work demonstrates the importance of patterns of sea lice infestation in the Pacific will the chitin synthesis enzymes GFAT and CHS for eventually allow the development and testing successful infectivity of L. salmonis. Furthermore, Larvae with GFAT knocked down are unable to swim this work highlights the applicability of RNAi as as shown here. of predictive models of sea lice infestation that Video: Laura Braden (AVC/AquaBounty) could help mitigate their impacts. a tool to explore novel targets for sea lice control. DATE JAN. 2017 – JAN. 2019 DATE APR. 2016 – MAR. 2018 FUNDED BY Elanco Animal Health FUNDED BY British Columbia Salmon Farmers Association–Marine Environmental Research CO-FUNDED BY Norwegian Research Council; Program (BCSFA–MERP) Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) PROJECT LEADER Crawford Revie, Thitiwan Patanasatienkul (UPEI) PROJECT LEADER Mark Fast (AVC) COLLABORATORS Joanne Liutkus (BCSFA) PROJECT TEAM Laura Braden, Okechukwu Igboeli, Michael Dundrop, Lars Hamre, Sussie CONTACT [email protected] Dalvin, Christiane Eichner, Frank Nilsen, Jordan WEBSITE BCsalmonfarmers.ca Poley (UPEI) To control for the effect of knockdown, a group of larvae were treated with dsCYP, a cod gene. As shown COLLABORATORS Sea Lice Research Centre in the video, these animals are behaving typically, (U Bergen) showing phototactic behaviour, and rapid swimming. CONTACT [email protected] Video: Laura Braden (AVC/AquaBounty) CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 SEA LICE

Effects of New and Existing Anti-Sea Lice In-Feed Treatment Development of Diets and Options on Voluntary Feeding Juvenile American Lobsters Feeding Strategies for the (Homarus americanus) Implementation of Sea Lice

he American Lobster fishery often • Siphoning uneaten whole or portions of Cleaner Fish in Salmon Farms Tco-exists with Atlantic Salmon aquaculture. feed pellets the following morning before in BC Regulators must therefore understand possible the next pellet offering. Drying collected his project is an integral component of a effects of anti-sea lice treatment drugs on the feed pellets to weigh the uneaten pellets Tlarger project to establish a commercial lobster, as a non-target species that might and therefore determine missing, possibly perch sea lice cleaner fish industry to support consume uneaten dosed feed or faeces that consumed, feed. salmon aquaculture in BC. Research to date has pass through treated fish cages. • Observing treated juvenile lobsters provided clear evidence that Kelp and Pile Perch Juvenile lobsters are too small to allow daily within their individual cells during are efficient at cleaning sea lice off infested forced feeding that ensures delivery of a the dosing and post-dosing periods salmon. In order for this research to advance to 23 known dose. Instead, toxicology relies on and documenting observations using the next stage, it is vital to determine the optimal offering dosed fish feed pellets to lobsters an established scoring system and diets to feed the perch for sustained growth, for voluntary feeding. This approach allows series of standardized acronyms to health and welfare both prior to and after estimation of lethal concentration values describe behaviour. deployment in the farms. Healthy and robust associated with novel in-feed anti-sea lice The described voluntary consumption cleaner fish have been shown to be the most drugs in post-settled lobsters. The study exposure model provides essential toxicology effective at cleaning sea lice, which makes this methods of this work included: data for early life stages of this commercially research very important to this new industry. • Establishing replicate study tanks that important, non-target species associated The overall objective of this research project each contain five cells to hold individual with new and existing anti-sea lice in-feed is to develop diets and feeding strategies for juvenile lobsters. Each tank holding five treatment options. Several studies using this Kelp and Pile Perch, in support of their use as individuals is an experimental unit, with specific design have been completed involving sea lice cleaner fish in Atlantic Salmon farms in replicates randomly assigned within candidate anti-sea lice drugs that have different BC. The information gathered from this research blocks throughout the controlled access modes of action. will provide valuable information required to study wet laboratory. DATE SEP. 2015 – DEC. 2017 establish a hatchery to produce the perch • Maintaining lobsters through acclimating, FUNDED BY Huntsman Marine Science for deployment in the salmon net pens. This fasting, dosing and post-dosing periods. Centre (HMSC) research will help develop diets for the perch at Dosing matches the anticipated drug PROJECT LEADER Les Burridge (HMSC) all life history stages, and the most appropriate treatment period to Atlantic Salmon (e.g., PROJECT TEAM Anne McCarthy, Esther feeding systems for use in the net pens. 7-day dosing period). The post-dosing Keddie, Trena Hurley, Rebecca Eldridge, Louise period is at least 28-days to provide time Warner, David Goodwin, Benjamin de Jourdan, DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2019 for delayed effects. Chris Bridger (HMSC) FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative • Offering a set number of dosed feed CONTACT [email protected] Research and Development Program (DFO – ACRDP) pellets daily to each juvenile lobster. WEBSITE Huntsmanmarine.ca CO-FUNDED BY BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) PROJECT LEADER Ian Forster (DFO) PROJECT TEAM Shannon Balfry (CAHS); Mirko Diaz, Katarina Doughty (DFO) COLLABORATORS BCSFA CONTACT [email protected] WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/17- 1-P-03-eng.html

Lobster holding tank set-up with four rows of fifteen tanks. Each tank provides five cells to individually house juvenile lobsters to facilitate individual observations and offer protection (n = 300 lobsters total in the photo). Photo: Huntsman Marine Science Centre SEA LICE CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Effects of New and Existing Anti-Sea Lice In-Feed Pile Perch (Rhacochilus Treatment Options on Force Fed Adult American Lobsters vacca) as a Cleaner Fish for (Homarus americanus) Sea Lice on Farmed Salmon: Identification of Pathogens andidate anti-sea lice Ctreatment drugs must of Concern with Respect to be extensively studied before Salmon and Perch Health national regulators will allow he presence of sea lice is a significant use within the local seawater economic burden to commercial salmon environment. Characterization T aquaculture. Since 2001, dietary emamectin of efficacy, target animal benzoate (EMB) had been the treatment of safety, pharmacokinetics, choice for sea lice on farmed Atlantic Salmon etc., are necessary. Also 24 because of its high efficacy and ease of required are studies focused application. However, the development of EMB on environmental effects, such resistance among sea lice populations has as those on local non-target reduced its usefulness as a treatment in Norway, species (e.g., the American Chile and Eastern Canada. In British Columbia, Lobster in Atlantic Canada). reports of variable EMB treatment efficacy Staff at Huntsman refined suggests that resistance to EMB may be earlier methods to acquire lethal developing, stressing the need to find alternative dose values associated with tools for controlling sea lice. novel in-feed sea lice drugs in In Norway, cleaner fish are commonly used adult American Lobsters. In a to control sea lice infestations and reduce the series of experiments, we used reliance on chemical treatments. In BC, the these methods to assess the potential for using native Pile Perch as cleaner following dose responses: fish to control sea lice has been demonstrated • Providing a known range in the laboratory. However, prior to commercial of doses delivered to development and deployment of Pile Perch as individual test lobsters a cleaner fish, it is necessary to understand the in spiked fish food slurry potential fish health risks, if any, posed by their via oral gavage. Lobsters Oral gavage of adult American Lobster with a spiked fish food slurry Photo: A. McCarthy use. It is also important to identify any infectious are known to be messy agents that may directly affect the Pile Perch. feeders and therefore This project will examine pathogens of concern voluntary consumption on dosed pellets The described exposure model allows for to salmon and perch health, and seek to identify is not expected to provide accurate more accurate risk assessments associated if Pile Perch could act as an alternative or estimation of actual received dosage. This with new and existing anti-sea lice in-feed reservoir host of salmon pathogens. is an important consideration in order to treatment options. Several non-target adult determine dose response relationships American Lobster studies using this specific DATE APR. 2018 – JUN. 2019 and establish critical tissue body burden. design have been completed on behalf of FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative • Holding dosed lobsters within individual pharmaceutical companies to estimate lethal Research and Development Program (DFO – ACRDP) aquaria for a set period of time to ensure dose values following extended post-dosing CO-FUNDED BY BC Salmon Farmers regurgitation of spiked slurry does holding periods for candidate anti-sea lice Association (BCSFA) not occur. drugs having different modes of action. PROJECT LEADER Stewart Johnson (DFO) • Observing dosed lobsters within DATE JAN. 2015 – SEP. 2017 PROJECT TEAM Diane Morrison (Marine individual grid cells for several days Harvest Canada); Ahmed Siah (CAHS) FUNDED BY Huntsman Marine Science Centre with daily observations using an (HMSC) COLLABORATORS Joanne Liutkus (BCSFA) established scoring system and series PROJECT LEADER Les Burridge (HMSC) CONTACT [email protected] of standardized acronyms to describe PROJECT TEAM Anne McCarthy, Esther behaviour. This phase is most important Keddie, Trena Hurley, Sarah Ogilvie, Erin Carpenter, for neurotoxic molecules. Rebecca Eldridge, David Goodwin, Benjamin de • Maintaining dosed lobsters that survived Jourdan, Chris Bridger (HMSC) beyond the initial observation period for CONTACT [email protected] an extended timescale post-dosing WEBSITE Huntsmanmarine.ca (typically 12–24 months) to monitor for delayed effects. CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 SEA LICE

The Environmental Effects of Anti-Sea Lice Pesticides on Marine Benthic Species

trategic chemotherapeutic treatments potentially susceptible organisms. Specifically, Sfor sea lice control are essential to this research is focused on environmentally finfish production in intensive aquaculture. realistic exposures of chemotherapeutant Health Canada assesses and approves formulations (short term water exposures for chemotherapeutants for use in the salmon Salmosan® and Paramove® 50 and long term aquaculture industry; these are considered sediment exposures for ivermectin and SLICE® either a drug (if administered in feed) or a and a combination of both) on benthic animals pesticide (if administered in a water bath). (annelids, crustaceans, and fish). Lethal studies Predictions of the persistence and toxicity were performed on polychaetes, amphipods, of these chemicals to non-target organisms spot prawn and starry flounder. Sublethal have been undertaken in Canada and endpoints examined in spot prawn and starry globally where salmon farming occurs, but it flounder in these experiments include: locomotion 25 is recognized that data gaps exist for various and behaviour, stress and oxygen consumption, species, including Pacific benthic species. molting (spot prawn), and growth. The data Regardless of partitioning behaviour, benthic obtained from this research will ensure the proper and epibenthic organisms are at risk of exposure and safe use, and the appropriate regulation of to some or all of these chemicals via overlying these aquaculture chemicals in Canada. water, pore water, or sediments, depending on DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2020 the fate of the compounds and environmental FUNDED BY DFO – National Contaminants Exposure tanks for amphipods (Eohaustarius conditions. Because of this potential for Advisory Group (DFO–NCAG) exposure, the chemotherapeutant toxicity to estuarius) used for short term exposures to water CO-FUNDED BY Simon Fraser University (SFU) contaminated with Salmosan® and Paramove® 50. benthic fauna near aquaculture operations Photo: Lindsay Woof (SFU) PROJECT LEADER Chris Kennedy (SFU) should be better understood. PROJECT TEAM Stephen Barrett, Kate Mill, This project aims to incorporate both Daniel King, Tooba Khan, Michael Dong, water and sediment exposures as well as Manpreet Jhutty, Annie Cai, Michelle Young, acute and chronic exposure time frames into Karan Parekh (SFU) experiments aimed at determining the lethal COLLABORATORS Nautilus Environmental and sublethal toxicity of these chemicals in CONTACT [email protected]

Refining the Use of Warm Water Showers to Remove Sea Lice from Atlantic Salmon and Understanding the Fish Health Implications of the Technique

onsiderable effort is expended (via treatment; any immunological impairment was Cchemotherapeutants and animal resolved within 48 hours. husbandry practices) to manage parasitic Overall, this project confirmed that the infections by the sea louse, Lepeophtheirus warm water shower technology can effectively salmonis, a globally acknowledged challenge control parasitic sea lice infections in salmon for salmon farmers. The parasite is gaining aquaculture. This new, environmentally benign resistance to treatments and new approaches treatment option for industry will increase the are urgently needed. sustainability of the sector. A new technology was introduced to salmon DATE JUL. 2016 – JUN. 2018 farming in the Bay of Fundy in which salmon FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative are exposed to a warm water shower. This Research and Development Program technology was found to be very effective at Aerial view of the Cooke R warm water shower at a (DFO – ACRDP) salmon farm in the Bay of Fundy. removing mobile stages of sea lice and was CO-FUNDED BY Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. (KCS) Photo: J. Day (DFO) able to retain virtually all of the removed sea lice, PROJECT LEADER Shawn Robinson (DFO) preventing them from being reintroduced into very well and allowed for increased throughput PROJECT TEAM Steve Neil, Craig G. Smith the water column near the salmon cages and of fish through the shower. The new designs, in (DFO); Joel Halse (KCS) re-infecting the fish. addition to being more cost-effective, are much COLLABORATORS Keng Pee Ang (KCS); Duane This project confirmed that a warm seawater better at handling any mucus removed from the Barker (HMSC) spray can effectively and regularly remove fish and the resulting foam production in the filter CONTACT [email protected] up to 95% of the mobile stages of the salmon systems. The optimal temperature of the shower WEBSITE www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/rp-pr/ acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/16-1-M-01-eng.html sea louse. A new prototype system, using a system is 32 to 34°C, with an exposure time of stainless-steel trough configuration, worked 25 to 30 seconds. Fish remain healthy during the SEA LICE CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

The Environmental Effects of Anti-Sea Lice Pesticides on Marine Zooplankton

he quality of near-shore coastal waters Zooplankton play a key role in marine food DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2020 Tand estuaries is of great concern to web dynamics, biogeochemical cycling, and fish FUNDED BY DFO–National Contaminants Canadians, particularly as these ecosystems recruitment. However, despite their importance Advisory Group (DFO–NCAG) become increasingly threatened by pollution. in marine environments, our knowledge of CO-FUNDED BY Simon Fraser University (SFU) In addressing this priority, an improved the interactions between zooplankton and PROJECT LEADER Chris Kennedy (SFU) understanding of chemical impacts on aquaculture chemotherapeutants is limited. PROJECT TEAM Jenna Keen, Ashish Patankar, near-shore ecosystems is essential to the Research is currently underway involving a Vivian Tsui (SFU) responsible stewardship of Canada’s coastal series of studies using natural zooplankton CONTACT [email protected] areas. In recent years, the salmon aquaculture assemblages, and targeted representative WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/ industry has become a major contributor to Pacific zooplankton species (crustacean larvae, rp-pr/ncag-gncc/projects-projets/027-eng.html the Canadian economy and, as is the case herring larvae, and copepods) to determine the 26 globally, this industry relies on the strategic use acute lethality of two chemical therapeutants of chemotherapeutic treatments (drugs and for sea lice treatments, namely Salmosan® pesticides) to control parasitic sea lice, which and Paramove®50 formulations, under realistic can result in the release of these products exposure concentrations and durations, as well within local net pen areas. Typically, sea lice are as to examine the sublethal effects of these managed through harvesting, topical pesticides exposures on the growth, development, and or in-feed medications. Pesticides, approved reproduction of a marine copepod species. for use by Health Canada to treat sea lice, This research specifically addresses come with label directions to protect non-target information gaps that need to be filled species. However, there is interest in a better in order for proper assessments to be understanding of the conditions under which made of the environmental (non-target the use of these products could pose a risk to organism) consequences of Salmosan® and sensitive non-target organisms. Paramove®50 formulations’ use in Canada. MET graduate student, Jenna Keen, sampling wild zooplankton for exposure to Salmosan® and Paramove® 50. Photo: Jenna Keen (SFU)

Assessing the Potential for Development of Thermal Resistance of Sea Lice to Warm Water Showers

utbreaks of sea lice are a globally One of the more promising techniques being The overall goal of this project is to test the Oacknowledged challenge for salmon developed to remove sea lice from farmed concept that sea lice may develop resistance farming operations; they are a risk to wild salmon and to control the attached stages is the over multiple generations to the temperatures salmon populations and a considerable amount use of warm water showers. Previous ACRDP currently being used in the warm water shower of resources are being expended by industry project results have demonstrated that the use to such an extent that the declining efficiency and governments from many countries in order of a warm water shower can effectively remove of the warm water shower eventually renders it to manage these pests. Chemotherapeutants up to 95% of the mobile stages of sea lice from useless. If this resistance occurs, understanding and animal husbandry practices have been the fish in a thirty second treatment, with very the rate of this potential change in resistance traditionally used to keep sea lice under control, low mortality rates in the fish. A recent study has to warm water by the sea lice will enable better but the parasite is becoming resistant to many suggested the possibility that resistance of sea planning for the lifespan of this technology and of the chemicals that are being used. There are lice to the warm water or freshwater treatments the timescale for alternatives to be developed. strong incentives to look at other non-chemical may develop over time, in a manner similar to DATE MAY 2018 – MAR. 2021 approaches to dealing with sea lice. resistance to chemotherapeutants. FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (DFO – ACRDP) CO-FUNDED BY Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. PROJECT LEADER Shawn Robinson (DFO) PROJECT TEAM Hannah Bradford (DFO); Joel Halse (Cooke Aquaculture Inc.) COLLABORATORS Keng Pee Ang (Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd.) CONTACT [email protected] WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/18- Female salmon sea louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) with egg strings containing 300-400 eggs. m-02-eng.html Photo: P. Robertson (DFO) CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 SEA LICE

Underwater Drones Lead the Way to More Opportunities in Cleaner Fish Behaviour Research within Atlantic Salmon Sea Cages

wo cleaner fish species, the Lumpfish T(Cyclopterus lumpus) and the Cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus), have recently begun to be used to remove sea lice from Atlantic Salmon in commercial sea cages in Atlantic Canada. However, key aspects of cleaner fish ecology and behaviour remain poorly known including their diet within the diverse cage environment, how they are spatially distributed, and how often they interact with their client salmon. Our research incorporated the use of an 27 inexpensive underwater drone, the Gladius Advanced Pro, to obtain a good spatial understanding of cleaner fish distribution throughout a commercial sea cage. The mobility of this drone allowed us to inspect the usefulness of different artificial hide designs, Video of Lumpfish in the sea cages. locate aggregations of cleaner fish, provide Video: Jessica Roy (U Guelph) insights into their feeding behaviour, and track daily cleaner fish activities throughout the cages. Videos from the drone allowed for quantification of a variety of cleaner fish behaviours that can be used to estimate the cleaner fish population’s overall cleaning efficacy of sea lice within a sea cage. The video observations will be compared with morphological and molecular metabarcoding of stomach contents of different sizes of cleaner fish from the cages and from the wild. Sea lice prevalence in stomachs from different families will be compared and used to select parents for cleaner fish breeding programs. Our results will provide direction for future development of an optimal cleaner-client environment within Atlantic Salmon sea cages. We are working towards determining the spatial and temporal mapping of cleaner fish The Gladius Advanced Pro drone in action. distributions throughout the cages, recording Photo: Camden Moir (U Guelph) deep-water intraspecific and interspecific interactions, and striving to develop cleaning stations that promote interactions between cleaner fishes and their Atlantic Salmon client.

DATE OCT. 2017 – SEP. 2020 FUNDED BY Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) — Strategic Partnership Grant for Projects CO-FUNDED BY Cooke Aquaculture Inc. PROJECT LEADER Elizabeth Boulding (U Guelph) PROJECT TEAM Camden Moir, Jessica Roy, Andjin Siegenthaler, Larry Schaeffer (U Guelph) COLLABORATORS Keng Pee Ang, Jake Elliott, Sheldon George, Marine Herlin, Geoffrey McBriarty, Frank Powell (Cooke Aquaculture Inc.); Thor Magne Jonassen (Akvaplan-niva) CONTACT [email protected] WEBSITE https://www.uoguelph.ca/ib/boulding Jessica Roy and Camden Moir operating the drone. Photo: Jessica Roy (U Guelph) SEA LICE CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Genomic Assessment of Potential Genetic Interactions of the Spatial Heterogeneity in Sea Use of European Lumpfish as a Cleaner Fish in Atlantic Salmon Lice Infestations on Farmed Aquaculture in Newfoundland Salmon in British Columbia

he effective management of sea lice n British Columbia, emamectin benzoate Tcontinues to be a priority for the Atlantic I(EMB) has been an effective treatment for Salmon aquaculture industry and as such salmon lice since 2000. Since 2004, sea lice the use of cleaner fish, such as Common management has been linked to wild salmon Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus), has become an conservation with coast-wide regulations that increasingly common alternative to chemical ensure motile sea lice abundance remain below pesticides. Recent research has indicated 3 per salmon between March and July, usually that both escaped farmed salmon and other by treatment or harvest. Prescribed use of EMB translocated cleaner fish species can hybridize between 2012 and 2015 was 242% higher than 28 with wild populations and pose a threat to the between 2000 and 2003. In 2014, approval genetic integrity of wild populations. Given of hydrogen peroxide as a sea lice treatment declines in wild Common Lumpfish over the last was required because of apparent reductions twenty years in Atlantic Canada, the Committee in EMB efficacy. In other regions, onset of on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada resistance to EMB is well documented and (COSEWIC) has recommended a “threatened” associated with increased treatment frequency. listing for Common Lumpfish. As such, there The primary goal of this research is to identify remains considerable uncertainty regarding the opportunities for reducing EMB treatment the potential impact of the use of Common frequency in BC, thereby reducing the risk of Lumpfish in salmon aquaculture on local EMB-resistant sea lice. Sea lice abundances wild populations. differ among Fish Health Management Zones This project will characterize the population and understanding the factors contributing structure of wild and cultured lumpfish to this spatial heterogeneity will better inform populations in Atlantic Canada and Europe. the risk of infection and the need to use drugs Genome-wide screening and extensive or pesticides to manage sea lice on Atlantic sampling will be used to: (1) identify stock Salmon farms. structure among wild populations of Common DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2018 Lumpfish in Atlantic Canada; (2) directly FUNDED BY DFO–Program for Aquaculture compare wild Common Lumpfish to both Regulatory Research (DFO–PARR) European and domestic aquaculture strains; PROJECT LEADER Simon Jones (DFO) and (3) develop and test targeted SNP panels PROJECT TEAM Katie Verkaik (DFO); William for the identification of wild-cultured hybrids. Sears (U Guelph); Carl Ribble (Centre for Coastal This project will both directly inform aquaculture Health/U Calgary) management and Common Lumpfish CONTACT [email protected] conservation regarding the risks of importation WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ of European Lumpfish, and provide the tools to aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/fhtt- etsp-2017-p-01-eng.html quantify potential genetic interactions resulting from their use in salmon aquaculture.

DATE APR. 2018 – MAR. 2021 FUNDED BY DFO – Program for Aquaculture Regulatory Research (DFO – PARR) PROJECT LEADER Ian Bradbury (DFO) PROJECT TEAM Amber Messmer, Steven Duffy, Johanne Gauthier, Mark Simpson, Chris Hendry, Helen Griffiths (DFO) COLLABORATORS Matthew Kent (NMBU); Danny Boyce (MUN); Paul Bentzen (Dalhousie U) CONTACT [email protected] WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2018- Electrofishing for juvenile Atlantic Salmon. nl-04-eng.html Photo: KÖBB Media / DFO CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FISH HEALTH

FISH HEALTH 29

Photo: RJ Taylor (Cedar Trout Farm)

IN THIS SECTION Physiological Consequences of Piscine Orthoreovirus (PRV) Infection of Atlantic and Characteristics of British Columbia Isolates of Piscirickettsia salmonis Relevant for Pacific Salmonids Understanding Pathogen Transmission and Infectivity

Assessment and Mitigation of Whirling Disease, Myxobolus cerebralis, in Privately Integrated Pathogen Management of Co-Infection in Atlantic Salmon Stocked Ponds in Alberta Occurrence, Distribution and Causes of Gill Disease in Salmonids in British Columbia Investigation of Piscine Reovirus (PRV) in the Development of Disease Isolation and Identification of Bacteria Associated with Ulcer Disease from Atlantic Piscine Reovirus (PRV): Characterisation, Atlantic Salmon Susceptibility, and Initial Salmon Aquaculture Sites in New Brunswick Survey in Farmed and Wild Salmonids in Atlantic Canada Mouth Rot in Atlantic Salmon Prevalence and Transmission Dynamics of Piscine Reovirus (PRV) in the Marine Environment Investigations into Ulcerative Skin Disease Agents, MoritellaRJ viscosa Taylor and (Cedar Tenacibaculum spp. in Atlantic Salmon: Interactions and in Vivo Challenge DevelopmentCrest Trout Farm) PRV Susceptibility of Atlantic Salmon at Different Life Stages and Eastern Canadian vs European Farmed Salmon Comparative Study Nucleo-Cytoplasmic Large DNA Viruses of Wild Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in Central Canada Pathogen Susceptibility of Pacific Salmon – Phase 1: Salmon Anemia Virus (ISAV) and Alphavirus (SAV) Cellular Effectors Involved in Protective Immunity Against Kudoa thyrsites in Atlantic Salmon Salmon Gill Poxvirus-Like (SGPV-Like): Characterization, Atlantic Salmon Susceptibility, and Initial Survey in Farmed and Wild Salmon The Effects of Smolt Size on the Intensity of Kudoa thyrsites Infections in Atlantic Salmon Salmon Gill Poxvirus (SGPV) Characterisation in Farmed and Wild Salmon — Phase II Genomic Diversity and Lytic Activity of Bacteriophages Specific Against Aeromonas Validation of Pooling Tissues for Pathogen Detection (Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus salmonicida, the Fish Pathogen that Causes Furunculosis. and Haplosporidium nelsoni-MSX) Diagnostic Validation of Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerse Chain The Effect of Dietary Camelina Oil on Health of Salmon Reaction (RT-qPCR) Assays for Detection of Spring Viremia of Carp Virus (SVCV)

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicaemia Virus (VHSV) Evolution and Adaptation Potential in Investigating the Molecular Mechanisms of Vaccine-Induced Protection in Arctic Farmed Atlantic Salmon in British Columbia Charr after Infection with Aeromonas salmonicida spp. salmonicida

Canada Research Chair in Fish and Environmental Immunology Epidemiology of Net Pen Liver Disease in BC Farmed Salmon

Marine Reservoirs of Infectious Agents Associated with Proliferative Gill Disorders in Molecular Systematics of Sturgeon Nucleo-Cytoplasmic Large DNA Viruses Farmed Salmon Developing a Novel Plant Derived Formulation to Maintain Health of Freshwater Early Validation of Genomic Selection among Atlantic Salmon for Resistance to Infection Life Stages of Fish: Efficacy and Target Animal Safety Studies by Sea Lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis), and Concomitant Susceptibility to Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus (ISAV) Visceral Mycoses in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar): The Role of Opportunistic Fungal Pathogens in Fish Health and Mortality in Salmon Aquaculture Systems Biofouling Communities on Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Farm Nets: Exploring Links to Fish Gill Health Assessing the Effects of High Oxygen Freshwater Saturation on Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Growth and Overall Health within a Simulated Commercial Screening of Cultured Atlantic Salmon for Resistance and Susceptibility to Infection Hatchery Setting by Sea Lice (Lepeoptheirus salmonis) and Renibacterium salmoninarum, the Causative Agent of Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD) Fry/Parr Infection Model to Study Saprolegnia parasitica Infections for Broodstock Related and Novel Treatment Development Applications FISH HEALTH CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Physiological Consequences of Piscine Orthoreovirus (PRV) Assessment and Mitigation of Infection of Atlantic and Pacific Salmonids Whirling Disease, Myxobolus

iscine orthoreovirus (PRV) type 1 can DATE JAN. 2017 – MAR. 2018 cerebralis, in Privately Pestablish long-term infections in the blood FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative Stocked Ponds in Alberta Research and Development Program of numerous salmon species and in some (DFO – ACRDP) hirling disease, Myxobolus cerebralis instances has been linked to a disease state. CO-FUNDED BY BC Salmon Farmers W(Mc), was detected in Johnson Lake in The development of high load infections with Association (BCSFA); Natural Science and Banff National Park in Alberta in 2016. Following Engineering Research Council (NSERC) the potential to cause disease has raised a CFIA epidemiological assessment, 684 PROJECT LEADER Kyle Garver (DFO); Anthony concerns regarding PRV’s impact on salmon privately stocked ponds in Alberta were found Farrell (UBC) physiology and overall fish health. to be stocked from potentially infected facilities. This project aimed to determine if PRV PROJECT TEAM Mark Polinski (DFO); Colin Brauner, Yangfan Zhang, Phillip Morrison (UBC) Currently 94 of the 684 ponds have ’suspended’ infections have physiological consequences COLLABORATORS Jeremy Dunn (BCSFA) licenses, preventing licensees from stocking 30 and whether the virus can directly impact CONTACT [email protected] trout until they have proven to be disease-free, salmon health. The cardiorespiratory http://test-lc01-pub. as stocked ponds with established Mc lifecycles performance (swimming ability) of PRV-infected WEBSITE landfood.ubc.ca/browseProjects/ may create hotspots in Alberta that can result in Atlantic and Sockeye Salmon, in comparison project/5ac68965bbd2e964b085cb34 wild, native trout populations being infected. to uninfected controls, was evaluated in a Pond owners and the aquaculture industry laboratory setting. Oxygen binding potential in Alberta both have a vested interest in and maximum oxygen consumption were determining the disease status of ponds, as measured and compared between infected well as how to eradicate disease from infected and non-infected individuals. ponds. Ongoing research on stocked ponds in It was found that the potential of oxygen to Alberta will assess whether we can determine bind to blood cells and the carrying capacity of if the Mc lifecycle has been established blood cells were not affected by PRV. There was, through TAM enumeration, qPCR analysis, however, severe presence of the virus in the and/or sentinel studies. In ponds determined bloodstream, associated minor heart disease, to have established Mc lifecycles, research and short-term cell activation of anti-viral into methods to break the lifecycle will be response pathways. The acute and chronic PRV conducted, including: (1) leaving ponds fallow infections did not cause sustained differences of fish; (2) draining, tilling, and allowing ponds in the breathing capabilities of the infected to freeze; (3) introducing an aquatic agent to fish. Preliminary analyses suggest there are eliminate one obligate host (Tubifex tubifex); minor physiological impacts of PRV to Sockeye or (4) eliminating T. tubifex worms with the Salmon. The lack of functional harm to salmon introduction of high electrical exposure. infected with PRV implies that pathogen load is This research will allow the province to not in itself a good predictor of disease. confidently assess the disease status of privately stocked ponds and make management decisions on whether ponds can continue to be An overview (top) and a detailed view (bottom) of 8-channel automatic intermittent-flow respirometry stocked with trout. Additionally, this research system to measure integrated respiratory will determine if it is possible to eradicate an assessment paradigm (IRAP). established whirling disease life cycle from a Photo: Yangfan Zhang (UBC) stocked pond. This work may provide ground- breaking insights into treatment and control of whirling disease, and allow for the continued stocking and sale of farmed trout in Alberta.

DATE JAN. 2019 – FEB. 2020 FUNDED BY Government of Alberta PROJECT LEADER Trish Kelley (Government of Alberta) PROJECT TEAM Laurie Gallagher, Jim Wagner, Steve Jimbo (Government of Alberta) COLLABORATORS Greg Goss, Patrick Hanington (U Alberta); Barry Nehring (Fish and Wildlife Colorado); Jim Davies (InnoTech Alberta) Blood samples contained in the tonometer (left). The tonometer is then placed in the spectrophotometer (right) to quantify the oxygen equilibrium curve of hemoglobin. CONTACT [email protected] Photo: Phillip R. Morrison (UBC) CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FISH HEALTH

Investigation of Piscine Piscine Reovirus (PRV): Characterisation, Atlantic Salmon Reovirus (PRV) in the Susceptibility, and Initial Survey in Farmed and Wild Salmonids Development of Disease in Atlantic Canada

nderstanding disease determinants Uof piscine reovirus (PRV) infection is instrumental in ensuring best management practices are implemented towards safeguarding against the development of disease in salmon aquaculture. Piscine reovirus is a double stranded RNA virus that is a member of the family Reoviridae. In Norway, the virus has been shown to cause 31 heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI), an emerging disease in Norwegian-farmed Atlantic Salmon. However, in laboratory studies in Canada utilizing PRV isolated from farmed Atlantic Salmon in British Columbia, no disease was transmitted to naïve fish despite establishing significant PRV infections. Consequently, the pathogenic versus non- Sampling blood from fish to detect the presence of viruses. pathogenic outcomes associated with PRV Photo: DFO infection is puzzling and suggests regional- specific factors are needed to cause disease. t is important for the industry and for DFO in salmon, the significance of PRV detection To evaluate the individual contribution of Ito understand the distribution of the piscine is unclear. host, pathogen, and environmental factors reovirus (PRV), how and if it can affect fish, A survey and characterisation of the local as determinates in the development of HSMI and to understand the relationship with PRV PRV is important in order to know the current disease, side-by-side challenge studies will across salmon producing countries, as strain distribution of the virus on the East Coast, and be conducted in Norway and Canada. Through differences, and fish genetic background the potential for PRV to compromise wild and a pairwise comparison of the virulence of influence disease susceptibility. farmed Atlantic Salmon. This research builds on multiple strains of PRV in multiple stocks of PRV has been linked to heart and skeletal other studies about PRV. At the moment, PRV Atlantic Salmon, it will be determined whether muscle inflammation (HSMI) in Atlantic Salmon. has not been found in wild salmonids on the the development of HSMI is specifically linked to The role of PRV in HSMI development is not East Coast. Farmed fish in hatcheries and PRV strain, a host’s genetics, and/or a particular perfectly clear, as PRV is often found in fish in sea cages have a variable prevalence. PRV- environment. Ultimately, by comparing equivalent without symptoms of HSMI. Although the host free smolts stocked in sea cages will eventually PRV exposure studies in Norway and Canada, range of this virus appears primarily restricted have a PRV prevalence of 100%, indicating the this project will determine what triggers are to salmonids, it has been occasionally detected high infectivity and prevalence of the virus in required for the development of HSMI in in a few non-salmonid species. the environment. Atlantic Salmon. In western North America, where PRV DATE APR. 2016 – MAR. 2019 particles in salmon blood are also occasionally DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2019 FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative detected in some fish, there is no known FUNDED BY DFO – Program for Aquaculture Research and Development Program Regulatory Research (DFO–PARR) occurrence of HSMI. This suggests that PRV (DFO – ACRDP) from western North America is not harmful, or PROJECT LEADER Kyle Garver (DFO) CO-FUNDED BY Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. that factors other than the presence of PRV are PROJECT TEAM Mark Polinski, Mark Braceland, PROJECT LEADER Nellie Gagné (DFO) Nellie Gagné (DFO) required to cause the disease. In 2015, Atlantic PROJECT TEAM Delphine Ditlecadet, Francis COLLABORATORS Øystein Wessel, Espen Salmon from the East Coast were tested and Leblanc, Steven Leadbeater, Philip Byrne (DFO) Rimstad (NMBU) the presence of PRV was detected for the first COLLABORATORS Keng Pee Ang (Kelly Cove CONTACT [email protected] time. The genetic sequence of the strain of Salmon Ltd.) WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ virus found on the East Coast bears a close WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/16- aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/ resemblance to the West Coast strain of PRV. fhtt-etsp-2016-p-03-eng.htm 1-g-01-eng.html As there are no reports of HSMI-like syndromes FISH HEALTH CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Prevalence and Transmission Dynamics of Piscine Reovirus (PRV) in the Marine Environment

iscine reovirus (PRV) is globally distributed, aims to: 1) identify when, where and how long Understanding the risks associated with PRV to Pand has been detected in Atlantic Salmon PRV is present in farmed Atlantic Salmon in farmed and wild salmon is highly important and nearly all Pacific salmon species. The BC; 2) create a test to sensitively detect PRV to DFO and the salmon farming industry to virulence of PRV, like most reoviruses, appears from seawater and use this test to screen ensure appropriate management responses to be generally low. However, in some instances environmental seawater samples; 3) monitor the are developed. of commercial salmon aquaculture, PRV has amount of virus shed from the fish into seawater DATE APR. 2018 – MAR. 2020 been associated with disease. following laboratory infection to see how long FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative On the West coast of Canada, PRV is the virus remains infective; and 4) identify the Research and Development Program prevalent in both wild and farmed salmon susceptibility of multiple fish lineages and (DFO – ACRDP) species. Yet, when, where, and how these fish species in becoming infected with PRV after CO-FUNDED BY Cermaq Canada Ltd. become infected with this virus remain unclear. making physical contact with infected farmed PROJECT LEADER Kyle Garver (DFO) 32 Preliminary surveys of farmed Atlantic Salmon Atlantic Salmon. PROJECT TEAM Mark Polinski, Jon Richard, suggest that PRV infections predominately In addition, this study aims to quantify Haley Matkin, Lynden Gross (DFO) appear after the farm fish have been moved the key parameters required to assess PRV COLLABORATORS Barry Milligan (Cermaq to the seawater net-pen, suggesting a marine transmission and quantify risk of PRV spread Canada Ltd.) origin to the source of the infection. from Atlantic Salmon. This knowledge will CONTACT [email protected] To better understand the infection dynamics be directly applicable in establishing best WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/ of PRV in the marine environment, this project salmon farming practices concerning PRV. 18-p-01-eng.html

PRV Susceptibility of Atlantic Salmon at Different Life Stages and Eastern Canadian vs European Farmed Salmon Comparative Study

he piscine reovirus (PRV) is a recently wild or farmed Atlantic Salmon, and if preventive Tidentified virus that has been linked to heart management procedures can be developed to and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI) in reduce the potential risk of HSMI outbreak. Atlantic Salmon. The actual role of PRV in HSMI The goal of this work is to further demonstrate development has been difficult to confirm, as that HSMI is unlikely to be an issue on the PRV is often detected in fish without symptoms eastern coast of Canada, to begin to explore of HSMI and viral culture cannot be done. One the reason for this resistance, and to reduce the way of detecting PRV is by examining the blood, chances that HSMI will ever become an issue spleen and kidneys of fishes, as erythrocytes by providing possible mitigation solutions to the are major targets for PRV infection. aquaculture industry. In Norway, high loads of PRV have DATE APR. 2018 – MAR. 2022 been suggested as a requirement for the FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative development of HSMI in Atlantic Salmon. In Research and Development Program western North America, PRV is detected in (DFO – ACRDP) both wild Pacific salmon and farmed Atlantic CO-FUNDED BY Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. Salmon, with a high prevalence in farmed fish. PROJECT LEADER Nellie Gagné (DFO) In addition, the observation of lesions typical PROJECT TEAM Delphine Ditlecadet, Francis of HSMI by histology has been made recently Leblanc, Philip Byrne (DFO) in one farm in British Columbia, where lesions COLLABORATORS Keng Pee Ang (Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd.) DFO Scientists performing fish dissections to detect were more pronounced in individuals with higher virus in tissues. loads of PRV. Data gathered over the past two CONTACT Nellie.Gagné@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Photo: DFO years provide a significant advance into the PRV WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/ situation in eastern North America, but some 18-g-01-eng.html knowledge gaps remain to determine if the detected PRV strains actually pose a threat to CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FISH HEALTH

Pathogen Susceptibility of Pacific Salmon – Phase 1: Salmon Anemia Virus (ISAV) and Alphavirus (SAV)

nfectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) and DATE APR. 2014 – JUN. 2018 Isalmon alphavirus (SAV) are known to affect FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program farmed Atlantic Salmon in various salmon (DFO – ACRDP) producing countries, but the susceptibility of CO-FUNDED BY Marine Harvest Canada Limited Sockeye Salmon was unknown. In response PROJECT LEADER Nellie Gagné (DFO) to the recommendation that DFO undertake PROJECT TEAM Francis Leblanc, Mélanie Roy, research into the health of Fraser River Sockeye Crystal Collette-Belliveau, Delphine Ditlecadet, Salmon and their susceptibility to disease of Philip Byrne, Steven Leadbeater (DFO) Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Gulf Biocontainment farmed salmon, this research project examined COLLABORATORS Diane Morrison (Marine Unit – Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory is located the susceptibility of Sockeye Salmon to these Harvest Canada Limited) in Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s laboratory in pathogens and the disease transmission CONTACT [email protected] Charlottetown, P.E.I. The lab contributes to research 33 and development, scientific advice, and testing potential between Atlantic and Sockeye Salmon. WEBSITE www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/ related to high-risk pathogens in saltwater and rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/G-14-01-003- All experiments were carried out in freshwater. eng.html Video: Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory (DFO) duplicate tanks, for sampling and observation of mortalities respectively. In each tank, 15 Atlantic Salmon were injected with a viral strain and mixed with 40 naïve Sockeye and 30 naïve Atlantic Salmon. A negative control tank was also set up. An Atlantic (NA) and a European (EU) strain of ISAV were evaluated as well as SAV3. All Atlantic Salmon and few Sockeye Salmon tested positive for ISAV over the 12 week study period. There was one mortality of Sockeye Salmon in the NA strain tank, although ISAV disease was not strongly supported. Mortality in Atlantic Salmon was elevated as expected. After a 12 week exposure to SAV, all Atlantic and no Sockeye Salmon tested positive and no mortality was observed. To verify if Sockeye Salmon exposed to ISAV or SAV were infectious, reciprocal challenges were performed. Naïve Atlantic Salmon were added to the tanks containing the previously exposed Sockeye individuals. The naïve fish were Fish holding tank in quarantine, Gulf Biocontainment Unit, Charlottetown, PE. sampled five weeks later to determine if they Photo: Nellie Gagné (DFO) had become infected. None were found positive for ISAV or SAV. The results show that Sockeye Salmon passing by aquaculture installations would not be negatively impacted by exposure to these viruses, even in the unlikely eventuality of an outbreak. Both viruses represent a higher risk to the farmed Atlantic Salmon population than to Sockeye Salmon. The knowledge generated by this project could help facilitate management decisions and the implementation of mitigation measures, if ISAV or SAV was discovered in a region where Sockeye Salmon are present. Additionally, for training and reference purposes, collections of histological slides of SAV-infected tissues were prepared. The virus is exotic to Canada, thus a rapid outbreak response from DFO would be facilitated with access to this reference collection. Atlantic Salmon smolts. Photo: Nellie Gagné (DFO) FISH HEALTH CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Salmon Gill Poxvirus-Like (SGPV-Like): Characterization, Atlantic Salmon Susceptibility, and Initial Survey in Farmed and Wild Salmon

symptoms are lethargy, respiratory distress, in Atlantic Canada. SGPV from the East coast is and mortality. not linked to any pathology. However, the virus In 2015, an unknown virus was isolated from is causing increasingly important mortalities tissues sampled from a wild Atlantic Salmon in hatcheries and on sea farms in Europe. caught in a river in New Brunswick. It was Understanding the genetic factors, viral found that this virus was “SGPV-like” since and host related, and the risk posed by this Next Generation sequencing showed 80–90% emerging pathogen is important. similarity to Norwegian SGPV. The implications Transmission electron microscopy image of CHSE- DATE APR. 2016 – MAR. 2019 214 cells infected with salmon gill poxvirus from of this finding are, however, unclear. FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative Atlantic Canada. The objectives of the current project are 34 Photo: University of New Brunswick, Microscopy and Research and Development Program Microanalysis Facility, Fredericton to characterise SGPV-like sequences from (DFO – ACRDP) Canada’s East coast, describe their current CO-FUNDED BY Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. oxviruses are large DNA viruses of and historical geographic distributions and PROJECT LEADER Nellie Gagné (DFO) Pvertebrates and insects causing disease compare their genotypes to known strains PROJECT TEAM Delphine Ditlecadet, Valérie in many animal species. In the spring of 2006, a of SGPV. Assays suitable for the screening Godbout, Jean-René Arseneau, Francis Leblanc, new poxvirus, the salmon gill poxvirus (SGPV), of local strains will also be developed. Steven Leadbeater, Philip Byrne (DFO) was discovered on the gills of salmon suffering Through the ongoing survey, we detected COLLABORATORS Keng Pee Ang (Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd.) from proliferative gill disease (PGD) in SGPV in wild and farmed salmonids, at relatively CONTACT [email protected] freshwater in northern Norway. Later the same low prevalence and low levels of infection. http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ year, this virus was also found on salmon gills Attempts to infect Atlantic Salmon with the WEBSITE aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/ at two marine sites in western Norway, where isolated virus were unsuccessful, indicating that 16-1-G-02-eng.html all farms suffered high losses associated with secondary factors are required for the infection. the presence of this virus. Clinical disease There are two distinct clades of SGPV present

Salmon Gill Poxvirus (SGPV) Characterisation in Farmed and Wild Salmon — Phase II

Atlantic Salmon in Norway screening of SGPV in broods and in hatcheries, revealed a high prevalence of determine if SGPV can be detected in incoming the virus, with high virus loads waters and determine if more viruses can be reported in clinically diseased obtained through cell culture. Moreover, the fish. In Canada, an SGPV-like project aims to determine if infected salmon virus was recently identified can infect naïve salmon, confirm that gills are and isolated from a wild Atlantic the target tissue of the SGPV-like variants and Salmon caught in a river in New look for signs of clinical disease in fish. Finally, Brunswick. It was also reported the susceptibility/resistance to these viruses of that salmon gill diseases of the salmon stocks used in Atlantic Canada will unknown etiology were detected be assessed. on the East coast of Canada. DATE APR. 2018 – MAR. 2022 Steve Leadbeater (front) and Francis Leblanc, fish tanks in quarantine Data gathered through a FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative at St. Andrews Biological Station. previous project funded by Research and Development Program Photo: DFO DFO’s Aquaculture Collaborative (DFO – ACRDP) oxviruses are large DNA viruses of Research and Development Program (16-1- CO-FUNDED BY Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. Pvertebrates and insects causing disease G-02) are a significant step forward to better PROJECT LEADER Nellie Gagné (DFO) in many animal species. In the spring of 2006, understand the SGPV situation in eastern PROJECT TEAM Delphine Ditlecadet, Francis a new poxvirus, salmon gill poxvirus (SGPV), North America, but more work is needed to Leblanc, Philip Byrne, Steven Leadbeater (DFO) was identified by electron microscopy in the understand its prevalence in hatcheries and COLLABORATORS Keng Pee Ang (Kelly Cove gills of salmon suffering from proliferative gill the actual threat SGPV may represent for Salmon Ltd.) disease (PGD) in freshwater in northern and Atlantic Salmon. CONTACT [email protected] western Norway. Clinical disease symptoms This project will provide more in-depth WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/ are lethargy, respiratory distress, and mortality. knowledge of SGPV-like virus on the East coast. 18-g-02-eng.html A recent survey of SGPV in wild and farmed Specifically, the project will conduct exhaustive CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FISH HEALTH

Validation of Pooling Tissues for Pathogen Detection (Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus and Haplosporidium nelsoni-MSX)

he DFO’s National Aquatic Animal Health using established quantitative Polymerase DATE APR. 2018 – MAR. 2019 TLaboratories provide diagnostic testing Chain Reaction (qPCR) methods, and the FUNDED BY DFO – Centre for Aquatic Animal Health Research and Diagnostic (DFO – CAAHRD) services to clients, for example CFIA. Pooling cycle threshold (Ct) of the pooled samples will Nellie Gagné (DFO) tissues for diagnostics is advantageous in time be compared to the value obtained by testing PROJECT LEADER and cost, as more animals can be tested at the the tissue individually. This will be done for two PROJECT TEAM Jean-René Arseneau (DFO) same time. However, the impact of pooling on pathogens where assays were validated for CONTACT [email protected] diagnostic sensitivity must be determined for single tissues, i.e., infectious salmon anemia molecular-based methods. The ability to detect (ISAV) and Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX). Pooled one infected animal, in a pool of non-infected diagnostic sensitivity will be determined for animals might be reduced after pooling, versus these two assays. 35 in individual detections. But, the possibility of Although the theoretical impact of pooling is testing more individuals can offset by this impact. known, it is important to validate this change in This project aims to establish a pooling sample processing, so that clients are informed process that is efficient for high-throughput of the impact pooling represents on diagnostic diagnostic labs. We will also examine the sensitivity. With pools of three, we anticipate repeatability and impact of pooling three animal that the risk of a false negative detection will be tissues, when only one of those is infected. minimal, and acceptable. Jean-René Arseneau, research analyst at DFO Gulf Pools will be tested in triplicate by analysts Fisheries Centre, Moncton, prepares samples for molecular testing. Photo: Nellie Gagné (DFO)

The Effect of Dietary Camelina Oil on Health of Salmon

Replacement of dietary fish oil by camelina oil also did not affect growth or feed efficiency in fish as large as one kilogram. The effect of canola oil was generally similar to camelina oil, but survival was slightly reduced in the fish fed the canola diets and there was a significant difference between these two oils on muscle fatty acid profile. The fatty acid profiles of fish fed with camelina oil could be beneficial to human health, relative to those fed with canola oil. The results of this project indicated that camelina oil can replace fish oil in Chinook Salmon diets with no lasting impact on fish health or growth, at least on a short term basis.

DATE SEP. 2015 – OCT. 2016 FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (DFO – ACRDP) CO-FUNDED BY Creative Salmon Co. Ltd. PROJECT LEADER Ian Forster (DFO) Salmon in a fiberglass tank at the culture facility. Photo: Ian Forster (DFO) PROJECT TEAM Simon Jones (DFO); Marije Booman (UVic); Barb Cannon, Tim Rundle (Creative raditional salmon feeds use high levels of Trials were conducted to evaluate the impact Salmon Co. Ltd.); Jack Grushcow (Linnaeus Plant Sciences Inc.); Brad Hicks (Taplow Ventures Ltd.) fishmeal and fish oil to meet the nutritional of replacing dietary fish oil with camelina oil T COLLABORATORS Barb Cannon, Tim Rundle needs of the fish, but these ingredients face on the health and growth of Chinook Salmon (Creative Salmon Co. Ltd.) large fluctuations in price and availability. in seawater. A wide range of substitution CONTACT [email protected] Lower-cost alternatives have been investigated, levels was examined, as well as a comparison WEBSITE www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/ including canola oil, soy oil and poultry fat. Oil between camelina oil and canola oil. rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/15-2-P-03- from the plant species Camelina sativa is another The results of this study show that camelina eng.html promising option. However, there are no data oil can replace fish oil in diets for juvenile available on vegetable oil’s health effects on Chinook Salmon with no lasting impact Chinook Salmon. on fish health (i.e., inflammation of the gut). FISH HEALTH CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Viral Hemorrhagic Marine Reservoirs of Infectious Agents Associated with Septicaemia Virus (VHSV) Proliferative Gill Disorders in Farmed Salmon

Evolution and Adaptation ill diseases contribute to economically 3) characterize the genomic sequence Potential in Farmed Atlantic Gimportant production losses in Atlantic of BC variants of P. perurans and Salmon in British Columbia Salmon aquaculture. This project will improve D. lepeophtherii; and, our understanding of reservoirs of infections 4) conduct laboratory transmission studies iral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) with infectious agents associated with to identify and quantify host occurs in British Columbia’s Atlantic V these disorders. One of these, amoebic gill and environmental parameters Salmon aquaculture sea-cage industry. disease (AGD), was diagnosed for the first surrounding transmission of causative Molecular epidemiological studies have time in BC in 2014 and the causative agent, agents between candidate reservoir demonstrated that the source of VHSV in Paramoeba perurans, has been detected in species and Atlantic Salmon. farmed fish is often a result of “spillover” from a BC. Another agent that is associated with These objectives reflect the knowledge wild reservoir, likely from infected Pacific Herring 36 proliferative gill inflammation (PGI) in Europe, gaps concerning PGI and causal agents in and Sardine. To date, the detection of VHSV in the microsporidian, Desmozoon lepeophtherii, farmed salmon in BC. The key anticipated farmed salmon has yet to be associated with has been detected in BC and Washington project outcome will be knowledge related to significant disease. Nevertheless, with the State. Several cases of a PGI-like condition the distribution and causes of PGI in BC. This annual finding of VHSV within Atlantic Salmon were reported in farmed salmon in BC in 2015. knowledge will inform further development of and VHSVs potential for adaptation, concerns This project capitalizes on an opportunity to farmed fish health management strategies. arise from the ability of the naturally occurring benefit from a unique set of samples; juvenile marine VHSV to adapt and become pathogenic DATE APR. 2016 – MAR. 2020 salmon collected by industry as part of their to farmed Atlantic Salmon. FUNDED BY DFO – Program for Aquaculture sea lice certification program. Specifically, This project will compare VHSV isolates Regulatory Research (DFO – PARR); DFO – these samples will be examined for evidence Aquaculture Collaborative Research and obtained from Pacific Herring and Atlantic of their involvement as reservoirs of infection Development (DFO – ACRDP); BC Salmon Farmers Salmon infected under controlled laboratory Association – Marine Environmental Research with agents associated with proliferative gill conditions to characterize the viral mutant Program (BCSFA – MERP) disorders in farmed salmon. spectrum present in infected fish and identify the PROJECT LEADER Simon Jones (DFO) The objectives of this project are to: mechanisms or genetic background facilitating PROJECT TEAM Ashley Burton (DFO); 1) determine distribution of P. perurans inter-species transmission of VHSV. Gary Marty (AHC) and D. lepeophtherii in wild Pacific salmon COLLABORATORS Mykolas Kamaitis (Marine DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2020 and salmon lice collected in proximity to Harvest Canada Ltd.); Tim Hewison (Grieg Seafoods BC); Barry Milligan (Cermaq Canada) FUNDED BY DFO – Program for Aquaculture marine netpens; Regulatory Research (DFO – PARR) 2) describe the occurrence of proliferative CONTACT [email protected] PROJECT LEADER Kyle Garver (DFO) gill lesions in wild fish; WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2016- PROJECT TEAM Jon Richard, Laura Hawley, P-01-eng.html Lynden Gross, Haley Matkin (DFO) CONTACT [email protected] WEBSITE http://wwwdev.ncr.dfo-mpo.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2017- p-02-eng.html

Canada Research Chair in Fish and Environmental Immunology

quaculture now provides over 50% of the The effect of both high and low environmental DATE OCT. 2018 – OCT. 2025 Aannual fish consumption globally, but fish temperature on immune function will be FUNDED BY Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) – Canada Research are cold-blooded and thus the ability of their investigated, as well as the effects of gender on Chairs Program immune systems to resist disease is affected immune responses. This research will produce PROJECT LEADER Brian Dixon (U Waterloo) by the environmental temperature fluctuations key immune knowledge required to make COLLABORATORS Yellow Island Aquaculture and the long-term increases that climate aquaculture vaccines more effective and will CONTACT [email protected] change will bring. investigate effects of sex reversal on immune Dr. Dixon’s laboratory will develop and function of aquaculture species. The knowledge use state-of-the-art immunoassays and cell and diagnostic assays developed during this biology techniques to determine the immune CRC project will prevent disease losses, saving status of fish to help develop next-generation billions of dollars and providing a stable food vaccines that will provide disease protection. source for the world’s population. CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FISH HEALTH

Validation of Genomic Selection among Atlantic Salmon for Resistance to Infection by Sea Lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis), and Concomitant Susceptibility to Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus (ISAV)

he sea louse, Lepeoptheirus salmonis, funded by DFO’s Aquaculture Collaborative whether selection for sea lice resistance has any Tcontinues to cause the greatest impact Research and Development Program (ACRDP impact on resistance to ISAV. on the economics of salmon farming, globally. 15-1-M-01) has produced selection information DATE APR. 2018 – MAR. 2021 It is generally believed that selection of farmed for sea lice resistance, it is not known what FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative salmon for sea louse resistance, in combination impact breeding for resistance to sea lice would Research and Development Program with the use of a vaccination, would be the most have on the susceptibility to other pathogens, (DFO – ACRDP) environmentally-friendly approach to sea lice such as infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV). CO-FUNDED BY Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. management. However, there are no effective ISAV is considered a major pathogen of Atlantic PROJECT LEADER Steven Leadbeater (DFO) sea louse vaccines available at this time. As Salmon on the Eastern coast of Canada and, PROJECT TEAM Marc Trudel (DFO); Jake Elliott, 37 such, it is imperative for the industry to assess its despite much improved management practices Frank Powell (Cooke Aquaculture Inc.); Anthony genetic stocks for their robustness against sea to minimize outbreaks, ISAV continues to cause Manning (RPC) lice disease. losses and force eradication events that impact COLLABORATORS Keng Pee Ang (Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd.) Despite the benefits that selecting for one the aquaculture industry of Atlantic Canada. CONTACT [email protected] resistance trait may provide, there is always In this study, groups of salmon, including http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ the concern that gains in resistance to one presumed sea lice resistant families, will be WEBSITE aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/18- trait may impact another trait. This could result exposed to sea lice to assess gains in sea lice m-01-eng.html in gains or losses in resistance, growth rate resistance. The same mix of salmon families will or unforeseen traits. While a previous project be challenged with ISAV in order to determine

Biofouling Communities on Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Farm Nets: Exploring Links to Fish Gill Health

iofouling is a widely recognized problem Bwithin the finfish aquaculture industry. It can lead to compromised cage structure, lower flow rates within cages, and drops in dissolved oxygen concentration, which may ultimately lead to impacts on fish health. Management practices at fish farms mainly involve regular physical removal of the organisms by in situ net cleaning. In recent years, net cleaning strategies have evolved into using automated power-washing machines with high pressure (3200 psi) water jets, which create suspended biotic debris. This biological particulate material has the potential to affect salmon health by damaging the fish gills. Gill disorders are a Two tube-dwelling sea fleas (Ericthonius spp.) hiding under a net sample from an Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) common occurrence at fish farms, however, farm off the Sunshine Coast. Photo: Raquel Greiter Loerzer (U Vic) they are usually associated with viruses, DATE MAY 2018 – APR. 2020 bacteria, parasites, phytoplankton blooms, site for a year. Fish-gill health will be investigated FUNDED BY Grieg Seafood BC Ltd. and zooplankton (cnidarian) swarms. There through gill scores taken from fish in one pen CO-FUNDED BY Fisheries and Oceans Canada has been little investigation into the potential per site every month. Phytoplankton and (DFO); University of Victoria (U Vic) effect of biofouling organisms on the health zooplankton communities will also be examined PROJECT LEADER Chris Pearce (DFO) of cultured fish. daily and bi-weekly, respectively. The resultant PROJECT TEAM Steve Cross, Mark Flaherty, This project will determine the biofouling data will be analysed to determine if there is a Raquel Greiter (U Vic) communities (species and quantities) at three correlation between poor gill heath and certain COLLABORATORS Bogdan Vornicu, Liam Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) farm sites off the species of biofouling/pelagic organisms. Peck, Patrick Whittaker, Tim Hewison, Matthew Patterson (Grieg Seafood BC Ltd.); Nicky Haigh coast of Vancouver Island. Five replicates (one The project will provide industry with insights (Microthalassia Consultants) per each of five pens) of 30 x 30 cm net pieces into the impacts of biofouling, zooplankton, and CONTACT [email protected] will be installed at two depths (one and five phytoplankton species on fish-gill health, which meters) and on two net types (predator and will allow appropriate mitigation measures to be containment) and removed monthly at each put in place to ensure the health of the fish. FISH HEALTH CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Screening of Cultured Atlantic Salmon for Resistance Characteristics of and Susceptibility to Infection by Sea Lice (Lepeoptheirus British Columbia Isolates salmonis) and Renibacterium salmoninarum, the Causative of Piscirickettsia salmonis Agent of Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD) Relevant for Understanding

hile vaccination is one approach to Pathogen Transmission Wimpart disease resistance, there is and Infectivity significant variation among Atlantic Salmon in he bacterium Piscirickettsia salmonis is the terms of vaccine responsiveness. It is imperative Tcausative agent of salmonid rickettsial to assess the genetic stocks of salmon for their septicaemia (SRS), a disease in marine farmed robustness against disease. salmon with significant outbreaks in Europe, This research project will test family crosses Chile and Canada. In British Columbia, the 38 of farmed salmon for disease resistance causative agent P. salmonis has been detected to Lepeoptheirus salmonis (sea lice) and in wild Pink and Chinook Salmon and in farmed Renibacterium salmoninarum (the causative Atlantic Salmon, but the disease (SRS) has not agent of bacterial kidney disease, BKD). been reported in wild salmon. Infections were Testing of more than one disease agent (in originally detected at farm sites in southwestern this case, sea lice and the causative agent of Vancouver Island, but since 2015, the range BKD) will help assess what resistance to one has expanded northward to include the agent type may mean for resistance to another Sunshine Coast, Discovery Islands, Broughton common agent. Results from this project will Archipelago and northwestern Vancouver contribute to research that will aid in broodstock Island. Between 2002 and 2016, 36 fish health selection, enhancing resistance of farmed events associated with P. salmonis were fish to both sea lice and BKD infections, with reported at Atlantic Salmon farms in BC. (A fish the on-going goal of reducing farmed fish health event is defined as “a suspected or active losses and improving the sustainability of disease occurrence within an aquaculture the Canadian aquaculture industry. facility that requires the involvement of a DATE SEP. 2015 – JUN. 2019 veterinarian and any measure that is intended FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative to reduce or mitigate impact and risk that is Research and Development Program associated with that occurrence or event.”) (DFO – ACRDP) Sea lice colour correction. Concern regarding pathogen transfer Photo: Cindy Hawthorne (DFO) CO-FUNDED BY Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. from farmed fish to wild Sockeye Salmon PROJECT LEADER Steven Leadbeater (DFO) in the Discovery Islands necessitates a risk PROJECT TEAM Keng Pee Ang (Kelly Cove assessment analysis for P. salmonis. This project Salmon Ltd.); J.A.K. Jake Elliott, Frank Powell (Cooke will address the many knowledge gaps needed Aquaculture Inc.); Anthony J. Manning (RPC) in the pending risk assessment and will inform COLLABORATORS Keng Pee Ang (Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd.) both Aquaculture Management and aquaculture CONTACT [email protected] industry of the nature of this disease. Studies WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ will focus on factors influencing survival of aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/ the bacterium in the marine environment, 15-1-M-01-eng.html susceptibility of Sockeye Salmon to P. salmonis, the minimum infectious dose for Atlantic, Pink and Sockeye Salmon, progression of disease, host response to infection, and the bacterial shedding rate from infected salmon.

DATE APR. 2018 – MAR. 2019 FUNDED BY DFO–Program for Aquaculture Regulatory Research (DFO–PARR) PROJECT LEADER Simon Jones (DFO) PROJECT TEAM Amy Long (DFO) CONTACT [email protected] WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/ fhtt-etsp-2018-p-01-eng.html

Melissa Holborne, Gregor Reid and Steve Leadbeater Sea lice counting. Photo: Cindy Hawthorne (DFO) CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FISH HEALTH

Integrated Pathogen Management of Co-Infection in Occurrence, Distribution Atlantic Salmon and Causes of Gill Disease in

t Atlantic Salmon farms, it is not DATE OCT. 2016 – SEP. 2019 Salmonids in British Columbia Auncommon for fish to be infected with FUNDED BY Genome Canada — Genome ill diseases and disorders among Atlantic Applications Partnership Program multiple pathogens, including sea lice, bacteria Salmon raised in seawater net pens are Cargill Animal Nutrition; G and viruses. Such co-infections are very CO-FUNDED BY InnovateNL; Mitacs; UPEI; Genome Atlantic an emergent and important cause of losses complicated to assess and they can cause PROJECT LEADER Matthew Rise (MUN), to industry. There is a need to better describe severe economic losses for aquaculture farmers Richard Taylor (Cargill Animal Nutrition) the causes, distribution, and possible control and the industry. Relatively little research has PROJECT TEAM Mark Fast, Laura Braden, Sarah of gill diseases, which have been attributed to been conducted on co-infections in salmon Purcell, Shona Whyte, Dylan Michaud, Kathleen infections with parasites, bacteria, viruses, as because it requires complex experimental Parrish, Laura Carvalho (UPEI); Christopher Parrish, Albert Caballero-Solares, Umasuthan well as exposure to algal blooms, jellyfish, and designs and facilities. other non-infectious agents. Navaneethaiyer, Xi Xue, Tomer Katan, Amir Jalali, 39 This research team is using functional Mohamed Emam (MUN); Ragna Heggebo, Stanko Gill samples from farmed salmon had Skugor, Eva Jakob, Jorge Pino (Cargill) genomics tools and techniques, including microscopic evidence of disease and infection COLLABORATORS Jillian Westcott (MUN), DNA microarrays, RNA sequencing, and both with parasites. The magnitude of disease and Barbara Nowak (U of Tasmania), Barry Milligan singleplex and multiplex qPCR, to identify genes (Cermaq) infection depended both on the location of the and molecular mechanisms involved in salmon CONTACT [email protected]; richard_taylor@ farm and on the time of sampling. In contrast, responses to co-infections. Atlantic Salmon cargill.com although very few wild salmon had microscopic trials use co-infection/co-stimulation with sea evidence of gill disease, parasite infections were lice, and then antigen or bacteria or virus to observed. Despite the novel occurrence in BC generate genomics derived biomarkers (i.e., of amoebic gill disease (AGD) immediately prior genes that respond to co-infection). Biomarkers to the onset of this project, no farm samples combined with fish performance and other in the project had evidence of AGD. Of the complementary data (e.g., pathogen load, lipid/ two parasites frequently detected in wild and fatty acid profiles, histology) will be analyzed farmed salmon (Desmozoon lepeophtherii to determine the optimal clinical diet to treat and Ichthyobodo salmonis), the latter is a first the co-infection phenotype. Development of report from British Columbia. The severity Atlantic Salmon feeds to combat co-infections of D. lepeophtherii was increased in samples can reduce the need for chemical and Members of the IPMC project team in the Hoplite Research Lab, AVC-UPEI. displaying acute clinical gill disease. A novel gill pharmaceutical interventions and ultimately Photo: UPEI virus was detected at two farms. improve farmed salmon health. There are two main conclusions of this Research is ongoing, but current pathogens project: the extent of gill disease in farmed being studied include those that cause ISA, SRS salmon in BC varies by farm and over time, and and winter ulcer in co-infection scenarios with infections with the same parasites occur in gills sea lice. So far, a commonality between studies of farmed and wild salmon. The knowledge is the significant impact co-infection has on gathered from this project will eventually assist the host transcriptome and survival outcome in the recognition, quantification and, ultimately, compared to single infections. Furthermore, the management of proliferative gill disease in successful functional feed intervention differs farmed salmon. significantly between single and co-infection of the same pathogens. Individual biomarkers of DATE APR. 2016 – MAR. 2020 these outcomes have been identified and are FUNDED BY DFO–Aquaculture Collaborative Dr. Albert Caballero-Solares counting sea lice Research and Development Program being further pursued. copepodids, MUN-CDRF. (DFO–ACRDP) Photo: Dr. Umasuthan Navaneethaiyer (MUN) CO-FUNDED BY Marine Harvest Canada; Grieg Seafoods BC Ltd.; Cermaq Canada Ltd. PROJECT LEADER Simon Jones (DFO) PROJECT TEAM Gary Marty (BC Ministry of Agriculture); Kyle Garver, Jackie King, Chrys-Ellen M. Neville, Amy Long, Amelia Mahony (DFO) COLLABORATORS Diane Morrison (Marine Harvest Canada); Tim Hewison (Grieg Seafoods BC Ltd.); Barry Milligan (Cermaq Canada Ltd.) CONTACT [email protected] WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/ 18-p-04-eng.html; http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/ Dr. Umasuthan Navaneethaiyer setting up PCRs, 16-1-P-02-eng.html Xi Xue counting sea lice copepodids, MUN-CDRF. Rise lab, MUN Photo: Dr. Jillian Westcott (MUN) Photo: Xi Xue (MUN) FISH HEALTH CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Isolation and Identification Mouthrot in Atlantic Salmon

of Bacteria Associated with outhrot associated with Tenacibaculum and occur very rapidly with little associated Ulcer Disease from Atlantic Mmaritimum is a major health and welfare inflammation. A cohabitation experiment Salmon Aquaculture Sites problem in farmed Atlantic Salmon smolts in showed that T. maritimum readily transfers from in New Brunswick BC, and results in large economic losses. This infected smolts to naïve ones. disease is the main reason antibiotics are used Whole cell inactivated adjuvanted vaccines lcer disease is not a monolithic infection in the region. Affected smolts die with very little were created and tested using the developed Ubut occurs from several known external or internal clinical signs other than challenge model. Despite giving an antibody causative bacterial agents. Identification characteristic small yellow plaques in the mouth. response in immunised fish, the vaccines did not and characterization of local bacterial species The main objective of this industrial PhD was to protect the smolts against mouthrot induced and isolates will ensure effective treatment gain more knowledge about the disease and to through a bath infection. Future research options are available for Canadian Atlantic make steps towards developing a vaccine. needs to focus on preventative tools, including 40 Salmon producers. Genotyping of BC T. maritimum isolates other types of vaccines such as immersion or Ulcer causing diseases, such as winter- collected from natural outbreaks of mouthrot live-attenuated. ulcer, cold-water vibriosis and tenacibaculosis showed the presence of two genetic strains DATE DEC. 2015 – DEC. 2018 infections, continue to be a problem in Atlantic that are most closely related to strains FUNDED BY Norwegian Research Council Salmon aquaculture. Huntsman recently from lumpsuckers and Atlantic Salmon in Cermaq Canada; Pharmaq AS initiated a project to collect and identify bacterial Norway, as well as Atlantic Salmon in Chile. CO-FUNDED BY isolates from Atlantic Salmon displaying ulcers Representative isolates were used to develop PROJECT LEADER Kathleen Frisch (Cermaq Canada) from regional culture operations. Freshly dead a bath challenge model using Atlantic Salmon or moribund fish with ulcers are collected. Then, PROJECT TEAM Henrik Duesund, Øyvind Brevik, smolts. T. maritimum was demonstrated to be the Sverre Småge (Cermaq Group AS); Are Nylund bacterial culture attempts are made from skin causative agent of mouthrot in BC without the (U Bergen) lesions and internal organs on marine agar need for other stressors or co-infections. COLLABORATORS Are Klevan, Rolf Olsen (MA) and Flexibacter maritimus (FMM) media. The main pathology in mouthrot is similar (Pharmaq AS) Tissue samples are also preserved either by to periodontal disease in mammals. The CONTACT [email protected] flash freezing in liquid nitrogen then stored in pathological changes are focal, severe, WEBSITE www.Cermaq.com; www.UIB.no ultra-low temperature conditions or in neutral buffered formaldehyde for possible further analysis. Isolated bacteria will be identified by full 16s ribosomal sequencing and stored for future use as required. Characterization of confirmed infectious bacterial isolates will include sensitivity to a series of antibiotic disks, such as ampicillin, florfenicol, oxytetracycline, streptomycin, etc. To date, the species of bacteria that have been isolated and are associated with ulcer related disease in fish include Aliivibrio Micrographs of teeth and the surrounding tissue salmonicida, Aliivibrio wodanis, Tenacibaculum from the mouth of a diseased smolt bath infected with TmarCan15-1 in the cohabitation experiment. marimitus and Vibrio lentus. Key next steps will (A) Teeth and surrounding gingiva are covered by involve single species or species complex mats of bacteria with Tenacibaculum maritimum infection model development using collected morphology (arrowheads) and the associated (a) Mouth lesion showing the typical yellow plaque, tissue is damaged. (B) Zoomed in view of a tooth isolates to further oral treatment, autogenous and (c) gill lesion from a mouthrot-affected fish showing bacterial growth on the surface of the tooth vaccine trial, or broodstock selection research. from a farm in British Columbia, Canada (b) Mouth (arrow “a”) as well as the surrounding gingival tissue lesion and (d) gill lesion from a diseased fish in the (arrow “b”). (C) The dentin-enameloid interface with associated tissue destruction. White box indicates DATE APR. 2018 – JUN. 2021 challenge experiments. Photo: Frisch et al.: https://doi.org/10.1111/jfd.12818 area in D. (D) Cellular debris within the bacterial mats. FUNDED BY New Brunswick Innovation Photo: Frisch et al.: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. Foundation – New Brunswick Innovation Research pone.0206951 Chair Program PROJECT LEADER Ehab Misk (HMSC) PROJECT TEAM Anne McCarthy, Chris Bridger (HMSC) CONTACT [email protected] WEBSITE Huntsmanmarine.ca

Location of the origin of each isolate. Photo: Frisch et al.: https://doi.org/10.1111/jfd.12687 CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FISH HEALTH

Investigations into Ulcerative Nucleo-Cytoplasmic Large DNA Viruses of Wild Lake Sturgeon Skin Disease Agents, (Acipenser fulvescens) in Central Canada Moritella viscosa and Tenacibaculum spp. in Atlantic Salmon: Interactions and in Vivo Challenge Development

his project examines two pathogens of Tconcern to the salmon farming industry, Moritella viscosa and Tenacibaculum spp., and their roles in skin ulcerative diseases. Recent experience in developing immersion challenge models will be applied to the further 41 understanding of skin ulcerative diseases. The primary focus is to study the bacterial species of the genus Tenacibaculum which causes a condition called “mouthrot” or tenacibaculosis. The secondary focus is to study interactions among bacteria associated with skin ulcers. The project focuses on isolates found on the East coast of Canada as well as interesting changes in the range of environmental temperatures at which pathogenicity is observed in the field (e.g., M. viscosa). The project develops a basis for progress Petechial hemorrhaging is observed on the mouth and snout of a juvenile lake sturgeon from a population towards developing vaccines for use in Canada, experiencing a mortality event associated with namao virus. Photo: Sharon Clouthier (DFO) which will provide the aquaculture industry with an alternate and proactive strategy for amao virus (NV) is a sturgeon nucleo- handled (as part of the sturgeon monitoring dealing with bacterial disease. Vaccines will Ncytoplasmic large DNA virus (sNCLDV) program) prior to virus sample collection. These improve animal welfare and the sustainability of that can cause a lethal disease of the results suggest that NV infection may reduce salmon aquaculture while reducing economic integumentary system in cultured Lake wild Lake Sturgeon fitness and survival. Genetic loss from fish mortality, antibiotic use, and the Sturgeon. As a group, the sNCLDV are members typing of 114 virus isolates indicated that the NV downgrading of market product. Results of the of the Mimiviridae with CroV as their closest genogroup was dominant in the Hudson Bay study can be used by the aquaculture industry extant virus relative. In this study, the spatial, drainage basin. for research on genetic selection for disease temporal and genetic patterns of sNCLDV Understanding the ecology of sNCLDV and resistance, help the fish health community apply were evaluated for the first time for wild Lake their potential impact on wild Lake Sturgeon better diagnostic methodology for confirming Sturgeon from rivers in central Canada. will be integral to developing conservation and treating ulcerative skin diseases, and A total of 1328 pectoral fin biopsies were management plans if these endangered improve understanding of naturally occurring collected between 2010 and 2015. Quantitative populations are eventually listed on Schedule diseases that affect wild salmon and their PCR results with the Q2 test indicated that the 1 of the Species at Risk Act. The results of effects on farmed fish. virus was endemic in sturgeon of the Hudson this study can be used to inform disease DATE JUN. 2016 – SEP. 2018 Bay drainage basin, with 23.7% of the fish testing management strategies for Lake Sturgeon FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture positive. The sNCLDV-positive samples were from conservation, management and recovery Collaborative Research and Development endangered populations in the Saskatchewan- programs. The goal now is to publish the work Program (DFO – ACRDP) Nelson River watersheds where virus was in a peer-reviewed journal. CO-FUNDED BY Cooke Aquaculture Inc. detected in 3 to 58% of the sturgeon tested. The DATE MAY 2010 – DEC. 2018 PROJECT LEADER Steven Leadbeater (DFO) highest virus loads were observed in the Nelson FUNDED BY Manitoba Hydro PROJECT TEAM Allison MacKinnon (Elanco River populations in northern Manitoba. Sharon Clouthier (DFO) Canada Ltd.); Anthony J. Manning (RPC) Repeat testing of 26 captured-recaptured PROJECT LEADER COLLABORATORS Leighanne Hawkins (Cooke individuals revealed temporal heterogeneity PROJECT TEAM Elissa VanWalleghem, Tamara Aquaculture Inc.) Schroeder (DFO) with respect to their virus status. Analyses of CONTACT [email protected] COLLABORATORS Carol McClure (AquaEpi samples collected annually from the Landing Research); Don MacDonald (Province of MB); Eric WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ Anderson (Independent researcher); Amanda aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/16- River population revealed that virus presence Caskenette (DFO) 1-M-02-eng.html was inversely correlated with sturgeon age, weight and the number of times sturgeon were CONTACT [email protected] FISH HEALTH CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Cellular Effectors Involved in Protective Immunity Against The Effects of Smolt Size Kudoa thyrsites in Atlantic Salmon on the Intensity of Kudoa

he histozoic myxozoan parasite Kudoa a majority of these cells were CD8 +. These thyrsites Infections in Atlantic thyrsites is the causative agent of post- results indicate a cell-mediated immune Salmon T α mortem myoliquefaction in post-harvest Atlantic response is involved in the resolution of K. tlantic Salmon infected with Kudoa Salmon farmed in British Columbia. The industry thyrsites infection in Atlantic Salmon, and further, Athyrsites do not exhibit clinical signs of in BC incurs substantial economic loss because that CD8 + cytotoxic T-cell killing is a candidate disease. However, protease secretion from of Kudoa-associated changes to fillet quality and mechanism for protection upon re-exposure to α this parasite rapidly deteriorates affected the impact on consumer acceptance. the parasite. muscle in the salmon when the fillet is This present work followed up on an earlier Data provided by this study supports the role processed, resulting in economic loss for the study that demonstrated there was a protective of an antigen-presenting cell population in the grower. Earlier research suggested that the effect of prior exposure towards development protective immune response against K. thyrsites. risk of K. thyrsites was reduced when salmon 42 of infection upon subsequent exposure. DATE JUN. 2013 – JAN. 2017 were transferred to sea as larger smolts. This Specifically, this study looked to characterize FUNDED BY Elanco Animal Health research project involved a more robust test the immune response during infection, DFO–Aquaculture Collaborative of the size hypothesis by conducting trials in recovery and re-exposure of Atlantic Salmon to CO-FUNDED BY Research and Development Program (DFO– which the prevalence and severity of K. thyrsites K. thyrsites. By using a multi-pronged approach ACRDP); Natural Science and Engineering Research infections were measured in various smolt size combining histology, immunohistochemistry, Council of Canada (NSERC); Marine Harvest Canada Ltd. classes following laboratory exposures. and transcriptomics, this study demonstrated Smolts were graded into three size classes PROJECT LEADER Mark Fast (AVC) that acquired protective immunity was strongly at their respective hatcheries and were then associated with the presence of MHII + cells PROJECT TEAM Laura Braden, Shona Whyte, Sara Purcell (UPEI); Karina Rasmussen (U Southern transferred to the Pacific Biological Station and in infected muscle tissue, and furthermore, that β Danemark); Lauren Ellis, Amelia Mahony, Steven exposed to the parasite. The study revealed these cells were actively involved in detection Cho, Simon Jones (DFO) a significant effect of Atlantic Salmon smolt of the plasmodium and dissemination of CONTACT [email protected] size on the risk of Kudoa thysites infections: myxospores. Moreover, dual-labelling indicated prevalence and intensity of the infections were greater in the large size-class smolts. A second finding of this study was the reduced overall levels of infection in the smolts that were exposed during winter months compared to the group exposed during summer months. In summary, contrary to previous observations, smaller smolts had lower infection prevalence and intensity. The duration of this study did not permit an examination of resolution of infection, such that the consequences of smolt size on K. thyrsites infection at harvest is still uncertain.

DATE OCT. 2015 – JUN. 2017 Photomicrographs of Kudoa thyrsites-infected FUNDED BY DFO–Aquaculture Collaborative muscle tissue probed with monoclonal antibodies Research and Development Program Omy CD83 (red) and Ssa MHII (brown). Positive (DFO–ACRDP) Immune detection of Kudoa thyrsites by MHII+ cells. cells were observed associated with later stages of Photomicrographs of stages of cellular response. In infection after plasmodia were disintegrated and CO-FUNDED BY Marine Harvest Canada Limited; stages 1 and 2, MHII+ cells surround and infiltrate an often with engulfed myxospores. Dual labeling of Cermaq Canada Ltd. infected myocyte. In stage 3, MHII+ cells are recruited CD83 revealed most cells were CD83+/MHII+. Dual- PROJECT LEADER Simon Jones (DFO) to the infected myocyte and surround the plasmodia labeled cells were observed at high densities within (p) while disintegrating the myocyte. In stage 4, stage 4 lesions and associated with free myxospores PROJECT TEAM Chris Pearce, Ian Forster (DFO); degraded plasmodia (star) and released spores are or with engulfed myxospores (arrowheads). Amy McConnell (Nova Harvest Ltd.); Wenshan Liu engulfed by MHII+ cells (arrowhead). Photo: Laura Braden (AVC/AquaBounty) (Manatee Holdings Ltd.) Photo: Laura Braden (AVC/AquaBounty) COLLABORATORS Diane Morrison (Marine Harvest Canada Ltd.); Kathleen Frisch (Cermaq Canada Ltd.) CONTACT [email protected] WEBSITE www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/ rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/15-2-P-01- eng.html CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FISH HEALTH

Genomic Diversity and Lytic Activity of Bacteriophages Specific Against Aeromonas salmonicida, the Fish Pathogen that Causes Furunculosis

he A. salmonicida bacterium causes bacteriophages targeting A. salmonicida against the fish pathogen will aid Canadian Tfurunculosis in salmonids (salmon, trout, and characterized their genome. In vitro aquaculture productivity while enabling Arctic Charr, etc.). Controlling this disease, which experimentations showed that bacteriophages fish farmers to have alternative treatments is very harmful to the aquaculture industry, have a large lytic spectrum against many to decrease the use of antibiotics in food can prove to be quite demanding and fruitless, A. salmonicida isolates with different virulence production. mainly because of the logistic constraints of the traits. Moreover, the bacteriophages do not DATE MAY 2014 – DEC. 2022 vaccination and the very frequent resistance of infect bacteria from other species and the FUNDED BY Natural Sciences and Engineering A. salmonicida to several antibiotics. In the last development of resistance of A. salmonicida Research Council of Canada (NSERC) ten years, we have studied the genomic diversity against bacteriophages is weak, making CO-FUNDED BY Ressources aquatiques of A. salmonicida to better understand its these viruses promising for aquaculture. Québec (RAQ); MAPAQ—Innovamer Program 43 virulence and antibiotic resistome. We showed Our next experimentations will be in in vivo PROJECT LEADER Steve Charette (U Laval/ that a great number of A. salmonicida isolates environment with bacteriophage cocktails IUCPQ) bear antibiotic resistant genes against all against A. salmonicida infected fish. The PROJECT TEAM Valerie Paquet, Marie-Ange approved antibiotics in Canada for aquaculture. efficiency and the administration methods of Massicotte (U Laval) Finding alternative treatments to prevent and bacteriophages will be evaluated in the course COLLABORATORS Nicolas Derome, Michel Frenette, Sylvain Moineau (U Laval) ; Andrée Lafaille cure furunculosis is now our priority. of this study. (UdeM), Émilie Proulx (LARSEM/U Laval) We are evaluating the potential of Our work will offer a new approach to CONTACT [email protected] bacteriophages (viruses that infect only treat infections due to A. salmonicida. The WEBSITE www.amibe.org bacteria) against furunculosis. We have isolated development of a bacteriophage treatment

Diagnostic Validation of Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerse Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) Assays for Detection of Spring Viremia of Carp Virus (SVCV)

pring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) is the Fair to high repeatability (56 to 90%) and DATE APR. 2013 – MAR. 2019 Saetiological agent of an aquatic animal reproducibility (22 to 87%) were observed for FUNDED BY DFO – Centre for Aquatic Animal disease that is listed as notifiable to the World the RT-qPCR tests. Accuracy estimates for the Health Research and Diagnostic (DFO – CAAHRD) Organization for Animal Health, and reportable RT-qPCR tests were 97 to 100% for DSe and 77 PROJECT LEADER Sharon Clouthier (DFO) to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. In this to 97% for DSp. Poor precision was observed PROJECT TEAM Tamara Schroeder, Shaorong multi-year study, two RT-qPCR tests targeting for the VI test (33 to 55%). Accuracy estimates Li, Crystal Collette-Belliveau, Jason Allen, Melissa either the glycoprotein or nucleoprotein gene for the VI test were 61 to 67% for DSe and 81 Lindsay, Sandra Aldous, Philip Byrne (DFO) were designed and optimized for their analytical to 98% for DSp. Collectively, the results show COLLABORATORS Carol McClure (AquaEpi performance. They were then evaluated along that the SVCV RT-qPCR tests are suitable tools Research); Eric Anderson (Inpendent researcher) with the virus isolation by cell culture (VI) test for surveillance, presumptive diagnosis and CONTACT [email protected] in a diagnostic validation study to assess their certification of individuals or populations as fitness as tools for detection of SVCV. SVCV free. Test performance metrics of diagnostic The diagnostic tools developed in this accuracy were sensitivity (DSe) and specificity project for detection of SVCV are being used (DSp). Repeatability and reproducibility were by member laboratories of the National Aquatic measured to assess diagnostic precision. Animal Health Laboratory System in Canada. Estimates of test accuracy, in the absence of a These tests enable the country to meet its gold standard reference test, were generated obligations as a member of the World Trade using latent class models. Test samples Organization by preventing the spread of originated from domesticated koi that were pathogens of international concern to other either virus free or experimentally infected countries and to protect Canada from those with the virus. Two tissues, kidney and brain, pathogens not currently found within its borders. were evaluated for their relative suitability as The aim now is to publish the work in a peer- target tissues for the RT-qPCR assays. Four reviewed journal. Koi (Cyprinus carpio) in holding tank following challenge with SVCV. laboratories in Canada participated in the Photo: Philip J. Byrne (DFO) precision study. FISH HEALTH CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Investigating the Molecular Mechanisms of Vaccine-Induced Epidemiology of Net Pen Liver Protection in Arctic Charr after Infection with Aeromonas Disease in BC Farmed Salmon

salmonicida spp. salmonicida urrent evidence suggests that net pen liver ith respect to salmonid aquaculture, protection was correlated with significantly Cdisease (NPLD) is caused by exposure Wone of the most important pathogens elevated serum IgM concentrations, and to microcystin (MC), which is a hepatotoxin due to high mortality and antibiotic usage transcriptomic analysis revealed several produced by blue green algae. Microcystins is the causative agent of furunculosis, patterns and pathways associated with from naturally occurring freshwater algal blooms Aeromonas salmonicida spp. salmonicida. improved survival of vaccinated fish. These are believed to be the major source of MC The host response during infection with included a dramatically higher basal expression contamination in coastal waters. Historically, A. salmonicida is well documented in Atlantic of humoral immune components such as NPLD has been reported occasionally in wild Salmon; however, little is known about the complement, acute phase, and iron hemostasis, and farmed salmonids in BC and Washington host response in other salmonids such as in pre-challenged, vaccinated fish. State. However, in recent years, the incidence 44 Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus). Additionally, This research demonstrated that the and severity of the NPLD has increased on there is very little information on the efficacy administration of currently available vaccines BC salmon farms with millions of dollars of or mechanism of protection of currently against furunculosis are effective for protecting lost production in 2014 – 2016. The increased available vaccines against furunculosis when Arctic Charr. We provide transcriptomic incidence of NPLD may reflect a change in the administered to Arctic Charr. Thus, the aim evidence that protection is associated with levels of MC in BC coastal waters and raises the for this work was to use RNA sequencing to significant induction of humoral immunity in possibility that MC may also be impacting the characterize the response of naïve Arctic Charr vaccinates prior to exposure to A. salmonicida, health and performance of wild aquatic animals. while infected with A. salmonicida, as well as with subsequent downregulation of these This project will generate knowledge that can charr vaccinated with ForteMicro®, a vaccine processes after infection being a key feature be used to identify sites at risk of NPLD, and to routinely administered against furunculosis. in survivors. improve or develop new disease management Furthermore, we were interested in assessing strategies. It can also be used to assess the DATE JAN. 2012 – JAN. 2018 the response during co-administration of risk of the toxin responsible for NPLD having FUNDED BY Atlantic Canada Opportunities effects on wild aquatic animals. The objectives ForteMicro® with Renogen®, which is often the Agency – Atlantic Innovation Fund (ACOA – AIF) case when bacterial kidney disease is thought of this project are to: 1) collect and organize CO-FUNDED BY Coastal Zone Research Institute to be present. (CZRI); Natural Sciences and Engineering Research various data pertaining to NPLD in BC; 2) refine Unvaccinated and vaccinated charr were Council of Canada (NSERC); Innovation PEI; Ocean methods of analysis for MC to characterize the Frontiers Institute IP-injected with 106 CFUs/mL and head kidney MC-isoforms and metabolites found in salmon collected at 0, 8- and 29-days post-infection. PROJECT LEADER Mark Fast (AVC) and other marine animals; 3) track development Arctic Charr were extremely susceptible PROJECT TEAM Laura Braden, Shona Whyte, of NPLD using histological methods, examine Alyson Brown, Carter VanIderstine, Corinne presence of liver lesions in other fish, and to A. salmonicida, with 72% mortalities Letendre, David Groman, Jeff Lewis, Sara Purcell, observed after 31 days; however, protection Tiago Hori (UPEI) determine the relationship with MC and/or of 72–82% was observed in fish vaccinated COLLABORATORS Allison MacKinnon (Novartis its metabolites with disease; and 4) identify with ForteMicro® or the combination of Animal Health Canada Inc.); Tony Manning (RPC); the source of MC in coastal waters. Mark Braceland (CATC) ForteMicro®+ Renogen®, respectively. This The ability to predict whether NPLD is likely CONTACT [email protected] to develop would allow companies to make adjustments to their production plans that would reduce financial losses at impacted sites. This research program will also support the development of mitigation strategies, as well as identify the potential for MC to have broader ecosystem effects on wild salmonids and other animals.

DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2019 FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (DFO – ACRDP) CO-FUNDED BY Cermaq Canada Ltd.; Grieg Seafood BC Ltd. PROJECT LEADER Stewart Johnson (DFO) PROJECT TEAM Pearse McCarron (NRC); Genes involved in the complement and coagulation Heindrich Snyman (AHC); Andrew Ross (DFO) cascade were significantly up-regulated in charr COLLABORATORS Barry Milligan (Cermaq vaccinated with ForteMicro® (blue symbol) and Canada Ltd.); Tim Hewison (Grieg Seafood BC Ltd.) ForteMicro®+ Renogen® (cyan symbol) prior to infection with Aeromonas salmonicida. In contrast, CONTACT [email protected] after infection there was down-regulation of genes WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ Bacteria were observed within secondary lamellae in in this pathway, while in controls (orange symbol), aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/17- non-vaccinated control Arctic Charr. these genes were up-regulated. 1-P-02-eng.html Photo: Laura Braden (UPEI) Photo : Laura Braden (UPEI) CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FISH HEALTH

Molecular Systematics of Sturgeon Nucleo-Cytoplasmic Large DNA Viruses

non-overlapping contigs. containing NV and Cafeteria roenbergensis virus The phylogeny of NV as sister taxa. was reconstructed using Since the sNCLDV group has not been protein homologues assigned to any currently recognized taxonomic encoded by nine family of viruses, the study was designed nucleo-cytoplasmic so that the phylogeny outcomes would be virus orthologous genes taxonomically informative to the International (NCVOGs) identified on Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. White the contigs. Sturgeon iridovirus (WSIV), a member of the The accuracy of our sNCLDV, causes a disease that is reportable phylogenetic method to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in was evaluated using a Canada. The results of this research may impact 45 combination of Bayesian how WSIV and, by extension, other sNCLDVs statistical analysis and are regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection congruence analysis. Agency in Canada and by regulators of national Stable tree topologies aquatic animal health programs in Europe and were obtained with data the United States. Bayesian inference of phylogenies for the Megavirales using concatenated full sets differing in target This study was published in Molecular length protein sequences of the viral major capsid protein, the DNA polymerase B elongation subunit peptide, VV A32-type ATPase and the A2L VLTF3-type molecule(s), sequence Phylogenetics and Evolution (2018) 128:26-37. transcription factor under the appropriate substitution model. length and taxa. Photo: Sharon Clouthier (DFO) DATE JAN. 2012 – JAN. 2018 Congruent topologies FUNDED BY Manitoba Hydro were obtained in DFO - Priorities and Partnership amao virus (NV) is a sturgeon nucleo- phylogenies constructed using individual protein CO-FUNDED BY Fund Strategic Initiative (DFO - PPSI) cytoplasmic large DNA virus (sNCLDV) data sets. The major capsid protein phylogeny N PROJECT LEADER Sharon Clouthier (DFO) that can cause a lethal disease of the inferred that ten representative sNCLDV form a COLLABORATORS Rachel Breyta, Gael Kurath integumentary system in Lake Sturgeon, monophyletic group comprised of four lineages (USGS WFRC); Eric Anderson (Independent Acipenser fulvescens. As a group, the sNCLDV within a polyphyletic Mimi-Phycodnaviridae researcher) have not been assigned to any currently group of taxa. CONTACT [email protected] recognized taxonomic family of viruses. In Overall, the analyses revealed that namao WEBSITE https://www.sciencedirect.com/ this study, a data set of NV DNA sequences virus is a member of the Mimiviridae family science/article/pii/S1055790318300861 was generated and assembled as two with strong and consistent support for a clade

Developing a Novel Plant Derived Formulation to Maintain Health of Freshwater Early Life Stages of Fish: Efficacy and Target Animal Safety Studies

aintenance of health in freshwater Huntsman also completed a Target Animal This project meets the urgent need to Mculture is critically important. Freshwater Safety study based on Environment Canada’s develop novel formulations that demonstrate fish operations, including Atlantic Salmon EAF-test method, with modifications to mimic efficacy and can be safely applied to all hatcheries, contend with numerous pathogens, industry practices, to assess toxicity of the test freshwater life stages. fungi and fin erosion concerns. Infections by formulation on Atlantic Salmon embryos, alevins DATE JAN. 2017 – DEC. 2018 Saprolegnia fungus alone may contribute to and fry. Each treatment had four replicates with FUNDED BY RPS Biologiques Inc.; National 10–50% egg losses. There is a need for new forty eyed eggs exposed to 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, Research Council– Industrial Research Assistance products that can be safely applied to all 3.13 or 1.56% of the test formulation along with Program (NRC–IRAP) freshwater life stages to maintain health of eggs hatchery water negative and formalin positive CO-FUNDED BY New Brunswick Innovation and fish in culture environments. The Huntsman controls. Thirteen embryo-stage exposures and Foundation – New Brunswick Innovation Research Chair program egg–Saprolegnia infection model was used twelve fry-stage exposures were conducted to evaluate efficacy of a novel plant derived with all treatments. There were no effects on PROJECT LEADER Duane Barker, Ehab Misk (HMSC) formulation developed by RPS Biologiques mortality across treatments. Therefore, values PROJECT TEAM Anne McCarthy, Trena Hurley, Inc. Low concentrations of the test formulation of LC50 could not be reliably predicted. The Esther Keddie, Rebecca Eldridge, Ellen Fanning, provided comparable efficacy to the standard NOEC (no observable effect concentration) for Erica Harvey, Elizabeth Dowling, Dave Goodwin, formalin treatment concentration against fry mortality was 50% test formulation and the Chris Bridger (HMSC); Subrata Chowdhury (RPS Biologiques Inc.) Saprolegnia declina infection of eggs (LC50 = LOEC (lowest observed effect concentration) COLLABORATORS Subrata Chowdhury (RPS 17.47 + 8.88%). Trials continue involving a new was > 50%. Biologiques Inc.) powder formulation. FISH HEALTH CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Visceral Mycoses in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar): The Role of Opportunistic Fungal Pathogens in Fish Health and Mortality in Salmon Aquaculture Systems

uring the summer of 2017, seven This is the first confirmed report of these systems and cultural practices will be evaluated Dpopulations of Atlantic Salmon recently fungal pathogens infecting and causing to determine whether they influence the transferred from freshwater as smolts to significant mortality of Atlantic Salmon in BC incidence of infection, with a view to developing net pens exhibited elevated mortality. Post- commercial aquaculture. Although infections remedial actions. mortem examination of apparently healthy have been reported for both marine and DATE MAY 2018 – MAR. 2020 fish determined that many had extensive freshwater fish, these fungal taxa are poorly FUNDED BY DFO–Aquaculture Collaborative visceral mycoses that targeted several organs, studied as opportunistic pathogens. Their Research and Development Program including the spleen, liver and kidney. A subset potential mode(s) of infection are unknown, and (DFO–ACRDP) of fish with affected organs were sampled and factors that influence pathogen prevalence and CO-FUNDED BY Cermaq Canada Ltd. fungal cultures were subject to morphological host susceptibility have not been described. 46 PROJECT LEADER Simon Jones (DFO) and molecular analyses to identify them The objectives of the present study are PROJECT TEAM Paul de la Bastide, Terrie as dematiaceous Ascomycete fungi of the to: 1) determine the temporal and spatial Finston, Will Hintz (UVic) genera Exophiala and Ochroconis. These darkly distribution of these pathogens in aquaculture COLLABORATORS Danielle New (Cermaq pigmented, polyextremotolerant fungi inhabit facilities; 2) establish the prevalence of these Canada Ltd.) a wide range of ecological niches, including infections among different age classes; and CONTACT [email protected] animal hosts. Some are recognized as 3) evaluate the infection process in controlled WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/18- opportunistic pathogens of crustaceans, trials to confirm isolate infectivity and their p-05-eng.html fish, birds and mammals. impact upon fish health. Water treatment

Assessing the Effects of High Oxygen Freshwater Saturation on Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Growth and Overall Health within a Simulated Commercial Hatchery Setting

while gas bubble disease can develop in the hematocrits and general necropsy. Preliminary absence of appropriate control of the total gas data analysis indicates that fish held in 150%

pressure. The new proprietary technology and 200% DO2 saturation had lower cumulative examined in this study yields significant mortality (by 2.33% and 8.11%, respectively) advantages to freshwater facilities for Atlantic and higher mean growth rate (by 47% and 44%, Salmon culture operations. respectively) compared with controls held This project provided benchmarking between within ambient conditions. Interestingly, while fry triplicate tanks receiving ambient freshwater held in 150% and 200% oxygen saturation had

dissolved oxygen (DO2) concentration (90% similar overall performance, only fish exposed to ± 10%) and triplicate tanks receiving added 200% oxygen saturation had significantly lower

dissolved oxygen DO2 concentrations of either hematocrit values, which returned to ambient Study Tanks Setup. Three tanks are dedicated for 150% ± 10% or 200% ± 10%, respectively, in fish levels in less than ten days after treated fish each dissolved oxygen (DO2) saturation group, 100% simulated commercial hatchery operations returned to either ambient fresh or seawater ± 10%, 150% ± 10%, and 200% ± 10%. Water is gravity fed to study tanks from three black header tanks starting with 3 g Atlantic Salmon fry and using conditions, with no significant mortalities from where the GIS Gas Infusion Systems technology is preplanned density and weight triggered the control group. located. Water DO2 is automatically and continuously monitored to ensure study requirements remain cutbacks until smolting. Study water was DATE AUG. 2017 – DEC. 2018 within the acceptable ranges. Fish were fed to created on demand using a proprietary gas satiation with automatic feeders and manually. FUNDED BY GIS Gas Infusion Systems Inc. Photoperiod was adjusted biweekly based on the infusion system to increase measured dissolved CO-FUNDED BY New Brunswick Innovation NRC sunrise/sunset calculator. oxygen concentrations while removing nitrogen Foundation – New Brunswick Innovation Research Photo: E. Misk (HMSC) from the water to maintain water total gas Chair program pressure at near 100%. Specific growth rate PROJECT LEADER Ehab Misk (HMSC) tlantic Salmon is a diadromous fish and Fulton’s condition factor were calculated PROJECT TEAM Ellen Fanning, Anne McCarthy, Aspecies and spends about 50% of using data collected either during monthly Trena Hurley, Esther Keddie, Erica Harvey, Jamie its entire life cycle in culture conditions in non-lethal sampling from each tank or during Carpenter, Howard Streight, Phil Wiper, Cailey Dow, Elizabeth Dowling, Dave Goodwin, Chris Bridger freshwater land-based hatcheries. A critical planned cutbacks that match the simulated (HMSC) aspect in commercial hatcheries is the provision production plan based on stocking density. COLLABORATORS Mike Beattie (GIS Gas of appropriate levels of oxygen within the Mortalities were recorded from each tank during Infusion Systems Inc.) freshwater environment to provide optimal the project and overall fish health assessed CONTACT [email protected] growing conditions. Oxygen can represent by lethally sub-sampling each tank population WEBSITE Huntsmanmarine.ca a significant operational cost to the hatchery during cutbacks (n=10 × 3/group), including CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 FISH HEALTH

Fry/Parr Infection Model to Study Saprolegnia parasitica Infections for Broodstock Related and Novel Treatment Development Applications

aprolegnia parasitica is responsible for Sfungal water mould infections of freshwater fish in hatcheries. Infections are characterized by the growing of fungal mycelia on fish skin and fins that is promoted by stress, including water quality and/or handling. Saprolegniasis may be treated using several presently available options, such as formalin, iodophores, salt, or hydrogen peroxide, but each has its limitations resulting in a quest to develop further alternative therapeutants. 47 Huntsman advanced its Saprolegnia research capacity by adding an Atlantic Salmon fry/ parr specific infection model. Several virulent pure Saprolegnia parasitica isolates have been collected and identified using ITS sequencing of its genomic DNA. Isolates are cultured on cornmeal agar (CMA) plates to obtain fungal growth then moved to Sabouraud Dextrose Kaplan-Meier survival estimates of Saprolegnia parasitica infected Atlantic Salmon parr comparing the Broth (SDB) and later collected and washed survival of untreated negative control to a standard formalin treated positive control. By adjusting experimental with hatchery water to produce infective conditions, the survival of either group can be affected to meet study specific criteria. spores. Up to 100,000 healthy spores/mL have Source: Ehab Misk (HMSC) been mass produced on a plate, evaluated for viability, then used to infect fish soon after being released from the sporangium. Stress induction to enhance infection can be achieved as either transient during exposure through appropriate handling or prolonged using cortisol implants. Combinations of spore load, water flow, and stress induction have been demonstrated to either produce severe synchronous infection in a shorter duration or longer duration to address variable experimental needs. Infection outcomes can be evaluated by survival analysis and correlated with spore counts at several time points during infection. Having access to consistent, reliable and predictable infection models is essential to evaluate efficacy or screen candidate treatments. The fish Saprolegnia parasitica will be used at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre to aid in the development of new treatment alternatives, as well as used to explore fish and family resistance to fungal infections in salmonid breeding programs.

DATE APR. 2018 – DEC. 2018 FUNDED BY New Brunswick Innovation Foundation – New Brunswick Innovation Research Chair program PROJECT LEADER Ehab Misk (HMSC) PROJECT TEAM Anne McCarthy, Trena Hurley, Esther Keddie, Cailey Dow, Peter Bartlett, Howard Streight, Chris Bridger (HMSC) [email protected] CONTACT Atlantic Salmon parr infected with Saprolegnia parasitica showing fungal growth on skin WEBSITE Huntsmanmarine.ca and fins. Photo: Ehab Misk (HMSC) ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS 48

Photo: Lindsey Brager (DFO)

IN THIS SECTION Effect of Aquaculture Inputs and Extractions on Aquatic Ecosystem Ecology Developing the Benthic Component of IMTA to Reduce the Impact of Organic Nutrients from Fish Farms and Evolving Standard Operating Procedures Assessing the Profitability of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture in Canada With and Without a Deposit-Feeder Component A Growing Interest in Seaweeds – Applied Research and Community Engagement to Support Commercialization Opportunities in British Columbia Evaluation of Benthic Far-Field and Area Recovery Effects from Aquaculture within the Letang Inlet, New Brunswick The Development of Video Monitoring Methods (Camera Orientation) and Management Thresholds to Characterize Fish Farm Impacts on Effect of Wind Forcing on the Oceanographic Conditions of Fortune Bay–Belle Bay: Hard-Bottom Substrates Identification of Changes in Water Physical Conditions and Ocean Currents, and Development of a Forecasting Tool Structure and Function of the Salmon Farm Reef

Novel Sensors for Fish Health and Welfare Kelp Production at a Shellfish Hatchery to Improve Water Quality

The Role of Filter-Feeders in Coastal Ecosystem Functioning Transforming the Only Non-Salmon Aquaculture Site in the Bay of Fundy into an Invertebrates/Seaweeds Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Site Robustness of Alternative Benthic Impact Indicators at Aquaculture Sites Across Different Farm and Environmental Conditions, and Quantification of Relationships Can Hard Clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) Increase the Rate of Eelgrass (Zostera with Benthic Communities for Proxy Use marina) Recovery in Areas Impacted by Oyster Aquaculture?

Developing Hard-Bottom Indicators from BC Archived Benthic Video Surveys Conversion Between Bivalve Aquaculture Types: Consequences on Hydrodynamics Associated with Aquaculture Activities: Rock-Cliff Sponge Community and Food Accessibility

Metagenomics Based Ecosystem Biomonitoring (Ecobiomics) Improving Ecological Models for a Sustainable Development of Bivalve Culture in Eutrophic Estuarine Complexes Development and Validation of a Biomonitoring Tool to Assess the Impacts of Salmon Aquaculture on Marine Benthic Communities using Metabarcoding Assessing the Effectiveness of Power-Washing to Mitigate the Movement of Aquatic Invasive Species Associated with Shellfish Aquaculture Products CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS

Effect of Aquaculture Inputs and Extractions on Aquatic Ecosystem Ecology

he Aquaculture Ecosystems Interactions TProgram (AEIP) supports long-term, collaborative, multidisciplinary research on ecosystem-level effects of aquaculture. Research under the program theme “Effect of aquaculture inputs and extractions on ecosystem ecology” considers the complexity of environment processes that may affect valued ecosystem components as a direct or indirect consequence of changes in the abiotic and biotic environment. This program provides seed funding for program theme leaders to 49 bring together internal and external scientific expertise needed to develop an understanding of the persistent, cumulative and far-field effects of present aquaculture activities on complex aquatic ecosystems. Conceptual diagram of bivalve aquaculture interactions in coastal ecosystems related to: (A) the extraction of Initial collaborative research under this seston and zooplankton during filter-feeding; (B) bio-deposition of undigested organic matter; (C) excretion of theme is focusing on bivalve aquaculture. ammonia; and (D) the removal of nutrients in the harvest. Source: Peter Cranford (DFO) Previous studies have suggested that shellfish populations, depending on the circumstances, measured using in situ and remote sensor outcomes: Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems; may represent a significant positive ecosystem mapping approaches. Investigations of the and Economically Prosperous Maritime Sectors service or may have negative trophic interactions effect on zooplankton biomass and diversity and Fisheries. that possibly result in cascading food web are based on size-spectra and genetic material DATE AUG. 2018 – ONGOING changes and alteration of ecosystem functions. analysis of zooplankton collected from multiple FUNDED BY DFO–Aquaculture Ecosystems Field studies at multiple spatial and temporal embayments containing different intensities of Interactions Program (DFO–AEIP) scales are quantifying changes in pelagic mussel culture. Observed changes in pelagic PROJECT LEADER Peter Cranford (DFO) ecosystem structure under different intensities community structure over different spatial and PROJECT TEAM Anaïs Lacoursière, of culture. Studies at the scale of the feeding temporal-scales will be used to validate and Luc Comeau, Thomas Guyondet (DFO) zone around mussel socks will determine the refine bay-scale ecosystem model predictions. COLLABORATORS Kim Hoang Hang (CGQ) relationship between mussel biomass, current Research conducted under this project CONTACT [email protected] speed and degree of phytoplankton reduction. addresses priority aquaculture-ecosystem Larger-scale phytoplankton reduction is questions relevant to the Department’s strategic

Assessing the Profitability of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture in Canada With and Without a Deposit-Feeder Component

his project compared the financial returns production, particularly with price premiums on DATE MAY 2013 – JUL. 2017 Tof Atlantic Salmon monoculture with IMTA-produced salmon and mussels, can lead FUNDED BY Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Strategic salmon, mussel, and kelp Integrated Multi- to higher net present values than monoculture. Network Program Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), and salmon, However, increased capital and operational PROJECT LEADER Duncan Knowler (SFU) mussel, kelp, and green sea urchin IMTA in the complexity may deter investor interest in PROJECT TEAM Chris Pearce (DFO); Bay of Fundy. The results will help the industry farm-scale IMTA operations. Adding green Mark Carras (SFU) to determine the economic viability of IMTA. sea urchins as a benthic species was found to CONTACT [email protected]; Chris.Pearce@dfo-mpo. We used a discounted cash-flow analysis reduce IMTA farm profitability, but likely resulted gc.ca to build on previous IMTA analyses in Canada, from the small size of the sea urchin operation WEBSITE www.cimtan.ca incorporating updated and real-world financial we investigated and the resulting high costs. information. We found that three-species IMTA ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Evaluation of Benthic Far-Field and Area Recovery Effects from Aquaculture within the Letang Inlet, New Brunswick

o evaluate benthic far-field enrichment Tassociated with finfish aquaculture, sediment samples were collected in two areas 200-600 meters from facilities within the Letang Inlet, New Brunswick, Canada and one reference area (> 3000 meters). For changes and recovery, these were collected annually (2012-2015) to monitor a full three- year production cycle. These samples were used to measure macrofaunal and microbial 50 communities, total microbial biomass, fecal coliform, sediment grain size, sediment organic content, and the concentrations of sterols, vitamin E, and heavy metals. Measurements proximate to aquaculture areas had greater sediment metal concentrations but the annual patterns did not show increased metals during the period of active culture. There were also differences in environmental variables but again annual changes did not correlate with a cycle of active culture. Each area had a distinct macrofauna community with similar annual changes regardless of proximity to aquaculture. Microbial community structure also exhibited Non-metric MDS of averaged (dispersion-weighted) macrofaunal abundance data using Bray-Curtis dissimilarities for two aquaculture areas (Bliss Harbour, Limekiln Bay) and one reference area (Deadmans Harbour). Results annual change but not correlated with active indicated distinct differences in community structure for all three areas along with significant changes over time culture. Compared to the reference area, the (year). Data support annual coastal-scale changes but not a short-term cycle (change-recovery) that would have been expected with 3-year aquaculture production effects. two aquaculture areas did have higher levels of Source: Andrew Cooper (DFO) metals and organic enrichment and macrofauna

showed episodic shifts between abundance DATE JUN. 2013 – JUN. 2016 and biomass dominance, but it was uncertain as FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative to whether this was a response to aquaculture Research and Development Program or a change typical of the sampling areas. (DFO – ACRDP) Combined, these findings indicated that CO-FUNDED BY Northern Harvest Sea Farms Ltd. coastal-scale environmental factors were likely responsible for driving the largest changes PROJECT LEADER Andrew Cooper (DFO); Gerhard Pohle (HMSC) in the benthic environment, irrespective of PROJECT TEAM Rebecca Milne, Lou Van adjacent fish farm activities, and that the current Guelpen (HMSC); Marc Blanchard (DFO); 3-year production cycle produced few, if any, Robert Findlay (U Alabama); Robert Clarke (PML); detectable short-term far-field effects. Karl Whelan (Eastern Charlotte Waterways Inc.) COLLABORATORS Larry Ingalls (Northern Gerhard Pohle taking a water sample during field Harvest Sea Farms Ltd.) work on board the CCGS Viola M. Davidson. Photo: Andrew Cooper (DFO) CONTACT [email protected] WEBSITE www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/ rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/M-13-01-003- eng.html CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS

Effect of Wind Forcing on the Oceanographic Conditions of Fortune Bay–Belle Bay: Identification of Changes in Water Physical Conditions and Ocean Currents, and Development of a Forecasting Tool

he understanding and accurate reproduction circulation induced by wind forcing in Fortune DATE APR. 2015 – JUN. 2018 Tof ocean stratification and currents is key to Bay. To this end, a comprehensive observation FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program assess aquaculture-environment interactions program was executed using oceanographic (DFO – ACRDP) and to mitigate potential issues such as fish moorings, allowing simultaneous measurement CO-FUNDED BY Newfoundland Aquaculture pathogen, pest and organic matter dispersion of water column stratification and currents over Industry Association (NAIA); Cold Ocean Salmon and cumulative effects. the course of a year or more at multiple sites. Inc.; Northern Harvest Sea Farms Ltd.; French Research Institute for Exploration of the Sea Results of recent research have indicated Along with the observations, a numerical model (IFREMER) that in most of Belle Bay (the inner part of is being implemented to help understand the PROJECT LEADER Sebastien Donnet, Fortune Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador), processes involved, to get a spatial view of the Andry Ratsimandresy (DFO) 51 tides account for less than 5% of the ocean ocean circulation, and to predict the transport of PROJECT TEAM Dwight Drover, Pierre Goulet, current variability. Wind forcing, a non- variables of interest (e.g., virus, sea-lice or organic Shannon Cross, Guoqi Han (DFO); Pascal Lazure deterministic force (as opposed to tides) material originating from aquaculture farms). (IFREMER) and water physical structure (i.e., stratification) Results from this project will inform the COLLABORATORS Mark Lane (NAIA); Julia Bungay (Cold Ocean Salmon Inc.); Jennifer Caines have, on the other hand, a significant influence aquaculture industry as they conduct their (Northern Harvest Sea Farms Ltd.) and result in complex ocean dynamics. operations, as well as inform the regulators CONTACT [email protected]; This project aimed to identify and describe in matters such as fish pest and pathogen [email protected] some of the dominant mechanisms responsible management, release of organic matter WEBSITE www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/ for short-term upwelling and downwelling events, into the environment, site selection and rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/15-1-N-02- eng.html and associated surface and sub-surface oceanic ecosystem management.

Field activities conducted from May 2015 to May 2017. Numerical modeling simulation snapshot. Source: Shannon Cross (DFO) Source: Sebastien Donnet (DFO) ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Novel Sensors for Fish Health and Welfare

he coastal ocean is a challenging and cage position, and its relationship Tenvironment for aquaculture. Beyond to environmental conditions. obvious weather-related risks to infrastructure 5. Determine relationships between and worker safety, there are biological risks oceanographic conditions, pathogen to cultured fish in two main areas: occurrence, and fish response/behaviour. (1) oceanographic and climate challenges to 6. Produce metagenomic profiles of fish physiology and welfare, and (2) presence pathogens, pests, and harmful algae of pathogens, harmful microalgae and other at fish farms and surrounding waters. organisms that affect fish health. Working within The real-time monitoring and prediction the Ocean Frontier Institute with major Nova of environmental drivers of stress in cultured Scotia ocean technology companies, Vemco salmon using novel sensors will be used as 52 Amirix and Realtime Aquaculture, and New an early warning system that will improve Brunswick-based Cooke Aquaculture, we will management practices and, concomitantly, combine novel sensors to bring new standards fish welfare. to in-water sensing applied to the welfare and DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2020 management of farmed fish. Oceanographic sensors provide a framework to understand the farm environment (K1), and forecast/ FUNDED BY Ocean Frontier Institute Oceanographic sensors provide a framework model conditions (K2) as they relate to both fish Jon Grant (Dalhousie U) to understand the farm environment, and behaviour (K3), as well as the pathogen field in PROJECT LEADER ambient waters (K4). forecast/model conditions as they relate to PROJECT TEAM Julie Laroche, Jinyu Sheng, Source: Jon Grant (Dalhousie U) Ramón Filgueira (Dalhousie U) both fish behaviour, as well as the pathogen COLLABORATORS Cooke Aquaculture; Real field in ambient waters. Taken together, these 2. Develop software delivery systems Time Aquaculture; VEMCO Amirix Systems Inc; tools and data analysis present cutting-edge for cage sensors, specific to farm GAIN Horizon 2020 improvements in the sustainability of fish management needs. CONTACT [email protected] farming and will allow us to: 3. Develop protocols for data assimilation WEBSITE https://oceanfrontierinstitute.com/ 1. Provide real-time data on oxygen and and modelling to enhance forecasting research/novel-sensors-for-fish-health-and-welfare temperature from multiple cages at of oxygen/temperature data. fish farming sites, using wireless, 4. Establish an array of fish acoustic tags networked systems. and cage sensors to quantify 3D fish

The Role of Filter-Feeders in Coastal Ecosystem Functioning

of bivalves and tunicates. This goal will be achieved by performing experiments in the field and under controlled conditions in the laboratory, for example, to explore the effect of a higher future ocean temperature on filter- feeder feeding rates. The outcomes of these experiments will be used to improve existing mathematical models that could be used to predict the behaviour of these species under current and future ecosystem scenarios such as climate change or human modifications to Figure legend: Percent change in shell length of M. edulis (A) and C. virginica (B) between the past (1986-1990) and the future (2046-2050), calculated after one year of growth. the coastal zone. Using these improved models, Source: Steeves et al. (2018) Front Mar Sci 5:184 we will be able to explore the effects of mussel his research program will generate new habitat that can be colonized by other species and oyster aquaculture on the environment Tfundamental scientific knowledge such as tunicates. Assessing the overall effects of and consequently provide recommendations that can be directly applied to improving bivalve aquaculture on the ecosystem relies on our to guarantee the sustainability of this important coastal zone management in Canada, and understanding of the feeding behaviour of bivalves economic activity. will help to promote sustainable aquaculture and tunicates. These so-called filter-feeders DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2022 practices worldwide. feed by straining small food particles from water, FUNDED BY Natural Sciences and Engineering Human interactions with the coastal zones of typically by passing the water over a specialized Research Council (NSERC) – Discovery Grant our oceans can compromise marine ecosystem filtering structure. Despite the importance of PROJECT LEADER Ramón Filgueira (Dalhousie U) health. For example, the cultivation of bivalves can filter-feeders in coastal ecosystems, some critical CONTACT [email protected] alter the food supplies available for other species. aspects of their feeding behaviour are still not clear. WEBSITE www.ramonf.com In addition, the man-made structures that are This proposed research program will improve deployed in the ocean for this purpose constitute our understanding of the feeding behaviour CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS

Robustness of Alternative Benthic Impact Indicators at Aquaculture Sites Across Different Farm and Environmental Conditions, and Quantification of Relationships with Benthic Communities for Proxy Use

here is a recognized need for an expanded Trange of performance indicators that are of use in managing effects from biochemical oxygen demanding (BOD) matter effluents in soft-bottom environments. Previous research (2014-16) developed alternative methods that accurately and precisely quantify total free sulfides (TFS) and dissolved oxygen (DO) in sediment pore-water. Initial work under this 53 project (2016-19) has been to quantify the spatial and temporal variability in these new methods, and test them under a range of aquaculture and environmental conditions in Canada to further assess their robustness and applicability for detecting BOD matter impacts. In 2018, project objectives have been expanded to include determination of the empirical relationships with benthic community biodiversity as the scientific basis of proxy use as a management tool. This expansion is in the interest of the future provision of complete science advice on the general application of these new methods in the regulatory context. Measurements of TFS and DO made with the new methods have also been accompanied by organic content, sediment grain size, water content, and the traditional method for measuring TFS in attempts to develop a multi-indicator approach. Results from this project will help inform Sediment sieving for the collection of infauna. aquaculture decision-makers of additional Photo: Peter Cranford (DFO) tools that can be used to increase confidence in regulatory decisions with respect to the management of benthic impact from organic enrichment at aquaculture sites.

DATE APR. 2016 – MAR. 2020 FUNDED BY DFO – Program for Aquaculture Regulatory Research (DFO – PARR) PROJECT LEADER Lindsay Brager (DFO) PROJECT TEAM Peter Cranford, Brent Law, David Wong, Fred Page, Chris McKindsey, Andréa Weise (DFO)

COLLABORATORS DFO - Aquaculture Part of the field set-up for measurement of total Monitoring and Modelling Program (DFO - AMMP); Pore-water extraction and dissolved oxygen free sulfides, shown here during sampling at a Pacific Aquaculture Management Division (DFO) measurements being taken from sediment cores. shellfish site. Photo: Peter Cranford (DFO) CONTACT [email protected] Photo: Lindsay Brager (DFO) WEBSITE http://dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/ rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2016-M-08- eng.html ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Developing Hard-Bottom Indicators from BC Archived Benthic Video Surveys Associated with Aquaculture Activities: Rock-Cliff Sponge Community

significant knowledge gap exists regarding it sustained a 50% areal coverage. Although DATE SEPT. 2011 – MAR. 2017 A the environmental effects of finfish plumose anemones and shrimp showed a low FUNDED BY DFO–Program for Aquaculture aquaculture on true hard-substrate habitats, frequency of occurrence at reference sites, they Regulatory Research (DFO–PARR) largely due to logistical hindrances associated were sometimes abundant at a higher carbon flux CO-FUNDED BY BC Government; Ocean with sampling remote rocky steep habitats. within the near-field zone of the aquaculture sites. Dynamics Canada Benthic ROV video surveys were carried Glass sponges revealed an inverse relationship PROJECT LEADER Terri Sutherland (DFO) out at a rocky cliff setting in British Columbia with aquaculture waste outputs at a lower PROJECT TEAM Andrea Sterling, to characterize epifaunal communities and carbon flux. Michelle Ou (DFO) substrate composition. Epifauna were dominated In the absence of a chemical surrogate for COLLABORATORS Bernie Taekema, by glass sponges, squat lobsters, plumose benthic organic enrichment, future research Kerra Shaw (DFO) 54 anemones and shrimp, while the substrate was should focus on: 1) the response of various CONTACT [email protected] comprised of rock wall, skeletal sponge matrix, taxa to depositional gradients; and 2) the WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2011- and cobble. Taxa-specific responses were potential role of taxa as secondary indicators P-13-eng.html observed in relation to modelled depositional of aquaculture activities associated with carbon flux. For example, sulfide-oxidizing rock-cliff communities. bacteria varied in abundance up to a modelled depositional carbon flux of ~2 g C m-2 day-1 where

Sponge and squat lobster community on rock cliff setting. Photo: Terri Sutherland (DFO)

The relationship between the abundance of epifauna taxa and modelled depositional flux. Source: Sutherland et al. 2018. Marine Pollution Bulletin , 127: 287-309 CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS

Metagenomics Based Ecosystem Biomonitoring (Ecobiomics)

his project aims to develop new Tmethodologies to quantify the health of aquatic ecosystems. The methods could eventually be used to study the impact of aquaculture farms on the surrounding environment. An important collaboration between Canadian federal government organisations (namely, DFO and ECCC, AAFC, CFIA, CFS, 55 NRC, NRCAN, and PHAC) in the field of genomics is undertaking a large biodiversity- based project. Biodiversity is paramount in water and soil for sustaining diverse ecosystem services and economic activities across Canada. Land use disturbances are having enormous adverse impacts on the biodiversity and integrity of natural and managed ecosystems. For example, we are starting to better appreciate the enormous biological diversity found in invertebrate communities in rivers. Existing tools (e.g., microscope) have significant limitations, and allow only the “tip” of the biodiversity iceberg to be seen. This project proposes to use significant advances in high-throughput sequencing and DNA barcoding to develop cost-effective metabarcoding applications. The invertebrate “zoobiome” of rivers in Atlantic Canada is examined, and contrasted with the surrounding land usage and habitat use by fish such as salmonids. This new approach to salmonid habitat assessment will be combined with salmon gut content analysis using non-lethal Collection of benthic samples in New Brunswick rivers. sampling and the same metabarcoding Photo: Parks Canada approach. This innovative work will examine food web connections in an unprecedented informed manner, revealing salmonids feeding habits and how they use their habitat. This work will provide indicators of ecosystem health related to invertebrate biodiversity. We will quantify the impact from nutrients / eutrophication and land disturbance, and develop cumulative effects models, linked to key policy objectives, supporting responsible resource development.

DATE APR. 2016 – MAR. 2021 FUNDED BY DFO - Genomic Research and Development Initiative (DFO-GRDI) PROJECT LEADER Nellie Gagné (DFO) PROJECT TEAM Royce Steeves, Mélanie Roy (DFO); Donald Baird, Alex Bush (UNB); Vincent Mercier (ECCC) CONTACT [email protected] Homogenisation of benthic samples prior to DNA extraction and metabarcoding. Photo: Nellie Gagné (DFO) ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Development and Validation of a Biomonitoring Tool to Assess the Impacts of Salmon Aquaculture on Marine Benthic Communities using Metabarcoding

ssessments of benthic environmental eDNA metabarcoding for augmenting benthic and that farm site explained more variation Aimpact of salmon aquaculture have monitoring approaches for salmon farms in in community composition than other generally focused on changes in macro- Western Canada by rapidly providing more cost- environmental variables. Overall, we determined invertebrate communities based on effective and accurate biological measures than that foraminifera diversity and composition morpho-taxonomic identification, or have morpho-taxonomy methods. estimates, as characterized by eDNA relied heavily on abiotic proxies (e.g., sulfides), In this study, we collected sediment samples metabarcoding, generated signals consistent depending on local and national regulatory at six salmon farms with varying sediment with benthic biodiversity being impacted by standards. Morpho-taxonomy can provide types in British Columbia. To represent more salmon farming despite that farm-specific meaningful assessment of sediments, but traditional approaches to benthic monitoring, we responses were observed in different analyses. is time-consuming and expensive. Abiotic measured a variety of environmental variables 56 DATE APR. 2016 – MAR. 2019 proxies can provide rapid estimates of organic known to be related to organic enrichment and FUNDED BY DFO–Program for Aquaculture enrichment status; however, the accuracy of collected both traditional morph-taxonomy Regulatory Research (DFO–PARR) these estimates are confounded by difficulties and classic DNA barcoding data on benthic PROJECT LEADER Cathryn Abbott (DFO) generalizing a simple relationship between polychaetes. We supplemented this with eDNA PROJECT TEAM Xiaoping He, Terri Sutherland, benthic fauna and geochemistry, largely due to metabarcoding data characterizing foraminifera Scott Gilmore, Kristi Miller-Saunders, Kara site-specific responses. and metazoa composition in the same sediment Aschenbrenner, Kerra Shaw (DFO) Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding samples to enable a comparison of results COLLABORATORS Jan Pawlowski (U Geneva) is a new method to characterize species among methods. CONTACT [email protected] diversity and can substantially contribute to Thus far, we have found that foraminifera WEBSITE http://dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/ benthic impact assessments of fish farms. alpha diversity generally increases with rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2016-P-06- eng.html This research substantiates the potential of increasing distance from fish cage edge,

Macrofauna being extracted from benthic mud using running water and a sieve. Photo: Scott Gilmore (DFO)

The polychaete Sternaspis affinis on the collecting sieve. Photo: Scott Gilmore (DFO) CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS

Developing the Benthic Component of IMTA to Reduce the Impact of Organic Nutrients from Fish Farms and Evolving Standard Operating Procedures

ntegrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) The project showed that the evaluated Iis an advanced ecological engineering species could potentially be used to assimilate technique that has been developing in Canada. some of the farm nutrients, resulting in less IMTA mimics a natural ecosystem by combining organic deposition on the sea bottom, and the farming of multiple, complementary bringing the IMTA concept of biologically species from different levels of the food chain remedying aquaculture waste one step closer in a way that allows the uneaten feed, wastes, to being commercially viable. nutrients and by-products of one species to be DATE APR. 2014 – MAR. 2017 recaptured and converted into fertilizer, feed and FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative energy for the growth of the other species. The Research and Development Program 57 goal of this project was to develop the benthic (DFO – ACRDP) Sea cucumbers feeding on salmon waste nutrient portion of the IMTA system for open water Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. particles in an IMTA experimental tank. CO-FUNDED BY marine aquaculture sites. Photo: Terralynn Lander (DFO) PROJECT LEADER Shawn Robinson (DFO) This research demonstrated that it is possible PROJECT TEAM Terralynn Lander, Craig to hatch and raise sea cucumbers, sea urchins reached commercial size within 24 months. Smith (DFO) and scallops for use in IMTA operations in They assimilated approximately 70% of the COLLABORATORS Keng Pee Ang (Kelly Cove potentially large numbers. It was determined food provided, which was at a level similar Salmon Ltd.) that the water supply needs to be ultra-filtered to the small food particles that would be CONTACT [email protected] to remove copepod predators, which can available from a salmon farm. Baseline bacterial WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/ destroy the three target species’ larval year screening on cultures showed a large variety M-14-01-002-eng.html classes in a matter of days. Hatchery-reared of bacterial species, the vast majority that were sea urchins showed very high growth rates and non-pathogenic.

A Growing Interest in Seaweeds – Applied Research and Community Engagement to Support Commercialization Opportunities in British Columbia

espite a clear market demand for a with the sustainability and environmental Dbroad range of seaweed products (food, stewardship values of coastal First Nations alginates, bioethanol, antiviral agents, fertilizers, and of many Canadians. Presently, we etc.), and a coastal environment that supports have established partnerships with several one of the greatest diversity of species in the First Nations to build capacity for kelp world, very little movement has been realized commercialization in their communities, with respect to the development of a seaweed throughout coastal British Columbia. To this aquaculture sector in western Canada. Why? end, kelp seed (Saccharina latissima, with plans Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) to later include Alaria marginata and Nereocystis research has delimited the spatial extent of the luetkeana) is being planted in the winter of wastes generated from fish farm operations, 2018/2019 with a focus on training members revealing that the use of extractive species such of the partner First Nations and North Island as seaweeds offers an opportunity to capitalize College students in kelp aquaculture techniques. on these inorganic wastes and could generate DATE OCT. 2015 – SEP. 2018 a substantial revenue stream given the high FUNDED BY Natural Sciences and Engineering demand and market value of such products. Research Council of Canada – Industrial Research Furthermore, the inorganic fraction has a Chairs for Colleges Grant (NSERC-IRCC) much broader spatial impact downstream of a CO-FUNDED BY Natural Sciences and fish farm, and these wastes represent a clear Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) – Engage Grant commercial opportunity for co-culture while North Island College student research assistant offering important ecosystem services. PROJECT LEADER Stephen Cross (NIC) measures sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) at a salmon farm in the Broughton Archipelago, PROJECT TEAM Allison Byrne (NIC) Over the past five years, we have British Columbia. demonstrated the feasibility of kelp-salmon COLLABORATORS Cermaq Canada Ltd.; Photo: North Island College Creative Salmon Company Ltd.; Grieg Seafood and kelp-shellfish co-culture at commercial BC Ltd.; Mac’s Oysters Ltd.; CARTI; Odyssey aquaculture sites around Vancouver Island, Shellfish Ltd. British Columbia. Kelp aquaculture is an CONTACT [email protected] economic opportunity that is well aligned WEBSITE www.nic.bc.ca/research ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

The Development of Video Monitoring Methods (Camera Orientation) and Management Thresholds to Characterize Fish Farm Impacts on Hard-Bottom Substrates

isual-monitoring tools have been terms of areal coverage estimates (%) of sulfide- In general, the use of tandem FF and DF video Vrecommended for hard-bottom substrates oxidising bacteria, strong relationships were orientations may provide robust abundance since conventional sampling techniques (e.g., observed between FF and DF video orientations estimates for : 1) environmental settings made grab and core samplers) are restricted to soft- across all substrate types. The strongest FF vs up of a variety of substrate grades, and 2) bottom substrates. Common visual-monitoring DF relationship in this study occurred with OPC, structural or mat-forming taxa. tools consist of ROV-video forward-facing which was limited to a single mixed substrate DATE SEPT. 2010 – MAR. 2017 (FF) surveys or downward-facing (DF) site. Epifaunal abundance (count data) revealed FUNDED BY DFO–Program for Aquaculture video-drift surveys. relatively strong relationships between camera Regulatory Research (DFO–PARR) One objective of this project was to compare orientations for fine and mixed substrates PROJECT LEADER Terri Sutherland (DFO) epifaunal abundance derived from tandem FF relative to that of vertical rock wall settings. 58 PROJECT TEAM Andrea Sterling, and DF video orientations along with continuous Similar observations occurred for estimates of Mike Bradford (DFO) benthic surveys at marine finfish aquaculture both sessile (dominated by plumose anemones) COLLABORATORS Kerra Shaw, Nathan sites. Special attention was given to mat- and motile taxa guilds. Weaker relationships Blasco (DFO) forming taxa (e.g., sulfide-oxidising bacteria, associated with the rock wall substrate are likely CONTACT [email protected] opportunistic polychaete complex (OPC)) due to alternating blackout periods experienced WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ associated with management thresholds in by each camera orientation as the ROV passes aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2010- P-10-eng.html the existing aquaculture activities regulation. In by vertical or ledge habitats.

The relationship between paired forward-facing and downward-facing benthic video surveys estimating opportunistic polychaete complex (OPC) abundance The relationship between paired forward-facing and downward-facing benthic video surveys estimating across fine, mixed, and rock wall substrates. sulfide-oxidising bacterial abundance across fine, mixed, and rock wall substrates. Source: Sutherland et al. 2018. Journal of Coastal Source: Sutherland et al. 2018. Journal of Coastal Research, in press Research, in press

Structure and Function of the Salmon Farm Reef

The presence of fish farm infrastructure An educational poster was commissioned to provides habitat for native marine flora and visualize the biofouling community results and fauna from the surrounding environment, in key nutrient pathways at a salmon farm. many ways acting as an artificial “reef”. In this DATE APR. 2016 – SEP. 2018 study, the biomass and species composition of FUNDED BY British Columbia Salmon Farmers biofouling was monitored seasonally at three Association – Marine Environmental Research finfish farms in British Columbia. Program (BCSFA – MERP) Biomass on the billets ranged from 0.2—21 kg/m2. CO-FUNDED BY Cermaq Canada Ltd.; Creative Broadly, two types of communities were observed: Salmon Company Ltd.; Grieg Seafood BC Ltd.; Marine Harvest Canada mussel-dominated with low biodiversity (in Macroalgae dominate the biofouling community on PROJECT LEADER Stephen Cross (NIC) this experimental plate at a salmon farm off the west areas with freshwater influence), and diverse, coast of Vancouver Island. i.e., >50 species (in highly mixed areas). The PROJECT TEAM Allison Byrne (NIC), Photo: North Island College (NIC) Chris McKindsey (DFO) filter-feeding capacity of mussel-dominated COLLABORATORS Cermaq Canada Ltd.; his project sought to document the “reef” communities was estimated at 15 million litres Creative Salmon Company Ltd.; DFO; Grieg Seafood Tcommunities at finfish farms in British per day, from a total farm community weighing BC Ltd.; NIC – CARTI; SEA Vision Group Inc. Columbia to illustrate the positive aspects of approximately 20 MT. Hard plastic plates were CONTACT [email protected] this bio-physical habitat as well as the potential deployed at each farm, at 1 m depth, and analyzed WEBSITE www.nic.bc.ca/research; https://www. risks and management implications of the by a taxonomist at the end of the project; over nic.bc.ca/pdf/salmon-reef-poster.pdf communities present. 70 species were identified from 12 phyla. CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS

Kelp Production at a Shellfish Hatchery to Improve Water Quality

here is an immediate need for innovative late spring when the air temperature and light DATE APR. 2018 – OCT. 2018 Tstrategies to help mitigate ocean availability were highest. FUNDED BY Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada acidification at shellfish hatcheries, in the face A five-day trial examining various water (NSERC) – Engage Grant of changing and often unpredictable ocean quality parameters in kelp and control tanks PROJECT LEADER Stephen Cross (NIC) conditions. Using kelp as a biological “buffer” is planned for early 2019. Ocean acidification PROJECT TEAM Allison Byrne (NIC) to improve water quality at shellfish hatcheries parameters (dissolved carbon dioxide and COLLABORATORS Manatee Holdings Ltd.; is an environmentally-responsible means of aragonite saturation), inorganic nutrients NIC – CARTI tackling, at a small-scale, the consequences of (total inorganic nitrogen and total inorganic CONTACT [email protected] ocean acidification. phosphorus) and other seawater parameters WEBSITE www.nic.bc.ca/research This project tested the feasibility of sugar (temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, kelp (Saccharina latissima) culture in land-based and light intensity) will be measured throughout tanks at a commercial shellfish hatchery. The the experiment. 59 overall goal was to demonstrate how kelp could be used to improve water quality for the hatchery, specifically parameters related to ocean acidification. Kelp grew most successfully in areas of the tanks with the highest water flow, such as near air stones and in-flow valves. Compared to kelp grown in the open ocean, the biomass yield was smaller and the growing season was shorter in the tanks. Key challenges to land-based kelp culture were identified including: generating high flow to keep water temperature down and improve kelp growth/quality, and removing Dr. Stephen Cross holds up a line of sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) at Manatee Holdings Ltd. biofilm that formed at the water surface in the Photo: North Island College

Transforming the Only Non-Salmon Aquaculture Site in the Bay of Fundy into an Invertebrates/ Seaweeds Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Site

agellan Aqua Farms Inc. (MAFI) is the only unique characteristics of each site, with Mnon-salmon aquaculture site in the Bay respect to halocline, currents, fouling strata and of Fundy. It has been cultivating sea scallops light penetration, is critical for the optimization since 2003, using principles of IMTA to control of the production. The 2017-2018 season was fouling by using the green sea urchin. This similar used to improve the deployment, harvesting interest in multidimensional farming brought and drying steps with a small production. The Dr. Chopin (Chopin Coastal Health Solutions two bottlenecks identified are at the levels Inc.; CCHSI) and Dr. Backman (MAFI) together, of harvesting and drying, hence a project to in the fall of 2015, to examine ways to integrate develop a specifically designed seaweed boat seaweeds into a shellfish operation in an effort and a new drying facility, with the equipment Steve Backman (left; owner of Magellan Aqua Farms to diversify, environmentally and economically. of the first step being directly useable for the Inc.) and Thierry Chopin (right; owner of Chopin The resulting collaboration included the second step, as the production is being ramped Coastal Health Solutions Inc.) with their sea scallop modification of an aquaculture site for economic up. The 2018-2019 season will see a scaling-up and seaweed crops cultivated in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick. diversification and in anticipation of the impacts of the production for the two species, as Photo: Taylor Widrig (Mermaid Fare Inc.) of climate change (increased temperatures and different markets are being developed for each. coastal acidification). DATE SEP. 2015 – ONGOING During the 2015-2016 season, they grew FUNDED BY Magellan Aqua Farm Inc. (MAFI); a few lines of two kelp species, Saccharina Chopin Coastal Health Solutions Inc. (CCHSI) latissima and Alaria esculenta, to see if the site PROJECT LEADER Thierry Chopin (CCHSI); of MAFI was appropriate for kelp cultivation. Steven Backman (MAFI) During the 2016-2017 season, CCHSI and CONTACT [email protected]; steve.backman@ MAFI identified the optimal depth for kelp skretting.com cultivation at this site. Understanding the Underwater line of cultivated sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) at the site of Magellan Aqua Farms Inc. in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick. Photo: Steve Backman (Magellan Aqua Farms Inc.) ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Can Hard Clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) Increase the Rate of Eelgrass (Zostera marina) Recovery in Areas Impacted by Oyster Aquaculture?

eagrasses such as eelgrass (Zostera sediment and leaf tissue) due to the addition of Considering the results of this study, the Smarina) have beneficial effects for many these clams was similarly not observed. Clams rating for the duration of effect criteria in the invertebrate and fish species, but eelgrass sown directly under lines of suspended oyster risk assessment for oyster aquaculture needs communities are declining in many areas of bags at an active aquaculture site failed to to be re-evaluated. This rating should take the world. In a previous study, shading from promote eelgrass growth, and eelgrass shoot into account the timeframe of natural eelgrass oyster aquaculture structures was shown to density gradually declined over the course of recovery when assessing aquaculture impacts negatively affect eelgrass, with no significant the study. on eelgrass beds. signs of recovery for three growth seasons Based on these results, the practice of using DATE MAY 2014 – JUN. 2017 after the removal of aquaculture structures. hard clams is not recommended as a measure FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative Since bivalves have been found to stimulate to mitigate the impacts of the aquaculture 60 Research and Development Program eelgrass growth, this project aimed to determine industry on eelgrass. However, the study did (DFO – ACRDP) whether the seeding of hard clams (Mercenaria show that denuded eelgrass patches naturally CO-FUNDED BY L’Étang Ruisseau Bar Ltd. mercenaria) could enhance eelgrass recovery in recovered after three years. Eelgrass biomass PROJECT LEADER Monica Boudreau (DFO) areas impacted by oyster aquaculture. returned to background levels after two growth PROJECT TEAM Claire Carver (Carver Marine The addition of hard clams to denuded seasons, while shoot density showed full Consulting) areas of an eelgrass bed impacted by oyster recovery after three growth seasons. Hence, COLLABORATORS André Mallet (L’Étang aquaculture was unsuccessful in accelerating impacts of oyster aquaculture on eelgrass beds Ruisseau Bar Ltd.) eelgrass recovery. This was true at all clam are reversible in a timeframe similar to natural CONTACT [email protected] densities tested in the study. The expected events such as ice scouring. WEBSITE www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/ rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/G-14-01-004- outcome of increased nitrogen levels (in eng.html

Eelgrass percent coverage in different treatment plots at the oyster table aquaculture lease on week 9 (A), week 55 (B), week 112 (C) and in the natural eelgrass plot (D). Photo: Marc André Mallet (L’Étang Ruisseau Bar Ltd.)

Conversion Between Bivalve Aquaculture Types: Consequences on Hydrodynamics and Food Accessibility

n order to optimize the bivalve aquaculture DATE APR. 2018 – MAR. 2020 Iindustry yields in Atlantic Canada, farmers FUNDED BY DFO – Program for Aquaculture Regulatory Research (DFO – PARR) have been converting between culture Thomas Guyondet, techniques (i.e., on-bottom to off-bottoms) PROJECT LEADER Rémi Sonier (DFO) and species (i.e., mussels and oysters). These PROJECT TEAM Jeffrey Barrell, André Nadeau, conversions usually come with a change in John Davidson (DFO) growing structure and crop location in the water COLLABORATORS Kim Gill, Aaron Ramsay, column. Such changes can modify the water Jarrod Gunn McQuillan (PEI Department of circulation, food availability and competition Agriculture and Fisheries); Réal Savoie (Bouctouche Bay Industries); Marie-Josée Maillet (NBDAAF) with natural bivalve populations in the vicinity CONTACT [email protected]; of the farms. This project aims to measure RiverPro survey. [email protected] the influence of growing structures used in Source: T. Guyondet (DFO) WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ Atlantic Canada have on hydrodynamics (i.e., The information generated by this project will aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2018- drag generated by mussel longlines and oyster directly contribute to management decisions g-03-eng.html floating cages), and to measure the difference around new and existing farms, as well as help in food availability between oysters cultured to improve the numerical modelling tools used on the bottom and in floating cages. to assess bay-scale carrying capacity. CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS

Improving Ecological Models for a Sustainable Development of Bivalve Culture in Eutrophic Estuarine Complexes

he carrying capacity of coastal systems Adding these new modules will increase Tfor bivalve culture has typically been model veracity and provide new insights into investigated using mathematical models aquaculture-coastal ecosystem interactions, restricted to a Nutrient-Phytoplankton- especially in quantifying the influence on Zooplankton-Detritus-Cultured Bivalve species with commercial, recreational and representation. This project aims to develop aboriginal value. a more detailed understanding of nutrient DATE APR. 2015 – MAR. 2018 dynamics to accurately gauge the influence FUNDED BY DFO – Program for Aquaculture exerted by cultured bivalves. The addition of Regulatory Research (DFO – PARR) macroalgae, like sea lettuce, in a model may help PROJECT LEADER Thomas Guyondet (DFO) better refine primary production, especially in 61 PROJECT TEAM Romain Lavaud, Luc Comeau, eutrophic systems. The addition of wild bivalve André Nadeau, John Davidson, Jeffrey Barrell (DFO) population modules will also be coupled to an COLLABORATORS Réjean Tremblay existing ecosystem carrying capacity model. Ecosystem model structure (ISMER-UQAR); Ramón Filgueira (Dalhousie U); Source: R. Lavaud (DFO) Model development will be supported by Cindy Crane (PEI Department of Communities, Land and Environment) field and experimental work to characterize however, the model will be given a generic CONTACT [email protected] distribution, abundance and growth for both structure allowing future applications to other WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ macroalgae and wild bivalves. Model application coastal embayments. aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2015- will be performed for Malpeque Bay, PEI; G-11-eng.html

Assessing the Effectiveness of Power-Washing to Mitigate the Movement of Aquatic Invasive Species Associated with Shellfish Aquaculture Products

quatic Invasive Species (AIS) are not Auniformly distributed in British Columbia coastal waters so it is important to understand the vectors contributing to their spread and to identify potential mitigation measures that could be used to prevent or, at least, limit it. A recently completed project by Curtis et al. (2015, DFO–CSAS) identified shellfish movements as a vector for the European green crab and other AIS in British Columbia. Although government regulations aim to limit the movement of AIS, including European Green Power-washing oyster lines at the industry farm site. Crab, on shellfish by requiring the aquaculture Photo: Julia Savery (DFO) industry to “rinse” their product before leaving commercial ships) where control options such considered in an economic evaluation of the the farm site, there remain several gaps related as power-washing might be employed. process. All of these results could be applied to to the potential effectiveness of this control, as AIS were never completely removed from other regions where treating shellfish product rinsing is not defined. This project addressed this shellfish by any treatment applied in this project, (or gear) is desired to reduce the likelihood of gap by evaluating the efficacy of power-washing so some level of invasion risk remains for inadvertently moving AIS. to remove AIS from cultured oysters, relative managers to consider mitigating. Further, the DATE APR. 2016 – MAR. 2018 to taking no action (control) and the current believed “rinsing” practice employed by most FUNDED BY DFO–Strategic Program for industry practice of dipping culture gear in the growers was not significantly different from Ecosystem-Based Research and Advice water (industry control). Further, the testing untreated controls, indicating that this practice (DFO–SPERA) of different combinations of power-washing does little to mitigate the potential movement of CO-FUNDED BY Urchinomics; Nova Harvest Ltd.; intensity (psi) and duration (time) allowed us to AIS and that managers should consider revising University of Victoria identify an optimal combination that could be the conditions of license that pertain to this. PROJECT LEADER Thomas Therriault, used by industry and clarified in the regulations This project was able to identify a treatment Chris Pearce (DFO) that would reduce the risk of AIS movements. combination (pressure and time) that PROJECT TEAM Lyanne Curtis, Vanessa Hodes, Jocelyn Nelson, Calley Wasser, Julia Savery (DFO) Since several AIS tunicates are listed for control significantly reduced the amount of biofouling. COLLABORATORS Barry Seeley (C.A.R.S. Ltd.) under the AIS Regulations in the Fisheries Act, Power-washing resulted in oyster loss (blown CONTACT [email protected]; this project could also inform potential mitigation off culture gear) from 4 to 20% and increased [email protected] for other AIS vectors (i.e., recreational boats, harvest time; factors that would need to be SHELLFISH: MUSSELS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

SHELLFISH: MUSSELS 62

Video: DFO

IN THIS SECTION Serial Knots and Mesh Hemicylinders as Anti-Predator Devices on An Analysis of the Perceived Impact of Mussel Aquaculture on Catch Per Unit Effort Mussel Culture Ropes (CPUE) for the Seasonal Lobster Fishery on the Northeast Coast of Newfoundland

Assessing the Effect of Climate Change-Related Summer Heat Wave on the Condition A Study of the Reproductive Patterns of the Blue Mussel, Mytilus edulis, Grown in and Physiology of the Cultured Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) and Monitoring of the Deep and Shallow Water Sites in Notre Dame Bay, NL Carbonate System within Prince Edward Island Bays Effect of Mussel Culture on Catchability of Rock Crabs and Lobsters Performance of Triploid Mussels in Prince Edward Island Effect of Mussel Culture on Long-Term Condition of Rock Crabs and Lobsters Developing Diagnostic Markers to Assess Mussel Population Health in Response to Environmental Stress CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 SHELLFISH: MUSSELS

Serial Knots and Mesh Assessing the Effect of Climate Change-Related Summer Hemicylinders as Anti- Heat Wave on the Condition and Physiology of the Cultured Predator Devices on Mussel Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) and Monitoring of the Carbonate Culture Ropes System within Prince Edward Island Bays

redation by sea ducks is a threat to mussel Pculture in many sites. However, in nature, mussel survivorship is enhanced by crevices and substrate features that reduce the access of predators to their preys. We developed and tested methods that mimic the effect of such substrate features by using loosely knotted spat collector ropes and mesh hemicylinders. 63 The knots we used were the chain sinnet and variants of spool knitting knots. These are serial knots which can be knotted easily for spat collection and socking, and undone easily at harvest if desired. The study was conducted at an open site located in Cascapédia Bay, Quebec. In four consecutive annual trials, we found that the spool knitting knots collected up to 6000 individuals per 30.5 cm of collector length. This amounts roughly to two and four times as much as was collected on the chain sinnet and unknotted control ropes, respectively. Subsequent survivorship was negligible on the controls and on the chain sinnet. Mussel abundance on the spool knitting treatment was acceptable after the first annual predation bout, but was unsatisfactory after the second one. Mussels. We then ran a trial with mesh hemicylinders, Photo: DFO, Gulf Region or “duckshield”, as an additional protective device. Mussel abundance with duckshields limate change is an issue that will impact Results from this study indicate that increases was over an order of magnitude higher than on Cthe shellfish aquaculture industry in in the length and intensity of summer heat unprotected controls. Atlantic Canada. There are a number of waves, as a result of climate change, will likely A knotting machine and an updated questions related to the impact of the physical negatively affect the condition, physiology and duckshield prototype are presently being effects of climate change on the environment survival rate of the Blue Mussel. Factors such developed. Our work will provide mussel (such as ocean acidification) in which the as food quantity/quality and dissolved oxygen growers with methods and equipment shellfish aquaculture industry operates, levels, among others, will influence the extent to for increasing mussel spat collection and and consequently the health and health which the Blue Mussel is affected. survivorship without negative impacts on sea management of farmed animals. DATE MAY 2015 – MAR. 2019 ducks. Our methods entail minimal changes in This project quantified physiological stress FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative longline suspension-culture techniques. (shellfish health impact) associated with Research and Development Program increased water temperature for extended (DFO – ACRDP) DATE JUL. 2017 – OCT. 2020 periods of time in Blue Mussel. Seeds and CO-FUNDED BY Prince Edward Island FUNDED BY R-D Mytis Ltée one-year-old mussels from six sites in PEI were Aquaculture Alliance (PEIAA) CO-FUNDED BY Quebec Department of subjected to heat waves of varying durations PROJECT LEADER Rémi Sonier (DFO) Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ); National Research Council– Industrial Research Assistance and their survival, physiological condition and PROJECT TEAM Luc Comeau, Kumiko Program (NRC–IRAP); Centre for innovation support feeding behaviour were measured. To assess Azetsu-Scott (DFO); Aaron Ramsay (DFARD); through research (CAIR–UQAR); La Ferme Maricole Sarah Stewart-Clark (Dalhousie U) the potential tolerance threshold to ocean du Grand Large COLLABORATORS Peter Warris (PEIAA) acidification, parameters of the carbonate PROJECT LEADER Marcel Fréchette CONTACT [email protected] (R-D Mytis Ltée) system were measured within the shellfish http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture environment in order to calculate WEBSITE PROJECT TEAM Éric Bujold (La Ferme aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/15- Maricole du Grand Large); Jean-Christian Méthot current levels of saturation. 1-M-01-eng.html (CAIR-UQAR) CONTACT [email protected] SHELLFISH: MUSSELS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Performance of Triploid Mussels in Prince Edward Island

s part of mussel aquaculture, up to 75% of attachment strength in wild and hatchery DATE MAR. 2017 – MAR. 2020 Athe mussels socked are lost throughout produced diploid and triploid mussels. Sexually- FUNDED BY DFO–Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program the grow-out phase. This has a negative effect mature mussels will be collected from the field (DFO–ACRDP) on the ecological — and production — carrying in spring and transferred to a local hatchery. CO-FUNDED BY Confederation Cove Mussels capacity and is not an efficient use of the natural Diploid and triploid larvae will be produced, Co. Ltd. resources available to the mussel aquaculture grown in the field and transferred into socks. PROJECT LEADER John Davidson (DFO) industry, particularly phytoplankton, which During the 1-year grow-out phase, the project’s PROJECT TEAM Luc Comeau (DFO); Réjean is essential to enhance the ecological and monitoring will focus on the environment, byssus Tremblay (ISMER); André L. Mallet (L’Étang production carrying capacity of an estuary strength, feeding efficiency, and Ruisseau Bar Ltd.); Jose M.F. Babarro (Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas–CSIC); Aaron Ramsay or bay. triploid composition. (DFARD) Building on a previous Program for The overall objective of this project is to COLLABORATORS Terry Ennis, Dana 64 Aquaculture Regulatory Research (PARR) improve the ecological footprint of the mussel Drummond (Confederation Cove Mussels Co. Ltd.) project assessing mussel stock structure and leases by reducing mussel fall off and increasing CONTACT [email protected] density in long-line culture, this project will mussel absorption rates, as well as to test if WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ study the efficient use of natural resources triploid mussels result in increased byssus aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/17- 1-G-03-eng.html (phytoplankton) to grow mussels, by determining attachment strength, thus increasing the the byssus (i.e., silky fibers made of proteins by likelihood of mussels remaining on the sock the mussels that attaches to other substrates) until harvest.

Developing Diagnostic Markers to Assess Mussel Population Health in Response to Environmental Stress

ne of the major challenges of the OBlue Mussel aquaculture industry is identification of stressors in the aquatic environment. As climate change continues to cause changes to the aquatic environment, stressful conditions could become more prevalent. The goal of this project is to identify genetic markers correlated to stressors such as poor food availability, hypoxia, salinity, thermal, pH, and tunicate (Ciona) recruitment/removal. These markers can then be used to investigate the causes of stress within underperforming mussel populations, and to develop mitigating strategies to minimize the impacts of the underlying environmental/mechanical stressors on the long-term viability of the mussel Left to right: Sarah Stewart-Clark (Dalhousie U), Denise Méthé (DFO), and Stephanie Hall (Dalhousie U). Photo: Scott Jeffrey (Dalhousie U) aquaculture industry in PEI. Stress challenges will be completed for each This project is focused on generating tools to DATE OCT. 2016 – MAR. 2020 of the stressors of interest. Stress response will enable industry to determine and analyse the FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative be measured using heartbeat and lysosomal stressors that impact cultured Blue Mussels, Research and Development Program (DFO – ACRDP) destabilization for each challenge. After each and investigate the effects these can have on Prince Edward Island challenge, mussel samples will be collected their condition and health. This project aims CO-FUNDED BY Aquaculture Alliance (PEIAA) and RNA-seq analysis will be completed. to be proactive in managing health issues PROJECT LEADER Denise Méthé (DFO) Transcriptome data from RNA-seq will be that may arise for cultured shellfish species in PROJECT TEAM Sarah Stewart Clark, Stephanie analyzed to discover molecular markers related relation to climate change (i.e., changes in water Hall (Dalhousie U); Carla Hicks (DFO); Fraser Clark to a specific stressor. RT-qPCR will be used in temperature and pH), tunicate treatment (high (Mount Allison U) this project to validate stress markers, and to pressure water spray and hydrated lime) and CONTACT [email protected] evaluate stress responses. other environmental stressors (food availability, WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ hypoxia and salinity). aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/16- 1-G-04-eng.html CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 SHELLFISH: MUSSELS

An Analysis of the Perceived Impact of Mussel Aquaculture on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) for the Seasonal Lobster Fishery on the Northeast Coast of Newfoundland

ver the past two decades lobster whether there is a difference in lobster CPUE DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2018 Oharvesters have noted an apparent (catch per unit effort) in bays with active mussel FUNDED BY DFO – Program for Aquaculture decline in lobster catch rates on the northeast aquaculture leases as compared to those Regulatory Research (DFO – PARR) coast of Newfoundland (Lobster Fishing Areas without. This will be the first comprehensive PROJECT LEADER Harry Murray (DFO); (LFAs) 4A and 4B). This has been particularly analysis of the interaction between lobster Elizabeth Coughlan (DFO) evident in the western section of Notre Dame abundance and mussel aquaculture in the region. CONTACT [email protected]; Bay and Green Bay where mussel aquaculture This project provides the foundation for [email protected] is prevalent. This analysis project will use a further investigation into the potential impact of WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ combination of recent and historical data for mussel aquaculture on the commercial lobster aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2017- nl-07-eng.html lobster annual catch statistics to determine fishery situated on the Northeast coast of NL. 65

A Study of the Reproductive Patterns of the Blue Mussel, Mytilus edulis, Grown in Deep and Shallow Water Sites in Notre Dame Bay, NL

ondition, growth and reproductive indices declined for shallow mussels from May through DATE SEP. 2015 – MAR. 2018 Cof Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) grown in to August, but remained high for deep mussels FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program deep and shallow sites were studied from May until August when a significant spawn occurred (DFO – ACRDP) to December 2016 in the South Arm region of for mussels from both depths. Additionally, CO-FUNDED BY Norlantic Processors Ltd. Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. mussels from deep sites were observed to PROJECT LEADER Harry Murray (DFO) The region was shown to be characterized by maintain themselves in a pre-spawning ripe PROJECT TEAM Sharon Kenny, Dwight Drover, a seasonal thermocline that formed annually stage for a longer period than those from Daria Gallardi (DFO) in April and lasted until October, and resulted shallow sites. COLLABORATORS Terry Mills (Norlantic in a cold water deep layer (mean annual Variation in physiological and reproductive Processors Ltd.) temperature: 4.36 ± 5.1°C) and a comparatively indices for mussels from each respective CONTACT [email protected] warmer surface layer (mean annual temperature culture depth were thought to be linked to WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ 5.81 ± 6.3°C).The deep water culture sites differences in the environmental characteristics aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/15- 1-N-03-eng.html studied in this project extended into the cold of the deep and shallow water layers including water layer, while the shallow sites were typically rate of temperature change, and potential in the warmer layer above. differences in the present study adds to the Mussels grown in shallow sites had longer current understanding of the effects of the deep and heavier shells than those from deep water water environment on mussel phytoplankton sites, likely linked to warmer surface waters. quality and energetics. The additional data Both reproductive and physiological condition provided on reproduction patterns and the indices were high for mussels from both culture relationship to meat yield production will help depths in May. However, physiological condition highlight the benefits of utilizing deep water declined for both deep and shallow cultured sites leading to increased environmental mussels from May through to August. Mussels sustainability for mussel culture in subarctic from deep sites, however, had a higher overall coastal environments like those on the North mean dry tissue weight: wet tissue weight ratio coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. for the study period. Reproductive indices, including measurements of reproductive output, SHELLFISH: MUSSELS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Effect of Mussel Culture on Long-Term Condition of Rock Crabs and Lobsters

n suspended mussel culture, mussels may Ifall from farm structures that, in combination with the physical farming structure added to an area, may attract a variety of predators and scavengers like American Lobster (Homarus americanus) and Rock Crab (Cancer irroratus). Little is known of how mussel farms may impact fisheries species through ecological effects, altered fisheries productivity, distribution, or catchability. In particular, it is unclear whether farms simply attract individuals to an area, 66 or whether the abundance of food available (mussels, and aggregated prey) at farms alter stock productivity. This project will conduct a long-term laboratory experiment to investigate the effects of various diets that simulate the food available at mussel farm sites on the ecological and physiological performance of Rock Crabs and Experimental mesocosms used to investigate effect of diet on long-term performance of lobsters. American Lobsters. In addition, we propose Photo: David Drolet (DFO) to use the laboratory data to build population models that will allow for projecting trajectories of our experimental populations over several generations. The results are designed to inform managers on the interaction and effect of mussel culture on commercial fisheries.

DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2020 FUNDED BY DFO – Program for Aquaculture Regulatory Research (DFO – PARR) Rock crabs in mesocosm experiment investigating PROJECT LEADER David Drolet (DFO) the effect of diet on long-term performance CONTACT [email protected] of crustaceans. Photo: David Drolet (DFO) WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2017- q-04-eng.html Female lobster in its mesocosm. Photo: David Drolet (DFO)

Effect of Mussel Culture on Catchability of Rock Crabs and Lobsters

variety of predatory and scavenging species culture sites to evaluate their availability to the with the number of mussels that fall from fishery, providing scientific information to inform culture structures or the physical farming managers about the influence of mussel culture structures themselves. Few scientific studies sites on lobster and crab distribution and their have addressed how such changes may have catchability for use in evaluating requests for bottom-up effects that impact fisheries species. new mussel farms. Impacts may include not only ecological effects, DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2020 but also effects on fisheries due to altered FUNDED BY DFO – Program for Aquaculture productivity, distribution, and/or catchability of Regulatory Research (DFO – PARR) target species. Indeed, it is widely perceived PROJECT LEADER David Drolet, Chris by fishers that lobsters and crabs congregate Mckindsey (DFO) Video of behaviour in experiment investigating effect in aquaculture sites and may become more of aquaculture on catchability of lobsters. CONTACT [email protected] ; Chris. Photo: David Drolet (DFO) difficult to catch as they feed on an abundant [email protected] mussel supply and become less attracted to WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ nteractions between mussel aquaculture baited traps. aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2017- q-03-eng.html Iand the benthic community are complex. This project will examine the catchability of Suspended mussel culture may attract a lobsters and crabs within and around mussel CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 SHELLFISH: OYSTERS

SHELLFISH: OYSTERS 67

Photo: Johannie Duhaime (DFO)

IN THIS SECTION Optimization of Oyster Production Parameters in a Lagoon Environment Oyster Aquaculture in an Acidifying Ocean: Effects of Ocean Acidification on Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and the Mitigation Potential of Seagrass Cocktail Oyster Production in the Bras d’Or Lake, Cape Breton (Zostera marina)

Re-Establishing the Bras d’Or Lake Oyster Aquaculture Industry: Assessing the Impacts of Aquaculture Operations on the Genetic Health of Natural Populations of Impact of Environmental Conditions as a Disease Mitigation Strategy for Cultivating the Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea virginica Oysters in an MSX Positive Environment A Tool for Assessing the Maximum Sustainable Production Levels of Blue Mussels Microbial Impacts on Shellfish Aquaculture in Relationship to Ocean Acidification and Eastern Oysters in PEI

Installment of Anti-Predator Netting to Improve Oyster Seed Survival The Impacts of Pre-Winter Conditioning on the Survival, Growth, and Reproductive Seasonal Mortality in Pacific Oysters in Baynes Sound: Effect of Environmental Yield of the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica), Cultivated in Suspension Variables, Spawning, and Pathogens Interactions Between Oyster Farming and the Productivity of Wild Oyster Beds

Assessment of Factors Leading to Oyster Mortality in Tracadie Bay (NB) and Production of Oyster Seed Adapted for Sea Ranching Development of Physical and Biological Tools for Management Investigating Polydora Outbreak in New Brunswick Off-Bottom Cultured Oysters

Improving Physiological Health of Oysters by Selecting Seed for Stress Resilience SHELLFISH: OYSTERS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Optimization of Oyster Production Parameters in a Lagoon Environment

in lagoon conditions. In addition, a techno- economic model coupled with a production schedule will be developed jointly with the three companies collaborating on the project. The results of this research project, over two years of production, will suggest methods adapted to the development of lagoon oyster culture in the Magdalen Islands, proposing techniques to reduce biofouling and to adopt methods of culture optimizing the yield and survival of oysters. 68 DATE JUN. 2018 – MAY 2020 FUNDED BY Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ); Quebec Ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation (MESI) PROJECT LEADER Nicolas Toupoint (Merinov) Oysters Photo: Léonard Huet-Doyle (Merinov) PROJECT TEAM Robin Bénard, Pascale Chevarie, François Gallien, Francine Aucoin, Michèle he diversification of aquaculture activities Merinov, in partnership with local producers, Langford, Valérie Poirier, Claude Poirier, Denis Boudreau, Yvon Chevarie, Léonard Huet-Doyle, Tis necessary to ensure the profitability of is conducting a project to test various cleaning Stéphanie Arnold (Merinov) shellfish farms in the Magdalen Islands. In this scenarios in situ during a multi-year production COLLABORATORS Carlo Éloquin (Grande- context, the development of oyster culture in the cycle, in order to limit the impact of biofouling Entrée Aquaculture); Sylvain Vigneau (Culti-Mer); lagoon environment has aroused great interest on oyster production and operation costs. Michel Fournier (Moules de Cultures des Îles) among local aquaculturists. However, the In addition, a section on biotechnology CONTACT [email protected] optimization of growing and ripening operations management will also optimize the development WEBSITE http://www.merinov.ca/fr/organisation/ equipe/item/nicolas-toupoint in a lagoon context is a short-term challenge for of the oyster industry by identifying the type this oyster industry. of structures and densities to recommend

Cocktail Oyster Production in the Bras d’Or Lake, Cape Breton

n early 2000s the Bras d’Or Lake oyster to enter the market as soon as possible, this DATE MAY 2019 – APR. 2021 Iindustry suffered catastrophic losses in project aims to grow cocktail oysters in the FUNDED BY Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture various locations from the invasive oyster slower growing regions using surface oyster Rod Beresford (CBU) parasite, Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX). aquaculture techniques. PROJECT LEADER Evidence suggests that the oyster population This research could provide an earlier entry PROJECT TEAM Ken Oakes (CBU); Neil Ross, Ross Scinergy (Dalhousie U); Anita Basque is slow to recover and this is consistent with the point for the Potlotek First Nation using their (Potlotek First Nation); Robin Stuart (Englishtown, impact of H. nelsoni in other locations along the oyster aquaculture leases that are traditionally Cape Breton) U.S. Eastern Seaboard where oyster mortalities slow growing. If successful on the experimental CONTACT [email protected] have occurred because of H. nelsoni infections. leases, similar practices could be employed Interestingly, there are some locations in the on other leases in the region to increase Bras d’Or Lake where sampled oysters test productivity on leases that are similar in nature. positive for H. nelsoni, yet the infections do not appear to cause mortality. Previous infection rates in some of these locations have tested as high as 30%, but normally the prevalence of the parasite is closer to 10%. The exact ranges from year to year are not well known due to limited disease monitoring activity. One of the areas in the Bras d’Or Lake that has tested positive for over a decade, but with no observed mortality, is near the community of Potlotek First Nation. Although there is little mortality from H. nelsoni on leases near this area, oysters from this location grow slower when compared to other Bras d’Or Lake locations. Anita Basque (Potlotek First Nation) and Rod Beresford (Cape Breton University) near the shore in Potlotek In an effort to move the industry forward and First Nation. Photo: Corey Katz Photography CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 SHELLFISH: OYSTERS

Re-Establishing the Bras d’Or Lake Oyster Aquaculture Microbial Impacts on Shellfish Industry: Assessing the Impact of Environmental Conditions Aquaculture in Relationship to as a Disease Mitigation Strategy for Cultivating Oysters in an Ocean Acidification

MSX Positive Environment cean acidification, characterized by high n the early 2000s, the Bras d’Or Lake oyster Temperature and salinity are known factors Odissolved carbon dioxide (pCO2) levels, Iindustry suffered significant mortality from the that influence the progression of disease and can negatively affect shellfish development oyster parasite, Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX). subsequent oyster mortality, therefore, detailed and survival. However, it is not clear whether This was the first report of H. nelsoni in Canadian monitoring of temperature and salinity will be high pCO2 levels alone are responsible for poor waters. The presence of this parasite means conducted during the three year project at every performance in some West Coast shellfish that oysters from the Bras d’Or Lake cannot site. When the project is complete, the collected operations. While hatcheries have successfully be transferred out, and because of Malpeque data will be used to identify what temperature/ controlled levels of pCO2 for larval and nursery production through the use of buffering systems, disease outside of the Bras d’Or Lake, oysters salinity profiles are most effective to support 69 cannot be transferred in. Thus, the Bras d’Or oyster growth and limit the impact there have continued to be high variations in Lake oyster industry needs to find a solution of the parasite. batch to batch survival. This suggests that from within. This research could provide a means to other uncontrolled aspects of the seawater The aim of this project is to determine if successfully grow oysters in H. nelsoni positive composition during high pCO2 events may be environmental conditions can support the waters in the Bras d’Or Lake and other areas at play, most notably bacterial compositions. growth of oysters in the Bras d’Or Lake while impacted by the parasite. It could also assist This study identified the microbial limiting disease progression and oyster in the protection of existing successful oyster communities associated with hatchery and mortality. Approximately 20,000 oysters will be industries in the region not yet affected by nursery culture of oysters over the life of placed across 11 different locations in the Bras this parasite. multiple culture batches. Good and poor d’Or Lake that represent varying temperature production batches were then compared. DATE MAY 2019 – MAY 2022 and salinity profiles. At each location, 50% of Communities were characterized for the FUNDED BY Atlantic Canada Opportunities incoming seawater at different levels of pCO2 the oysters will be at the surface and 50% on Agency–Atlantic Innovation Fund (ACOA–AIF) bottom. This will allow us to determine H. nelsoni and, after controlling levels of pCO2, during CO-FUNDED BY Nova Scotia Department of activity at these sites, at the surface and on Fisheries and Aquaculture larval and nursery productions. Community composition shifted consistently through the bottom simultaneously. Over the next three PROJECT LEADER Rod Beresford (CBU) season. The late season was associated with an years, data related to oyster growth, oyster PROJECT TEAM Ken Oakes (CBU); Neil Ross mortality, and disease prevalence and intensity (Ross Scinergy Inc./Dalhousie U); Robin Stuart enrichment of overexpressed viral processes. will be monitored. (Englishtown, Cape Breton); Anita Basque (Potlotek The early season had much lower expression First Nation); Joe Googoo (Waycobah First Nation) of these genes. An effect of pCO2 on microbial CONTACT [email protected] communities was also observed, although this effect was less than the effect of season. Although only minor differences were present between good and poor production batches, a number of candidate bacteria that were more prevalent in poor batches are now being further investigated. If one or more are shown to be pathogenic, the industry can develop mitigation strategies and biosecurity measures to reduce exposure, which could provide economic benefits by stabilizing hatchery production.

DATE JUN. 2014 – JUN. 2017 FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (DFO – ACRDP) CO-FUNDED BY Island Scallops Ltd.; Fanny Bay Oysters Ltd. PROJECT LEADER Kristi Miller-Saunders (DFO) Hailey Shchepanik sorting oysters for deployment Stacey Lee sorting oysters for deployment across the COLLABORATORS Barb Bunting, Rob Saunders across the Bras d’Or Lake. Bras d’Or Lake. Photo: Stacey Lee (CBU) Photo: Hailey Shchepanik (CBU) (Island Scallops Ltd.); Brian Yip (Fanny Bay Oysters Ltd.) CONTACT [email protected] WEBSITE www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/ rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/P-14-02-001- eng.html SHELLFISH: OYSTERS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Installment of Anti-Predator Netting to Improve Oyster Seed Survival

he performance of anti-predator nets significantly less of the oyster crop within the Twas assessed at a small, family-owned protected tenure spaces. An effective solution and operated shellfish farm (beach lease) against predators must consider many factors on Denman Island, British Columbia. Oyster in addition to oyster survival, such as upfront predators such as crabs, birds, and sea stars are and maintenance costs, the potential for marine natural and important components of the marine plastics pollution, habitat of native species, and intertidal ecosystem. In some cases, the losses human activity near the farm tenure. due to predators may not justify the various This collaboration helped Han Pacific Shellfish costs of installing anti-predator netting. In the Ltd. overcome a production challenge while last few years, however, predation of oyster seed providing four students with valuable experience North Island College student research assistant by red rock crabs at this farm on Denman Island working at the oyster farm on Denman Island, working directly with shellfish growers. 70 had resulted in almost total losses of their oyster British Columbia. DATE JUN. 2017 – DEC. 2017 seed investment, prompting the installment of Photo: North Island College FUNDED BY Natural Sciences and Engineering anti-predator nets. and students helped install these nets as well Research Council (NSERC) – Engage Grant A relatively new strategy being adopted to as more traditional mesh oyster pouches. Crab PROJECT LEADER Allison Byrne (NIC) protect oyster seed is to outline a section of presence and seed survival were monitored in COLLABORATORS Han Pacific Shellfish Ltd.; beach with PVC-coated wire fencing, and place netted and control sections of beach. NIC – CARTI large clam nets overtop of this area. As part of The company saw an immediate benefit CONTACT [email protected] this project, North Island College researchers from both types of netting. Crabs were eating WEBSITE www.nic.bc.ca/research

Seasonal Mortality in Pacific Oysters in Baynes Sound: Effect of Environmental Variables, Spawning, and Pathogens

acific Oyster summer mortality syndrome pathogen V. aestuarianus from 24 of 180 bacterial Phas occurred throughout the world since isolates, based on sequence data for the RecA the 1970s. Globally, the phenomenon has been gene. This gram-negative pathogen has been linked to elevated temperatures, spawning described as a causative agent of summer events, high nutrient levels, and pathogens. mortality events in France. Future work will Over the last five years it has emerged in use next-generation sequencing to examine Baynes Sound, an area that produces over the changes in the microbiome throughout a 50% of the Pacific Oysters in British Columbia, juvenile mortality event, based on the V4 region causing mortalities of up to 95% in 2015. The of the 16S rRNA gene. objectives of the present study are to: (1) identify This project will provide the shellfish environmental and physiological conditions aquaculture industry with evidence of factors that correlate with Pacific Oyster mortality, driving summer mortality in British Columbia, and (2) identify potentially pathogenic bacteria which will enable them to develop potential associated with mortality events. mitigation measures to lessen the impacts. From May to September (2017–2018), DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2020 four sites (suspended and intertidal) were FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative monitored to track oyster mortality, temperature, Research and Development Program light, turbidity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, (DFO – ACRDP) chlorophyll-a, pH, sediment characteristics, and CO-FUNDED BY Mac’s Oysters Ltd. the diversity of phytoplankton and zooplankton. PROJECT LEADER Chris Pearce (DFO) Oyster mortality was monitored weekly and PROJECT TEAM Will Hintz, Paul de la Bastide, individuals were collected weekly to examine Terrie Finston (U Vic); Terri Sutherland (DFO) Oyster culture rafts at one of the sites in the resident bacterial populations and gamete COLLABORATORS Robert Marshall, Gordy Baynes Sound. development. In 2018, mortalities were 50% McLellan (Mac’s Oysters Ltd.) Photo: Malcolm Cowan (DFO) in suspended culture and 25% in the intertidal. CONTACT [email protected] Elevated temperature and gonad occupation WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/17- were the strongest predictors for mortality. 1-P-05-eng.html Selective plating for Vibrio spp. identified the CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 SHELLFISH: OYSTERS

Assessment of Factors Leading to Oyster Mortality in Tracadie Bay (NB) and Development of Physical and Biological Tools for Management

n August 2016, significant mortality of up to DATE MAY 2017 – DEC. 2019 I75% of suspended oysters in some leases FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative occurred in the northern branch of Tracadie Research and Development Program Bay. Field observations were consistent with an (DFO – ACRDP) anoxic event (i.e., water conditions characterized CO-FUNDED BY L’Étang Ruisseau Bar Ltd. by an absence of dissolved oxygen and PROJECT LEADER Michael Coffin (DFO) elevated hydrogen sulfide levels) caused by PROJECT TEAM Luc Comeau, Thomas the eutrophication of the ecological system Guyondet, Michael Coffin (DFO); Rémy Haché, through an increase in nutrient concentration. Sylvio Doiron (DAAF); Joannie Thériault (Commission of the Environment for the As eutrophication is a major threat globally, municipality of Tracadie); Jose Babarro (Instituto 71 it is important to increase knowledge and de Investigaciónes Mariñas CSIC); Ramon Filgueira understanding of how productivity of cultured (Dalhousie U); Michael van den Heuvel (UPEI) stocks might be impacted by the ecosystem COLLABORATORS André Mallet (L’Étang Ruisseau Bar Ltd.) in which they exist, and of how aquaculture CONTACT [email protected] operations impact the ecosystem. Randomly selected Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ virginica), separated by treatment, for a multi-factorial The objectives of this project are to: WEBSITE aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/17- experiment on the effect of bacteria on median lethal 1) develop a hydrodynamic model capable 1-G-02-eng.html time (LT50) under anoxic conditions. Photo: M. Coffin (DFO) of reproducing current flow patterns within Tracadie Bay; 2) determine areas within the bay that are at risk of hypoxia; and 3) determine thresholds of effect of anoxia, hydrogen sulfide and temperature on cultivated oysters using a combination of field and laboratory work. Together, field and laboratory work will provide powerful tools for managing Tracadie Bay and other shellfish aquaculture areas for the foreseeable future. The hydrodynamic model, in conjunction with the spatial assessment of organic content and benthic flux, will help identify areas at risk of nutrient-induced impacts. While the capacity to predict areas at risk of impact is useful for management, it is also directly applicable for shellfish growers and their operations. Ultimately, identifying thresholds of oyster survivorship will provide baseline information for early warning signs and, potentially, indicators for growers to take action in the event of a future anoxic event. Findings A multi-factorial experiment on the effect of bacteria and anoxia on mortality of Eastern Oysters from this work will also be of relevance for (Crassostrea virginica). other fixed-gear aquaculture around the world, Photo: M. Coffin resulting in an increase in scientific capacity of the aquaculture industry.

Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) within anoxic and oxic chambers to assess median lethal time (LT50). Photo: M. Coffin (DFO) SHELLFISH: OYSTERS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Oyster Aquaculture in an Acidifying Ocean: Effects of Ocean Acidification on Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and the Mitigation Potential of Seagrass (Zostera marina)

cean acidification (OA) – the decrease against OA. This project also implements Oin oceanic pH and associated changes research to support the use of emerging in the marine carbonate system resulting from technologies to identify or alleviate associated increased oceanic uptake of atmospheric environmental concerns, and to create more

carbon dioxide (CO2) – poses a threat to marine environmentally sustainable operations. life, as shifts in oceanic pH can have negative Collectively, these research objectives will physiological and behavioural consequences provide effective management strategies for for a wide array of marine biota. oyster hatcheries in the advent of a detrimental This research will monitor the pH and global change stressor. carbonate chemistry in St-Simon Bay and DATE MAR. 2017 – MAR. 2020 72 Chaleur Bay, New Brunswick, and assess the FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative biological effects of ocean acidification and Research and Development Program ocean warming on hatchery-reared Eastern (DFO – ACRDP) Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) at different stages CO-FUNDED BY L’Étang Ruisseau Bar Ltd. of production. As well, it aims to determine PROJECT LEADER Luc Comeau (DFO) the pH (and carbonate chemistry) buffering PROJECT TEAM Claire Carver, Martin Mallet capacity of seagrass (Zostera marina) and (L’Étang Ruisseau Bar Ltd.); Jeff C. Clements explore seagrass as a potential mitigation (Norwegian University of Science and Technology); Élise Mayrand, Sébastien Plante (Université strategy against OA. de Moncton) This project will provide valuable information Experimental setup at L’Étang Ruisseau Bar Ltd. COLLABORATORS André Mallet (L’Étang Photo: Martin Mallet (ERB) on OA in the coastal zone of Atlantic Canada, Ruisseau Bar Ltd.) identifying how OA impacts oysters in their early CONTACT [email protected] life history stages, and developing a sustainable WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ and environmentally-friendly mitigation strategy aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/17- 1-G-04-eng.html

Impacts of Aquaculture Operations on the Genetic Health of Natural Populations of the Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea virginica

y developing a new method to extract appear more closely related to each other BDNA from oysters and applying next- than to oysters from Cape Breton, NS. Levels generation sequencing methods, this project of genetic diversity were similar across demonstrated that New Brunswick oysters genetic groups. show between-population genetic differences. The observed genetic diversity and Hatchery experiments suggest that population differences in life-history traits open the differences could be commercially significant. possibility of improving oyster performance Wild oysters were collected from eleven by selective breeding and can inform sites in NB, as well as one site in PEI and one conservation practices. site in NS. A series of between- and within- DATE APR. 2013 – JUN. 2017 Broodstock oyster in conditioning tank. population crosses were then performed. Photo: Martin Mallet (L’Étang Ruisseau Bar Ltd.) FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative Although there was no evidence of local Research and Development Program adaptation, and hybrids did not generally (DFO – ACRDP) outperform their parents either, multiple CO-FUNDED BY L’Étang Ruisseau Bar Ltd. differences in population traits were found. PROJECT LEADER Mark LaFlamme (DFO) Next generation sequencing methods PROJECT TEAM Jean-René Arseneau, were used to determine that at least four Royce Steeves (DFO); Martin Mallet (L’Étang distinct oyster populations are present in Ruisseau Bar Ltd.) New Brunswick. Briefly, oysters from northern COLLABORATORS André Mallet (L’Étang Ruisseau Bar Ltd.) NB form a single group, whereas oysters from CONTACT [email protected] Central NB appear to form two distinct genetic www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/ groups in the Miramichi and Richibucto areas, WEBSITE rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/G-13-01-001- respectively. Finally, oysters from southern eng.html Oyster family being evaluated in St-Simon Bay. NB form a single group. All Gulf-region oysters Photo: Martin Mallet (L’Étang Ruisseau Bar Ltd.) CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 SHELLFISH: OYSTERS

A Tool for Assessing the Maximum Sustainable Production Levels of Blue Mussels and Eastern Oysters in PEI

n Prince Edward Island (PEI), oyster From a farming perspective, there are several grazers in the system, such as zooplankton and Iaquaculture is gradually evolving from the advantages to suspending oyster stocks in wild shellfish. traditional use of the benthic, on-bottom the upper water column, such as protecting This project will investigate aspects of culture, to suspended, off-bottom culture. stocks from losses by benthic predators. carrying capacity parameterization that are From an ecological point of view, the removal poorly understood. In particular, the project will of phytoplankton by farmed oysters must not focus on the functioning of aggregate oysters in surpass the capacity of the ecosystem to the floating oyster bag (or cage) and determine replenish the supply of phytoplankton, since the rates of primary production in key bays this could result in adverse conditions for other where oyster farming development may occur. Using this new information, the capacity of future farm bivalves to pump water (Clearance Time, 73 CT) will be compared against the capacity of the systems to replenish the phytoplankton (Primary Production Time, PT). Results will provide insight into sustainable bivalve production levels for aquaculture managers in PEI.

DATE APR. 2018 – MAR. 2020 FUNDED BY DFO–Program for Aquaculture Regulatory Research (DFO–PARR) PROJECT LEADER Luc Comeau (DFO) PROJECT TEAM Thomas Guyondet, Rémi Sonier, André Nadeau (DFO) COLLABORATORS Ramon Filgueira (Dalhousie U); Réjean Tremblay (UQAR); Jeff Davidson, Jonathan Hill (AVC) CONTACT [email protected] WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ Collecting water samples for the measurement of Measurement of primary production by injecting a aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2018- primary production. stable isotope tracer. g-02-eng.html Photo: Jonathan Hill (AVC) Photo: Jonathan Hill (AVC)

The Impacts of Pre-Winter Conditioning on the Survival, Growth, and Reproductive Yield of the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica), Cultivated in Suspension

he Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) poor-husbandry practices would result in the Tis subjected to pronounced seasonality death of 24% of oysters, versus 9% under at its northernmost distribution limit in Atlantic ideal conditions. Improved practices that will Canada. After spawning in July, oysters feed increase oyster pre-winter conditioning could intensively until November in order to prepare therefore greatly increase the yield of the for reproduction and the build-up of energy aquaculture industry. reserves. This process is called pre-winter DATE APR. 2015 – MAR. 2018 conditioning. Oysters resume feeding in the FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative spring and the bulk of their energy intake is Research and Development Program seemingly allocated towards shell formation. (DFO – ACRDP) This study provides the first quantitative CO-FUNDED BY L2 - Recherche et Production assessment of oyster death resulting from Columns of trays holding cultivated oysters, Aquacole Inc. Crassostrea virginica. PROJECT LEADER Luc Comeau (DFO) inadequate pre-winter conditioning. Poorly Photo: Léon Lanteigne (L2 - Recherche et Production conditioned oysters died nearly three times Aquacole Inc.) PROJECT TEAM Denise Méthé, Michelle more frequently than control oysters, and Maillet (DFO) those that survived winter remained in poor duration of the study and therefore shell COLLABORATORS Léon Lanteigne (L2 - Recherche et Production Aquacole Inc.) condition during the ensuing spring and height was similar for poorly conditioned CONTACT [email protected] summer. Despite their vulnerable state, poorly and control oysters. http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ conditioned oysters invested as much energy The aquaculture industry has control over WEBSITE aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/15- in reproduction as the healthier control oysters. husbandry practices that are known to impact 1-G-01-eng.html Oysters exhibited very little growth over the pre-winter conditioning. It is estimated that SHELLFISH: OYSTERS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Interactions Between Oyster Farming and the Productivity of Wild Oyster Beds

will be conducted with the Lennox Island First Nation, which operates an oyster hatchery, and researchers at the University of Prince Edward Island (Atlantic Veterinary College) and the Université de Moncton. Oyster larvae from both wild and cultured oysters will be exposed to three man-made and three natural substrates, with and without substrate choices, to determine the oyster recruitment to different substrates. Results will provide a preliminary understanding of the dynamics between wild and farmed oysters and 74 will inform management decisions regarding the use of artificial spat collectors.

DATE MAR. 2017 – APR. 2018 Project workshop at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, PEI brought scientists from around the FUNDED BY DFO – Program for Aquaculture world together with various stakeholders from the Gulf Region. From left: Chris Mills, Jarrod Gunn McQuillan, Regulatory Research (DFO – PARR) Pedro Quijon, Thomas Landry, Gilles Miron, Randy Angus, Franck Lagarde, Kim Gill, Thomas Guyondet, Aaron PROJECT LEADER Luc Comeau (DFO) Ramsay, Luke Poirier, Marie-Josée Maillet, Luc Comeau, Thitiwan Patanasatienkul, Jeffery Clements, and John Davidson (host Jeffrey Davidson was absent during photo). PROJECT TEAM Anne-Margaret MacKinnon, Photo: Rémi Sonier (DFO) Luke Poirier, John D.P. Davidson (DFO); Randy Angus, Steve Palmer (Bideford Shellfish Hatchery); n Prince Edward Island, Eastern Oyster additional licenses is progressively growing with Jeff Clements (NTNU); Gilles Miron (U Moncton); Jonathan Hill, Jeff Davidson (AVC) (Crassostrea virginica) farming relies almost the development and expansion of the oyster I CONTACT [email protected] entirely on natural spat produced by wild oyster aquaculture industry. The demand for oyster WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ beds. In the oyster life cycle, free-floating spat may be impacting natural settlement and aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2017- larvae settle on and attach to a hard surface, recruitment processes on wild oyster beds. g-10-eng.html a stage known as spat, before developing into This project will investigate the preferences of juvenile oysters. Presently, there are 226 spat oyster larvae to man-made and natural seabed collection (fishing) licenses and the demand for substrates for settlement. The experiment

Production of Oyster Seed Adapted for Sea Ranching

n Canada, shellfish culture techniques such as the stress related to the aggressiveness provided by shells allows oysters to perform Icurrently used can be divided into two of the crab, Cancer irroratus. The project will essential ecosystem services such as habitat categories: off-bottom and bottom culture. provide the first quantitative information on formation, water filtration and benthic-pelagic Off-bottom techniques are used in most whether the risk of oyster predation can be coupling in marine and estuarine systems. commercial oyster production in New reduced by increasing seed oyster shell length In addition, the project will help develop Brunswick and in the neighboring province and thickness. approaches for managing issues relating to of Prince Edward Island. However, most of Consequently, understanding shell the health of aquaculture species. the leases granted are bottom culture leases, properties, in particular the foliated layer, can DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2020 which are noticeably underutilized as the seed help us understand the defenses oysters use FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative available do not meet the specific requirements to survive predation. The mechanical defense Research and Development Program of this environment given current culture (DFO – ACRDP) techniques. Predation is the main underlying CO-FUNDED BY L2 - Recherche et Production reason for this underutilization. Aquacole Inc. This research aims to develop an adapted PROJECT LEADER Rémi Sonier (DFO) seed production approach to produce seed PROJECT TEAM Luc Comeau, Luke Poirier, especially well-suited to sea ranching, and to André Nadeau (DFO) establish a tailor-made seeding procedure to COLLABORATORS Léon Lanteigne (L2 - Recherche et Production Aquacole Inc.) minimize the risk of predation. The project also CONTACT [email protected] seeks to validate the targeted characteristics http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ of the seed for seeding purposes, and the WEBSITE aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/17- procedures for optimizing post-seeding survival 1-G-05-eng.html rates. It also seeks to produce oysters with thicker shells to mitigate predation impacts Crab predation on oyster. Photo: Luke Poirier (DFO) CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 SHELLFISH: OYSTERS

Investigating Polydora Outbreak in New Brunswick Off-Bottom Cultured Oysters

nown simply as a mudworm or blisterworm, and mudblisters) than at sites further away from pH may reduce the severity of the infection. KPolydora websteri can bore into the the estuary. While dead and live oysters both The results could also inform the geographic shells of live and dead shellfish. Its presence contained similar numbers of P. websteri, dead placement of oyster farms in the future. among New Brunswick oyster populations has oysters displayed more severe effects of the DATE APR. 2014 – MAR. 2017 typically been minor and usually of low intensity. parasite than live oysters. A strong negative FUNDED BY DFO–Aquaculture Collaborative However, there have been sporadic increases of relationship existed between the severity of Research and Development Program infestation rates observed in off-bottom oyster P. websteri infestation and oyster condition index. (DFO–ACRDP) growing sites in New Brunswick, which could Experiments also revealed that increased silt CO-FUNDED BY Huîtres Aquador Oysters Inc. ultimately lead to serious impacts on oyster accumulation on live oysters can accentuate PROJECT LEADER Daniel Bourque, Mary populations and result in economic losses for the number of P. websteri that recruit on a given Stephenson (DFO) the aquaculture industry. oyster, and that exposing empty oyster shells PROJECT TEAM Janelle McLaughlin, Jeff This study provides an assessment of to low pH conditions for three to five weeks can Clements (DFO) 75 parasitic mudworm infestations in Eastern reduce the number of P. websteri recruiting to a COLLABORATORS Serge Gaudet (Huîtres Aquador Oysters Inc.) Oysters cultured in Northern New Brunswick given shell. CONTACT [email protected], near the entrance of the Richibucto Estuary. Collectively, the results of this study show [email protected] According to a newly-developed visual rating that P. websteri reduces oyster condition index WEBSITE www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/ guide, oysters cultured at sites closer to the in off-bottom cultured oysters and increases rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/G-14-01-002- entrance of the Richibucto Estuary showed susceptibility to mortality. Keeping oysters clean eng.html more severe effects (i.e., more worm tunnels of silt and sediment, or exposing oysters to low

Improving Physiological Health of Oysters by Selecting Seed for Stress Resilience

Absorption efficiency and metabolic rate DATE JAN. 2015 – JUN. 2017 (aerobic capacity) were measured, from FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program two sources of oysters from Bouctouche, (DFO – ACRDP) NB estuary (wild and aquaculture). In total, CO-FUNDED BY L’Écloserie Acadienne Ltd. seventeen genetic markers that correlated with PROJECT LEADER Denise Méthé (DFO) absorption efficiency and ten with metabolic PROJECT TEAM Sarah Stewart-Clark, Stephanie rate in both optimal and stressful conditions Hall (Dalhousie U); Gillian Tobin-Huxley (DFO); were identified. Fraser Clark (Mount Allison U) Four spawning groups were then developed COLLABORATORS Maurice Daigle (L’Écloserie from broodstock with genetic markers that were Acadienne Ltd.) identified as being linked to high and low growth CONTACT [email protected] rate and feed efficiency. Each group was then WEBSITE www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/ rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/G-14-03-001- spawned and the new generation was grown eng.html in hatchery conditions before being transferred to the grow-out site in Bouctouche Bay, NB, and sampled at approximately one year of age. Overall, no significant differences were found between spawning groups in terms of growth. Gillian Huxley-Tobin (DFO) sieving oyster spat However, growth was highly variable among produced from selected broodstock. Photo: Denise Méthé (DFO) individuals, indicating a large selection potential. The objective is that the genetic markers ccess to a consistent supply of high identified in this project will ultimately allow for Aquality and resilient seed stocks has been the selection of desirable phenotypes that will identified as a key constraint for continued improve stock performance. viability and expansion of the Eastern Oyster Novel genetic markers correlated to industry in Atlantic Canada.This project was absorption efficiency and metabolic rate focused on generating efficient and resilient were discovered in this study. This discovery oysters to ensure that, if faced with a pathogen allows for further study to be done, to enhance or environmental stressor, they will have an our knowledge of physiological aspects increased capacity to launch an immune of resiliency, growth and feed efficiency. response, while increasing growth and feed Additionally, it allows opportunity for continued efficiency performance. improvement of oyster stock in the future, and increase viability of the industry. Eastern Oyster larvae with eye spot. Photo: Stephanie Hall (Dalhousie U) SHELLFISH: OTHER CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

SHELLFISH: OTHER 76

Photo: Michelle Maillet (DFO)

IN THIS SECTION Understanding the Distribution of a Nemertean Predator, Cerebratulus lacteus, Microplastics and Shellfish Aquaculture: Presence, Extent, Potential Impacts, in Clam Flats: Implications for Control Measures and Mitigation Measures

Scaling Hatchery Methods for the Commercial Production of Land Based Effects of a Prepared Diet and Kelp on Gonad Enhancement in the Green Sea Urchin Farming in New Brunswick (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) and Red (S. franciscanus) Sea Urchins

The Effects of a Hydraulic Dredge and Adding Shells on the Environment and Developing a Carrying Capacity Framework for Baynes Sound, B.C. – Soft-Shell Clam Population Dynamics Recent Findings Regarding the Hydrodynamic Influence on Seabed Characteristics

Health Status Update of Mercenaria mercenaria in St. Mary’s Bay, Nova Scotia CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 SHELLFISH: OTHER

Understanding the Distribution of a Nemertean Predator, Cerebratulus lacteus, in Clam Flats: Implications for Control Measures

lams could be an important species for Razor Clams when provided a choice of Razor Cthe future development of aquaculture in Clams and Soft-shell Clams. While predation Atlantic Canada. One of the major obstacles rates are relatively low, the milky ribbon worm in the development of clam culture has been is gregarious and may exert population level controlling predators on culture sites. In recent impacts when occurring at high densities. years, commercial size clam densities have By describing the predation of C. lacteus on been reportedly lower. While the cause for infaunal clams in Atlantic Canada, the results these declines has not yet been documented, can aid in site selection for commercial clam harvesters have noted the presence of operations. It also provides a baseline estimate predatory worms at clam harvesting sites. The for predation rates of C. lacteus on bivalve prey. milky ribbon worm (Cerebratulus lacteus) is an 77 DATE APR. 2014 – JUN. 2017 Nemertean Cerebratulus lacteus important predator of many bivalve species Photo: Daniel Bourque (DFO) FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative living within the sediment on the seafloor, and its Research and Development Program presence has been related to high field mortality (DFO – ACRDP) in Soft-shell Clams. Very little, however, was CO-FUNDED BY Innovative Fisheries Products known about the factors regulating the patchy Inc.; Mills Seafood Ltd. distribution of this predator. PROJECT LEADER Luc Comeau (DFO) The results of this project ultimately provided PROJECT TEAM Daniel Bourque, Angeline evidence for milky ribbon worm predation on LeBlanc, Jeffery Clements (DFO) Soft-shell Clams and Razor Clams in Atlantic COLLABORATORS Doug Bertram (Innovative Fisheries Products Inc.); Tim Williston Canada. The experiment suggests that the (Mills Seafood Ltd.) milky ribbon worm likely forages by selecting CONTACT [email protected] prey species that provide the most energy per WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ unit of foraging time. This approach is evidenced aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/G- by selective predation on the more profitable 14-01-001-eng.html Sieving sediment cores for macrofauna. Photo: Angeline LeBlanc (DFO)

Scaling Hatchery Methods for the Commercial Production of Land Based Sea Urchin Farming in New Brunswick

uoddy Savour Seafood Ltd. is a New • Inducing release of male and female urchins and therefore allow sale of premium QBrunswick supplier of premium grade sea gametes and fertilizing eggs for the grade product year round. Hatchery production urchin roe with a desire to be self-reliant from next generation of thousands of sea will also present opportunities to eventually collection of wild-caught sea urchins. Much is urchins for grow-out; capitalize on quantitative genetic selection already known related to closing the sea urchin • Incubating thousands of fertilized eggs and, therefore, production of consistent lifecycle given its prominence in education and prior to transfer of hatched individuals; grade product for sales to the market in less toxicology settings. However, scaling these • Producing multiple species of microalgae time. Finally, closed hatchery production, and principles in a commercial operation has not in sufficient quantity to offer a balanced possibly establishing a future genetic pedigree, been accomplished in Canada to date. This diet to planktonic larvae; will provide product traceability for global sales, project endeavors to commercialize sea urchin • Conditioning settlement substrate and thereby eliminating concerns related to sale of closed cycle hatchery production to meet exploring options to collect competent product during closed wild fishery seasons. project specific objectives associated with sea urchins following settlement; and DATE OCT. 2017 – JUN. 2019 target numbers of post-settled sea urchins • Growing juvenile sea urchins through the FUNDED BY Quoddy Savour Seafood Ltd. produced. Specific activities to date include: post-settlement stage until individuals are NBIF • Collecting candidate sea urchin of a sufficient size deemed appropriate CO-FUNDED BY broodstock from the local fishery, for transfer to the commercial facility. PROJECT LEADER Anne McCarthy, Amber Garber (HMSC) then returning these individuals to the Delivery of the initial thousands of post- PROJECT TEAM Cailey Dow, Rebecca Eldridge, Huntsman wet laboratory facilities; settled juvenile sea urchins is targeted for Elizabeth Dowling, Sarah Rogers, Sarah Gravel, • Enhancing, and then long-term holding, the end of 2018 for further growth at the Esther Keddie, Chris Bridger (HMSC) adult sea urchins to provide high quality Quoddy facility in Pennfield, NB, until eventual COLLABORATORS Roger Waycott, Chad Brown, male and female gametes in culture commercial sales at the appropriate size. Rob Bosien (Quoddy Savour Seafood Ltd.); WD Robertson (ReThink Inc.) conditions year round; Success from this project will decouple CONTACT [email protected] the Quoddy operations from wild captured sea WEBSITE Huntsmanmarine.ca SHELLFISH: OTHER CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

The Effects of a Hydraulic Dredge and Adding Shells on the Environment and Soft-Shell Clam Population Dynamics

o improve the profitability of Soft-shell appear to be impacted by dredging at most TClam farms in Atlantic Canada, growers locations, with the exception of one site which want to use hydraulic dredging as a means of had higher clam abundances in dredged plots. harvesting clams. However, concerns regarding Clam abundances did not appear to correlate mechanical clam harvesting include shell with sediment geochemistry. This suggests that, damage, impacts on recruitment and survival where harvesting might affect clam abundances, of juveniles, impacts on biodiversity, and the the physical process of dredging rather than the release of buried organic matter and reduced indirect effects on sediment geochemistry likely metabolites. Without an understanding of these drive clam abundance patterns. issues, it is not clear whether hydraulic dredging DATE OCT. 2015 – JUN. 2018 78 is a sustainable harvesting method. FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative Diagram of the plot layout at the Miramichi study site Given that both sediment geochemistry Research and Development Program in 2016. Sediment cores were sampled in each and clam harvesting can potentially affect (DFO – ACRDP) numbered plot. Source: J.C. Clements, A. Leblanc, L.A. Comeau (DFO) clam populations, we conducted two separate CO-FUNDED BY Mills Seafood Ltd. studies to determine: 1) the effect of clam PROJECT LEADER Angeline LeBlanc (DFO) dredging on sediment pH and the abundances PROJECT TEAM Jeffery Clements, Luc of two bivalve species (juvenile Mya arenaria Comeau (DFO) and adult Limecola balthica) within and between COLLABORATORS Marilyn Clark (Mills locations, and 2) the effect of sediment Seafood Ltd.) geochemistry on the abundance of the same CONTACT [email protected] bivalves within a small spatial area. WEBSITE www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/ rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/15-2-G-02- While differences between locations were eng.html evident in this study, clam abundances did not

Health Status Update of Mercenaria mercenaria in St. Mary’s Bay, Nova Scotia

ith the rise of climate change, many Improving the knowledge base about Wpathogens have changed latitudinal diseases and other climate change stressors ranges and have become invaders of new will be important for future monitoring of this ecosystems where they have the potential ecologically and economically important area, to cause high mortality rates. Fundamentally, and for mitigation purposes. understanding shellfish habitat and how DATE MAY 2017 – APR. 2019 shellfish are vulnerable to change is a factor FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative that needs close attention to allow the Research and Development Program development of a better understanding of (DFO – ACRDP) the effects of climate change and the CO-FUNDED BY Innovative Fisheries implications for shellfish aquaculture. Products Inc. This project will revisit the health status of PROJECT LEADER Michelle Maillet (DFO) Intertidal flats of St. Mary’s Bay, Nova Scotia. Photo: Michelle Maillet (DFO) the Quahog (M. mercenaria) and environmental COLLABORATORS Doug Bertram (Innovative conditions in St. Mary’s Bay, and will add Fisheries Products Inc.) measures pertaining to shell condition. It will CONTACT [email protected] also measure calcium carbonate (aragonite) WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/ availability, upon which the Quahog is dependent, 17-1-G-01-eng.html and it will aim to compare the health and shell conditions between sites within the sampling area.

Shell of Mercenaria mercenaria. Photo: Michelle Maillet (DFO) CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 SHELLFISH: OTHER

Microplastics and Shellfish Aquaculture: Presence, Extent, Potential Impacts, and Mitigation Measures

icroplastic particles (MPs) are plastic a 30-day period. No significant differences DATE SEP. 2015 – MAR. 2018 Mparticles <5 mm in their longest dimension, were observed in condition index or lysosomal FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program and they contaminate habitats worldwide. membrane stability compared with controls (DFO – ACRDP) This project assessed the extent, impact, and not fed MPs. However, MP ingestion led to CO-FUNDED BY British Columbia Shellfish potential mitigation measures related to MP an upregulation in physiological pathways Growers Association (BCSGA) contamination of BC shellfish aquaculture associated with immunity and stress and a PROJECT LEADER Sarah Dudas, Helen Gurney- species and their environment. downregulation in pathways associated with Smith (VIU/DFO); Chris Pearce (DFO) We assessed the MP concentrations in reproduction, suggesting potential long-term PROJECT TEAM John Dower, Garth Covernton, Pacific Oysters and Manila Clams outplanted negative consequences of MP ingestion. We Monique Raap (U Vic); Peter Ross (Ocean Wise); Matt Miller, Maggie Dietterle (VIU) for two to three months at eleven intertidal further conducted a depuration experiment COLLABORATORS Darlene Winterburn 79 shellfish farms and ten non-aquaculture and determined that MP load could be reduced (BCSGA) sites in southern BC. We found that average after five days in a clean environment, but CONTACT [email protected]; Helen. contamination of shellfish was less than one suggest that the procedures required to create [email protected]; Chris.Pearce@ MP/individual and no significant difference an MP-free environment may not be feasible for dfo-mpo.gc.ca existed between shellfish grown on or off adoption by bivalve depuration facilities. WEBSITE www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/ rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/15-1-P-01- shellfish farms. Spectroscopic analysis of some The results of this study suggest that the eng.html of the MPs found in the shellfish and in the plastic equipment used in shellfish aquaculture water-column suggested they likely came from does not appear to increase the risk of textiles such as nylon and polyester. We also cultured shellfish ingesting MPs relative to wild compared intertidally farmed and raft-grown counterparts. Nevertheless, efforts on all fronts oysters in three areas and found no significant should be made to reduce the contamination of difference in MPs between the farming methods. the environment with microplastics, especially In the laboratory, we exposed Pacific Oysters from textiles, which are commonly released via to environmentally relevant concentrations (5 sewage effluent, aerial dispersal, and from in situ fibres/L) and types (acrylic, nylon, polyester, degradation of synthetic ropes. and polypropylene/polyethylene) of MPs over

Netting. Photo: Kayla Mohns (DFO)

Various microplastic fibres under microscopy. Photo: Garth Covernton, Monique Raap (U Vic)

Oyster up close. Photo: Kayla Mohns (DFO) SHELLFISH: OTHER CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Effects of a Prepared Diet and Kelp on Gonad Enhancement in the Green (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) and Red (S. franciscanus) Sea Urchins

ea urchins are ecologically-important along with oceanographic data to examine the Skeystone predators that can drastically potential environmental impact a commercial alter marine communities due to their sea-based farm would have using the waste consumption of macroalgal beds, creating deposition model DEPOMOD. areas termed “urchin barrens”. Sea urchins As the aquaculture industry continues in these barrens generally have low, non- to rapidly grow worldwide, it is critical to marketable gonad (roe) yields. Sea urchin understand the impact the farmed species gonad enhancement entails removing and diets could have on the surrounding low-gonad-yield individuals from these urchin environment. The results of these studies will barrens, which would otherwise not be removed be used to ensure that sea urchin aquaculture 80 by the fishery, and feeding them prepared/ can become both an environmentally and natural diets that can bulk up their gonads to Red sea urchins in a tray. economically sustainable new industry in market size in eight to twelve weeks. Previous Photo: Emily Warren (VIU) British Columbia. studies have achieved large gonad yields diet or bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) for twelve DATE JAN. 2017 – APR. 2020 using various prepared diets, but none have weeks. While the prepared diet did significantly FUNDED BY Fisheries and Oceans consistently obtained market quality taste and increase gonad yield in S. droebachiensis, the Canada (DFO) colour (bright orange/yellow). This study aimed kelp diet produced better gonad quality, as has CO-FUNDED BY Urchinomics; Nova Harvest to improve gonad yield and quality in green been seen in previous studies. Ltd.; U Vic (S. droebachiensis) and red (S. franciscanus) Further research will examine the impact of PROJECT LEADER Chris Pearce (DFO) º sea urchins using a newly developed sea three temperatures (8, 12, and 16 C), two new PROJECT TEAM Steve Cross (U Vic); Stefanie urchin pellet feed. The sea urchins were held prepared diets, and kelp on gonad enhancement Duff, Emily Warren, Julia Savery (VIU); Lyanne in specifically designed sea urchin trays at a in S. droebachiensis and S. franciscanus in a Curtis (DFO) sea-based farm site in Departure Bay, Nanaimo, land-based system. Analysis of feed and faecal COLLABORATORS Brian Takeda, Harm Kampen (Urchinomics); J.P. Hastey (Nova Harvest Ltd.) British Columbia and fed either the prepared composition will also be conducted and used CONTACT [email protected]

Developing a Carrying Capacity Framework for Baynes Sound, B.C. – Recent Findings Regarding the Hydrodynamic Influence on Seabed Characteristics

framework for a shellfish carrying capacity sulfide maintained an oxic category (0-700 µM) A assessment includes the development of a for the most part and exhibited a lack of variation high-resolution, spatially-explicit hydrodynamic within the Sound. Finally, PCA results revealed model (e.g., Finite Volume Community Ocean that meiofauna were associated with a medium Model (FVCOM)). This model supports bay- sand fraction (0.25 mm) characterized by low- wide assessments of pelagic and seabed porosity and organic sand-loam textures. characteristics to support management In terms of characterizing the pelagic decision-making with respect to shellfish environment, data are currently being analyzed aquaculture facilities. to examine spatial and temporal fluctuations on In terms of seabed characterization, sediment a bay-wide scale. texture was related to modelled maximum DATE SEP. 2011 – MAR. 2017 velocity values within 5 m of the seabed (Umax,5) FUNDED BY DFO – Program for Aquaculture where the highest values (restricted southern Regulatory Research (DFO–PARR) entrance) and lowest values (northern deep CO-FUNDED BY Ecosystem Research Initiative basin) represented sand-depositional and mud- (2009–2010) depositional facies. The strong hydrodynamic PROJECT LEADER Terri Sutherland (DFO) gradient influenced the geotechnical, PROJECT TEAM Lorena Garcia-Hoyos, Maxim biochemical and meiofauna attributes located Krassovski, Michael Foreman, Perry Poon (DFO); along the central axis of Baynes Sound Alan Martin (Lorax Environmental Services); Carl Amos (Southampton University) (2009–2014). CONTACT [email protected] In general, sediment porosity, organic carbon WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ and nitrogen content, and trace-element aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2011- concentrations (e.g., zinc, copper) increased Modelled depth-averaged maximum hourly velocity P-21-eng.html with increasing sediment fines towards the head values within 5 m above seabed for the period from June 1 to August 31, 2012. The bathymetry contours of the Sound. In contrast, sediment pore-water are in blue. The purple circles denote grab stations. Source: Sutherland et al. 2018. Journal of Coastal Research, 34(5): 1021-1034. CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 MISCELLANEOUS

MISCELLANEOUS

81

Photo: Emilie Proulx (U Laval)

IN THIS SECTION Study of the Spread of Cultivated Kelp Around Marine Farms The Validation of an FVCOM Hydrodynamic Model to Support Aquaculture on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Reproduction and Cultivation of the Red Algae Palmaria palmata (Palmariales, Rhodophyta) in the Gulf of St Lawrence, Canada Evaluation of the Development of Gametophytes in the Sugar Kelp, Saccharina latissima (Order Laminariales): Effect of the Substrate, Current and Seeding Technique Development of a Red Algae (Porphyra sp.) Biological Filter to Reduce Nitrogen in American Lobster Tank Effluent Advanced Developments in DFO’s FVCOM Models for the Discovery Islandsand Broughton Archipelago Completion of Cross-Cutting Aquatic Research to Support Aquatic Broodstock, Animal Health and Toxicology Studies Improving Fertilization Success of Arctic Charr

Reducing the Problem of Early Sexual Maturation in Arctic Charr (Fraser River Stock) Development of the Baynes Sound Environmental Intelligence Collaboration (BaSEIC)

Biomarker Platform for Commercial Aquaculture Feed Development The Development of an FVCOM Hydrodynamic Model to Support Aquaculture on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Addressing Challenges to Sablefish Culture Evaluation and Comparison of Cranford & Wong and ISE Methods for Sediment Validation of Blue Diatom Pigment Production for Industrial Needs Sulfide and Oxygen Measures in Aquaculture-Related Organically Enriched Comparison of Three Systems for Removing Carbon Dioxide in Recirculating Salmon Sediments Using Manipulative and Observational Approaches Smolt Hatcheries Development of Environmental DNA (eDNA)-Based Biosurveillance for Aquatic Fish Farm Site-To-Site Connectivity Using GPS Tracked Surface Drifters and FVCOM- Invasive Operational Management of Sustainable Fish Farming Based Particle Tracking Model Rapid and Sensitive eDNA Methods for Early Detection and Mitigation of Aquatic A Sustainable Blue Economy: More Opportunities from Salmon Waste Resources Invasive Species (AIS) and Monitoring of Aquatic Species at Risk (ASAR).

Development of Environmental DNA (eDNA)-Based Biosurveillance for Aquatic What is the Overall Effect of Shellfish Aquaculture on Eelgrass, an Ecologically Invasive Species (AIS) to Inform Management and Policy Decision-Making Associated Significant Species? with Shellfish Aquaculture Movements Social Licence and Planning in Coastal Communities MISCELLANEOUS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Study of the Spread of Cultivated Kelp Around Marine Farms

n Québec, kelp cultivation is a young industry. by the FAP UQAR-Merinov and the Optimal ICurrently, all of Québec’s seaweed culture program (NSERC) will establish the genetic companies use sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) structure of sugar kelp populations in Quebec, seedlings from Bonaventure’s broodstock on in order to determine the genetic variation marine farms of the Gaspé Peninsula and the between the local and Bonaventure strains. North Shore. During the cultivation on farms, It is intended that the results of this project self-thinning occurs on culture lines. It is likely will be able to inform decision makers on the that loosely attached seedlings fall off the line possible dispersal of cultivated sugar kelp because of competition, currents or during bad (Bonaventure strain) around various algoculture weather, and the outcome of these seedlings sites in Québec. is not documented. Presently, there is no DATE JAN. 2018 – MAR. 2020 82 information on the genetic structure of the kelp FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative populations in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and it Research and Development Program is not known if wild beds from different regions (DFO – ACRDP) are genetically distinct. Yet, seaweed farmers CO-FUNDED BY Ferme Maricole Purmer; The need to identify and select the strains with the Mi’gmaq Maliseet Aboriginal Fisheries Management Association (MMAFMA) best characteristics. It is therefore important to address these questions to help them make PROJECT LEADER Rénald Belley (DFO) evidence-based decisions and to support the PROJECT TEAM Mathilde Lemoine, Isabelle Gendron-Lemieux, Marie-Pierre Turcotte (Merinov); sustainable growth of their companies. France Dufresne, Frédérique Paquin (UQAR) This project aims to investigate the possible COLLABORATORS Marie-Hélène Rondeau introduction of Bonaventure strain on various (MMAFMA); Sandra Blais (Ferme Maricole Purmer) sites in Québec, such as the Sept-Îles and CONTACT [email protected] Cultivated sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) on a Paspébiac sites, and to study the possible http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ WEBSITE culture line at an aquaculture site. dispersal of the cultivated strain around the aquaculture/acrdp-pcrda/index-eng.htm Photo : Isabelle Gendron-Lemieux (Merinov) cultivation site. In addition, a project funded

Reproduction and Cultivation of the Red Algae Palmaria palmata (Palmariales, Rhodophyta) in the Gulf of St Lawrence, Canada

almaria palmata is an edible red seaweed per cm) of plants on kuralon ropes and on the Pof the North Atlantic. In Eastern Canada, At-Sea textile (2.9 ± 1.7 thallus per cm2), but it is mainly harvested around Grand Manan some individuals were loosely attached on these Island and cultivation can be seen as a desirable substrates. In the culture tanks, the highest alternative to relieve the pressure on wild productivity was obtained with young fronds, stocks. Its commercial cultivation, however, grown at 2.5 kg m-2 with nutrient enrichment. is neither mastered nor practiced in Canada. The next steps will be to transfer the seeded The objectives of this project were to: a) test a substrates to a marine farm, to perform method to artificially induce sporogenesis on organoleptic tests on the cultivated fronds and fronds; b) compare different culture parameters to scale up the culture technology in a private and substrates seeded with tetraspores; and c) marine hatchery. The project is designed optimize the growth of fronds cultivated in tanks. to ultimately support the diversification and Wild fronds were harvested locally and increase the profitability of the seaweed non-fertile fronds were cultivated at 5 and aquaculture industry. 10°C under either a constant long or short DATE APR. 2017 – APR. 2020 photoperiod. Braided nylon ropes, stranded Mathilde Lemoine harvesting dulse (Palmaria FUNDED BY Fonds de Québécois de Recherche kuralon rope, plastic nets and non-woven palmata) in Grande-Rivière, Québec. Photo: Merinov, 2018. Nature et Technologies (FRQNT) artificial textiles were seeded with spores, PROJECT LEADER Éric Tamigneaux (Merinov) cultivated in tanks and the distribution and and the productivity per unit surface of tank PROJECT TEAM Mathilde Lemoine, Jean-Claude number of thalus were measured. Young was calculated. Blais, Grégoire Cholat-Namy (Merinov); Arthur fronds were cultivated in tanks with various The preliminary results showed that, when Kaufling, Tristan Reesor (Cégep de la Gaspésie et combinations of stocking density, temperature, non-fertile fronds are artificially conditioned, des Îles) light intensity and nitrogen concentrations. mature spores are only produced at 5°C under CONTACT [email protected] Fresh biomass was measured weekly a constant short photoperiod after two months. WEBSITE http://www.merinov.ca There was a higher density (1.2 ± 0.5 thallus CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 MISCELLANEOUS

Development of a Red Algae (Porphyra sp.) Biological Filter to Reduce Nitrogen in American Lobster Tank Effluent

n processing plants, live lobsters are kept are: (1) to determine which of the local species DATE JUN. 2019 – JUN. 2020 Iin summer in fish tanks supplied with cold of nori has the best potential for the uptake and FUNDED BY Québec Ministry of Higher Education and Training — Research and Transfer seawater. To reduce cooling costs, some of the sequestration of dissolved ammonia; (2) ensure Assistance Program (MÉES – PART) water is reused so that the system is in partial the availability of good quality young fronds PROJECT LEADER Lisandre Solomon (Merinov) recirculation. The ammonia that American to seed the biofilter; (3) develop and test two PROJECT TEAM Isabelle Gendron-Lemieux, Éric Lobsters (Homarus americanus) secrete through biofilter prototypes with fixed or free fronds; Tamigneaux (Merinov) their gills therefore accumulates in the water and (4) put the best-performing biofilter prototype CONTACT [email protected] can increase the mortality rate of animals. Some on a pilot scale; (5) establish the nutritional and WEBSITE http://www.merinov.ca red algae of the family Bangiaceae (Porphyra organoleptic value of nori fronds produced in sp., Pyropia sp.), also called nori, have high the biofilter; and (6) establish operating costs 83 growth rates in cold water and a high capacity and profitability of the biofilter. for nitrogen absorption and sequestration. In The development of a biofilter to treat effluent addition, nori is grown on a large scale in Asia would allow seafood plants to increase the and this seaweed has a high value in the food volume of recirculated effluent, reduce cooling market. The algae culture and processing costs, and reduce mortality rates in fish tanks. companies are interested in marketing native For companies already practicing seaweed nori species and need access to a stable and farming and brown algae processing, the project sustainable supply source. represents an opportunity to obtain important The present project aims to develop a information on the life cycle, culture and biological filter based on native nori species to nutritional value of Porphyra sp. This supports reduce the total nitrogen concentration in the their efforts to diversify the supply of algae- American Lobsters (Homarus americanus) in a effluents of the processing plants that hold live based food products. holding tank. Photo: Jean-François Laplante (Merinov) lobsters in tanks. The secondary objectives

Completion of Cross-Cutting Aquatic Research to Support Aquatic Broodstock, Animal Health and Toxicology Studies

untsman has completed several analysis following numerous days • Tank system alarms to provide Hproprietary studies within upgraded post-dosing; study security. facilities related to broodstock development, • Simulated commercial hatchery Adding facilities that allow year-round aquatic animal health and aquatic toxicology. comparison studies testing various temperature control within large-scale tank Specific examples include: environmental and production systems to the overall research capacity of the • Atlantic Salmon broodstock-related parameters; and Huntsman is a game changer. Now commercial, sea lice infection challenges to measure • Atlantic Salmon choice of dissolved government and academic studies, such degrees of family resistance; oxygen conditions. as those listed, are completed as business • Acceptance of new feed and These aquatic studies require controlled requirements demand rather than seasonally pharmaceutical ingredient formulations environments within multiple treatments and when ambient conditions match study within study populations; replicate tanks with volume to house numerous parameters. Added features of the systems, • Residue depletion studies involving appropriately sized individuals. The dedicated such as tank-specific swirl separators, ensure new candidate drugs and various tissue Huntsman facility provides controlled access study fish are indeed acclimated by returning to and includes the following capacity to ensure feed post-transfer and allow monitoring of fish project-specific objectives are met: population feed consumption, which is critical • Eighteen independent tanks that when conducting fish health and treatment house up to post-smolt sized (~400 g) studies for regulatory purposes. Atlantic Salmon; DATE JAN. 2017 – DEC. 2018 • Water temperature control (±1ºC) from FUNDED BY Atlantic Canada Opportunities 2-14°C at any time of the year; Agency–Atlantic Innovation Fund (ACOA–AIF) • Tank-specific swirl separators to ensure CO-FUNDED BY New Brunswick Innovation fecal castings are collected for inspection Foundation and every uneaten feed pellet is captured PROJECT LEADER Chris Bridger (HMSC) to be noted within the study dataset; PROJECT TEAM Anne McCarthy, Phil Wiper, • Ability to separate between different Amber Garber, Ehab Misk, Ben de Jourdan (HMSC) Completion of a study to determine residue depletion differences between post-smolt and adult Atlantic studies (i.e., different rooms, curtains or CONTACT [email protected] Salmon post-dosing. and/or practices); and WEBSITE Huntsmanmarine.ca Photo: Chris Bridger (HMSC) MISCELLANEOUS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Reducing the Problem of Early Sexual Maturation in Arctic Charr (Fraser River Stock)

arly sexual maturation among diploid decision’ to mature is switched off is influenced EArctic Charr and other farmed salmonids by both growth-independent and growth- remains a costly problem, reducing meat quality dependent factors, for which we proposed a and revenue. Photoperiod and food availability two-step gating mechanism. exert a strong influence on somatic growth and In sum, this study found that Arctic Charr the decision to commence sexual maturation, farms operating on flow-through well water but how they interact is unclear. Fraser River at 9–10°C can reduce the incidence of early Arctic Charr is a good ’model salmonid’ for maturation in diploid Fraser River strain to <10%. study as both sexes suffer a high rate (>70%) DATE SEP. 2013 – DEC. 2016 of early sexual maturation age 2+ in culture in FUNDED BY Coastal Zones Research Institute, 10°C groundwater, a trait that has limited its Shippagan (now Valorēs) 84 commercialization in Canada. Marketable silvery immature Arctic Charr (top) and CO-FUNDED BY ACOA Atlantic Innovation Fund Reducing the incidence of maturity to <20% unmarketable highly coloured mature fish (bottom). PROJECT LEADER Jim Duston (Dalhousie U) has been consistently achieved in four year Photo: Paul MacIsaac (Dalhousie U) PROJECT TEAM Qi Liu (Dalhousie U) classes by rearing fish under 24-h light (LL) from combining LL with reducing somatic growth COLLABORATORS Tony Manning (RPC) October to February. The timing of both the in winter by food deprivation. Food control CONTACT [email protected] start- and end-date of LL has proved critically alone, however, was less effective and reduced important. Further reductions in the maturity maturation among females only. Nonetheless, rate, to 0% in some cases, was achieved by the mechanism by which the ’physiological

Biomarker Platform for Commercial Aquaculture Feed Development

n this project, the partners have jointly feed performance in a quick and cost-effective Ideveloped multi-gene expression tools (i.e., manner. We have used these multiplex panels multiplex qPCR) for assessing the health of and complementary data (e.g., lipid/fatty acid Atlantic Salmon fed newly designed grower analyses) to test salmon feed raw materials for and clinical commercial feeds. Historically, the impact on multiple physiological parameters measurement of the performance of salmon such as growth, lipid metabolism, immune feed in commercial fish trials was limited to response, oxidative stress, and inflammation. growth rate metrics, but the development These techniques can be scaled up as a routine of tools for health monitoring in addition to practice to help Cargill Animal Nutrition in the performance is the next step for the production design of novel growth-promoting and immune- of novel, quality feeds. The objective was to boosting feeds. Dr. Chis Parrish and Jeanette Wells place a sample vial in a gas chromatograph’s autosampler, which is develop and validate the use of this health and used to determine fatty acids in lipid extracts. DATE OCT. 2014 – MAR. 2018 performance diagnostic platform in commercial Photo: Genome Canada FUNDED BY Genome Canada — Genome feed development. Research outputs include: Applications Partnership Program 1. The development of over 350 unique CO-FUNDED BY Cargill Animal Nutrition; assays to quantify the expression of functionally InnovateNL; Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; annotated biomarker genes. Genome Atlantic 2. Multiplex panels were developed based PROJECT LEADER Matthew Rise (MUN); on results obtained from extensive gene Richard Taylor (Cargill Animal Nutrition) expression profiling studies (using microarrays, PROJECT TEAM Albert Caballero-Solares, Maryam Beheshti Foroutani, Xi Xue, Khalil Eslamloo, also called “gene chips”) conducted on Tomer Katan, Nicole Smith, Sabrina Inkpen, Jeanette various tissues collected in feeding trials. To Wells, Christopher Parrish (MUN) select the biomarker genes for inclusion in COLLABORATORS Beth Cleveland (USDA); the multiplex panels, single-gene qPCR and Javier Santander (MUN); Adel El-Mowafi, Simon Wadsworth, Dominic Nanton, Renate Kvingedal Xi Xue working on quantitative PCRs with Drs. Richard Taylor and Matt Rise. tissue lipid composition data, as well as growth (Cargill Canada) performance data, were analyzed using several Photo: Genome Canada CONTACT [email protected]; richard_taylor@ multivariate statistical methods. cargill.com 3. Multiplex qPCR panels developed in this WEBSITE http://genomeatlantic.ca/project/ project allow the simultaneous analysis of better-feed-for-better-fish-biomarker-platform-for- commercial-aquaculture-feed-development/ multiple biomarker genes capable of predicting CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 MISCELLANEOUS

Addressing Challenges to Sablefish Culture

he Sablefish (Anoplopoma fiimbria), also comprehensive information on this species’ Tknown as Black Cod, is a deep-water stress and metabolic physiology. We are now species that is widely distributed along the developing genomic (i.e., molecular probes) and continental shelf of the Eastern and Western antibody-based tools (i.e., ELISAs) so that the North Pacific. Sablefish has traditionally been immune function of this species can be studied, supplied to the market by commercial fishers, and future work on the efficacy of vaccines but holds great promise as an aquaculture against furunculosis (caused by the pathogen species on Canada’s West coast. For example, Aeromonas salmonicida) is in the planning stages. its market price is approximately twice that This research will provide key information on of salmon, and Golden Eagle Sable Fish is Sablefish health and welfare, and support the currently rearing Sablefish in British Columbia, growth of this industry. and aims to reach an annual production 85 DATE SEP. 2016 – ONGOING of 500,000 juveniles and 1000+ tonnes of FUNDED BY Ocean Frontier Institute – Canada production in the next few years. First Excellence Research Fund As with any new (alternative) aquaculture CO-FUNDED BY Memorial University species, husbandry and management PROJECT LEADER Kurt Gamperl (MUN) procedures developed for other fish species will PROJECT TEAM Javier Santander, Robin have to be modified for Sablefish culture, and Leeuwis, Fabio Zanuzzo, Rebeccah Sandrelli, information on this species’ physiology, stress Gord Nash (MUN) and disease resistance, and environmental COLLABORATORS Jessi Rix (Somru tolerances must be gathered. Research BioSciences); Stewart Johnson (DFO); Matt Rise (MUN); Tom Sorby, Briony Campbell (Golden Eagle conducted to date has determined the acute Sable Fish Inc.); Rick Goetz (NOAA) Graduate (M.Sc.) student Robin Leeuwis performing upper temperature and hypoxia tolerance CONTACT [email protected] surgery on a Sablefish. of both adults and juveniles, and provided Photo: Robin Leeuwis (MUN)

Validation of Blue Diatom Pigment Production for Industrial Needs

hanks to the development of a new mass Tproduction technique at the ISMER-UQAR Pointe-au-Père Aquaculture Station, we have developed a production method highlighting a benthic microalga that produces the blue pigment, marennine. We have demonstrated in the laboratory that this pigment protects bivalve larvae, in addition to being an antioxidant, antiproliferative and antivirulent agent; all properties that were validated in vitro. This pigment offers an interesting natural alternative to conventional antibiotics in aquaculture, which is a growing market in Canada and around the world. Aquaculture One hundred-litre photobioreactors used for the production of the pigment marennine, produced by the benthic has been the fastest growing food production diatom Haslea ostrearia. Photo: Martin Forêt (ISMER) sector in the last 50 years, with aquaculture products accounting for about 50% of the fish, shellfish and echinoderms consumed pigment in order to transfer it to one of our to many aquaculture applications, as well as in each year, worldwide. Production is a industrial partners, optimize its harvest and its the food industry or the pharmaceutical field. standardized market for almost 25% of the purification in order to limit losses, evaluate its DATE JUN. 2018 – JUN. 2020 world aquaculture production. There is a real cost of production and significantly advance FUNDED BY Natural Sciences and Engineering need for new molecules that have antibacterial its characterization in order to facilitate the Research Council (NSERC) and antioxidant abilities. These molecules will exploration of cosmetic markets by our second PROJECT LEADER Réjean Tremblay (ISMER) certainly be found within natural resources, industrial partner. PROJECT TEAM William Belanger since natural products are the best source This project will develop a system of (ISMER/UQAR); Martin Forêt (ISMER) of novelty and their molecular complexity marennine production, and will also highlight the COLLABORATORS Richard Saint-Louis, makes their artificial synthesis difficult. Thus, potential colouring, antioxidant and antibiotic Jean-Sébastien Deschênes (UQAR) the objective of this project is to develop a properties of the molecule that could contribute CONTACT [email protected] system of continuous mass production of this MISCELLANEOUS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Comparison of Three Systems for Removing Carbon Dioxide in Recirculating Salmon Smolt Hatcheries

he main objective of this project was to HCO3- model. All models were successfully side-tank degassers. The most cost-effective Tdetermine the most cost-effective method validated with experimental data. degassing system was found to be a moving to maintain the CO2 concentration below The moving bed biofilter and degassing bed biofilter with an additional aerated cell not 15 mg/L in recirculating aquaculture systems towers studied were found to have a single containing media.

(RAS). Models were developed to predict CO2 pass removal efficiency of 35%. The removal The results of this research project can removal across three degassing systems: efficiency of the two-cell moving bed biofilter be used in the design of degassing systems

degassing tower, moving bed biofilter and takes into account the CO2 produced in the for RAS. side-tank degasser. Total system balances were biofilter due to the nitrification process. The DATE SEPT. 2017 – JUN. 2018 also developed to predict steady state CO2, side-tank degassers had a lower removal FUNDED BY MITACS Accelerate bicarbonate (HCO3-) and TAN concentrations efficiency, 20%; however, they removed the 86 CO-FUNDED BY Cooke Aquaculture Inc. in recirculation systems. The amount of caustic most CO2 per unit energy input (77 mg CO2/kJ). PROJECT LEADER Michel Couturier (UNB) soda required to maintain alkalinity at desired The CO2 mass transfer coefficient was found to conditions is also predicted by the steady state be 0.15 min-1 for the moving bed biofilter, 0.6 min-1 PROJECT TEAM Sarah Preston (UNB) for the degassing towers and 1.4 min-1 for the COLLABORATORS Cooke Aquaculture Inc. CONTACT [email protected]; [email protected]

Fish Farm Site-To-Site Connectivity Using GPS Tracked Surface Drifters and FVCOM-Based Particle Tracking Model

he three year cycle, single year class within the Southwest New Brunswick region of TAquaculture Bay Management Areas the Bay of Fundy. (ABMAs) were implemented in Southwest The results will contribute to an updated New Brunswick in 2006 as part of a multi- understanding of the potential exchange faceted effort to manage disease within fish pathways between marine finfish farms in farms and reduce the potential for the spread Southwest New Brunswick. In turn, this will of disease between farms within geographic contribute to the identification and consideration areas. The boundaries of the ABMAs were of options that offer more socio-economic chosen such that the estimated exchange flexibility as well as stability, to the industry of waterborne pathogens between ABMAs and employees of the area, including the on a tidal time scale (~12.5 h) was minimized. potential for more geographically consistent Although the ABMA approach to disease and stable employment without increasing management seems to have been successful the estimated potential for exchange of water and included more than estimates of water borne pathogens between farm areas, (i.e., exchange, the original ABMA structure between ABMAs). imposed some operational (wharf usage, DATE APR. 2016 – MAR. 2019 equipment movement restrictions, etc.) and FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative socio-economic consequences. Research and Development Program Both the aquaculture industry and the (DFO – ACRDP) Government of New Brunswick desire a CO-FUNDED BY Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers better understanding of the potential for water Association (ACFFA) exchange, and the associated exchange of PROJECT LEADER Fred Page (DFO) pathogens, between the farm sites within the PROJECT TEAM Sarah Scouten, Frederick existing ABMAs so the implications of altering (Jack) Fife, Emily Nelson, Mike Head, Peter Kraska, Ashley Holmes, Sean Corrigan, Randy Losier existing ABMA boundaries can be better (retired), Claire Mussells, Graham Bartlett, Daryl GPS-tracked surface drifters. assessed. This project therefore aims to replace Haughn, Rebecca Goreham, Susan Haigh, Mitchel Photo: Sarah Scouten (DFO) the original barotropic hydrodynamic model with O’Flaherty-Sproul (DFO); Mike Beattie (retired), Thomas Ogilvy (retired), Pat Mowatt, Gage Monteith, a new regional baroclinic oceanographic model Joel Richardson, Bruce Thorpe (deceased), Sandi (FVCOM), new trajectories of GPS tracked McGeachy (NBDAAF); Dwayne Richardson (Cooke surface drifters and new time series of water Aquaculture); Al Pineau (Northern/Marine Harvest) currents. This information will be combined with COLLABORATORS Sue Farquharson, Betty House (ACFFA) existing information to calibrate and validate CONTACT [email protected] the new model implementation and to update http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ estimates of water exchange pathways and WEBSITE aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/ rates between the fish farms and farming areas 16-1-M-03-eng.html CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 MISCELLANEOUS

A Sustainable Blue Economy: More Opportunities from Salmon Waste Resources

ustainable blue economy refers to the Meanwhile, the project also explores the to better serve the regional and economic Sproduction of multiple co-products from efficient handling, pre-treatment and storage development of the province and motivate marine waste biomass. From the Atlantic conditions for salmon by-products to obtain the government to invest in this innovative, Salmon processing industry, 40–50% of the fish pharmaceutical and nutraceutical value-added larger-scale research initiative for subsequent body is processed into by-products (head, gut products. It is essential to optimize proper commercial applications. It will create new and frame). These by-products are a rich source handling, pre-treatment and storage conditions markets for salmon waste resources and of valuable components such as collagen, to preserve the freshness of the materials for improve the financial stability, in addition to protein, bioactive peptides, oil and omega-3 a longer time without additional costs to the the creation of new job opportunities in rural fatty acids. existing industrial chain. Different pre-treatment communities. This project is investigating the effective techniques such as antioxidant addition, freeze DATE SEPT. 2018 – SEPT. 2020 extraction of fish oil, protein and omega-3 fatty drying and high pressure processing will be FUNDED BY Ocean Frontier Institute acids with pharmaceutical and nutraceutical investigated. The effect will be determined from 87 Regional Aquaculture Centre potential. In order to maximize the yield and both the status of the by-products (e.g., colour, CO-FUNDED BY improve the quality of the products, the smell and microbial analysis) and the yield and PROJECT LEADER Deepika Dave (CASD) extraction procedure will be optimized through quality of the extracted oil (e.g., peroxide value PROJECT TEAM Yi Liu, Vegneshwaran V. Ramakrishnan, Isabel Cuenca, Wade Murphy the screening of enzymes and antioxidants and lipid profile). (CASD) used, and the adjustment of the amount of The research will provide essential laboratory CONTACT [email protected] water added, and the reaction temperature and scale-up data about the efficient utilization WEBSITE https://www.mi.mun.ca/departments/ and reaction time. Characterization of the oil of salmon waste for value-added products. centreforaquacultureandseafooddevelopment/ and protein will be performed to determine its The results will be used to carry out techno- ourteam/ researchtechnicalpersonnelmarinebioprocessing/ quality and the omega-3 fatty acid profile will be economic feasibility studies and give us the analyzed. opportunity to invest in future technologies

Development of Environmental DNA (eDNA)-Based Biosurveillance for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) to Inform Management and Policy Decision-Making Associated with Shellfish Aquaculture Movements

hellfish movements associated with of green crab at high density sites. The next Saquaculture activities are vectors for AIS step is to compare the quantitative assay with introduction and spread. Informed decision- metabarcoding results to determine the tool’s making around shellfish movements is an suitability for green crab density assessment. important management activity to mitigate Coastal sites throughout the Georgia Strait risk of invasions in geographic areas in BC are also being studied to identify the first that currently lack AIS. DNA metabarcoding of regional ’AIS profiles’ and compare the new complex (i.e., mixed-species or eDNA) samples biosurveillance tool with standard AIS survey generates millions of sequence reads from the techniques. majority of species present within the sample The validated metabarcoding tool will simultaneously and with high sensitivity. increase our capacity for early AIS detection The goal of this project is to develop and first response under a framework for an optimized and validated eDNA-based making informed decisions about shellfish metabarcoding tool for AIS biosurveillance to aid movement patterns around BC. This enhances decision-making around aquaculture shellfish our knowledge of AIS distribution throughout movements in BC. To date we have developed the province and allows management to define eight DNA metabarcoding markers targeting larger scale geographic units for shellfish high priority AIS in BC. We validated the tool in movement purposes. a pilot study which identified almost all known DATE APR. 2016 – MAR. 2019 Collecting plankton samples for eDNA analysis using high priority AIS in the area in environmental and FUNDED BY DFO – Program for Aquaculture bongo nets. Photo: Cathryn Abbott (DFO) mixed-species (zooplankton) samples. Regulatory Research (DFO – PARR) The tool is now being applied to the highly PROJECT LEADER Cathryn Abbott (DFO) invasive European green crab on the west PROJECT TEAM Kristen Marie Westfall, coast of Vancouver Island. The objective is to Tom Therriault, Kristi Miller-Saunders, Kara evaluate the relationship between DNA signal Aschenbrenner, Geoff Lowe, Scott Gilmore (DFO); strength with crab density from catch data using Melania Cristescu (McGill U); Guang Zhang (McGill U, DFO) metabarcoding and quantitative DNA assay CONTACT [email protected] approaches. To date we have determined that WEBSITE http://dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/rp-pr/ the quantitative assay can identify the presence parr-prra/projects-projets/2016-P-03-eng.html MISCELLANEOUS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

The Validation of an FVCOM Hydrodynamic Model to Support Aquaculture on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.

he West coast of Vancouver Island to the tides, the results will be compared to Tis complex oceanographically, the acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) geographically, biologically and currents and the water properties data collected meteorologically. It supports a vibrant fish at the fish farms. The comparison between farming industry. Previous work in other model results and observed conditions will be aquaculture regions (e.g., the Broughton used to assess how well the model simulates Archipelago and the Discovery Islands) these combined processes. has demonstrated the advantage of having The project will provide a FVCOM model for a hydrodynamic model that can provide West coast aquaculture that can generate three information on current flow, temperature and dimensional fields of temperature, salinity and 88 salinity in three dimensions. current within confidence limits determined by This project will examine and quantify a clear validation process. This hydrodynamic uncertainties in the Finite-Volume, primitive model provides the ability to identify how water equation Community Ocean Model (FVCOM) circulation transports virtual particles (such developed for the West coast under a previous as sea lice or viruses). This information can be ACRDP project (15-1-P-03). The model has applied to farm site selection, production limits been shown to be well suited for simulating and contingency planning of waterborne threats the circulation and ecosystem dynamics, to fish farms. particularly for regions characterized by DATE MAY 2017 – APR. 2019 irregular, complex coastlines, islands, inlets, FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative creeks, and inter-tidal zones. The research will Research and Development Program seek to validate the model through identifying (DFO – ACRDP) the degree of confidence that can be placed CO-FUNDED BY Cermaq Canada Ltd.; in the model results, and seek to optimize the Grieg Seafood BC Ltd. model for applications in support of aquaculture. PROJECT LEADER Peter Chandler (DFO) Using the FVCOM output as input to PROJECT TEAM Mike Foreman, Glenn Cooper, particle tracking models already developed David Spear (DFO); Bogdan Vornicu (Grieg Seafood BC Ltd.) at the Institute of Ocean Sciences (IOS), the COLLABORATORS Barry Milligan, Eric Jensen dispersion of virtual particles will be modeled (Cermaq Canada Ltd.); Tim Hewison (Grieg Seafood Davis weather station installed at fish farm in and compared to the tracks of surface drifters BC Ltd.) Clayoquot Sound providing real-time data via internet. Wind and solar radiation data are used released at key locations in the model domain. CONTACT [email protected] as input to the FVCOM hydrodynamic model of The results of this model will map where virtual WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ the West coast of Vancouver Island. particles are advected. Running the model aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/ Photo: Glenn Cooper (DFO) 17-1-P-06-eng.html with freshwater and wind forcing, in addition

Evaluation of the Development of Gametophytes in the Sugar Kelp, Saccharina latissima (Order Laminariales): Effect of the Substrate, Current and Seeding Technique

elp can develop into dense underwater conditions, the effects and interactions of and the results of the study will provide Kforests that make a significant contribution various environmental factors (current velocity, recommendations as to the techniques to be to the productivity, biodiversity and vitality of temperature, light, turbidity, etc.) on the growth used to promote the growth of these species, coastal animal communities. However, in some of sporophytes for multiple kelp species specific to the environmental context. parts of the world, there is a downward trend indigenous to the Saint-Laurent (e.g., Saccharina DATE JAN. 2018 – MAR. 2020 in their numbers, possibly related to climate latissima, Alaria esculenta and Saccorhiza FUNDED BY DFO – Coastal Restoration Fund change and human disturbance. This project, dermatodea). This will allow us to optimize the (DFO – CRF) led by Merinov, proposes the implementation techniques based on environmental conditions CO-FUNDED BY Montreal Biodome of an artificial reef seeding pilot project in order to ensure the success of seeding efforts PROJECT LEADER Nathalie R. Le François based on young seedling production and/ in a natural environment. (Montreal Biodome); Nicolas Lemaire (Merinov) or gametophyte/sporophyte production of The summer 2018 growth trials assessed the PROJECT TEAM Marie-Pomme Poissant, macroalgae species native to the coastal areas average growth and developmental intensity of Jasmine Prégent, Jean-Christophe Boussin of Quebec. young S. latissima seedlings based on current (Montreal Biodome); Mathilde Lemoine, Grégoire Cholat-Namy (Merinov) The participation of the Montreal Biodome velocity, substrate type and gametophyte CONTACT [email protected] will allow us to study, under controlled spray pattern. The data are being analyzed CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 MISCELLANEOUS

Advanced Developments in DFO’s FVCOM Models for the Discovery Islands and Broughton Archipelago

This current project, PARR-2018-P-05, will advance the overall capabilities of FVCOM. Firstly, the existing FVCOM model for the Broughton Archipelago will be reconfigured to provide higher resolution output in the area around Port Hardy. Secondly, a biogeochemical module will be implemented within FVCOM and applied to the existing Discovery Islands FVCOM hydrodynamic model. With this biogeochemical-hydrodynamic coupled model, we will examine oxygen dynamics and the 89 processes that control oxygen concentrations in a region with finfish aquaculture. Both of these FVCOM developments are logical extensions of the work already completed and will improve the quality and range of coverage available for area- based aquaculture management decisions.

DATE APR. 2018 – MAR. 2020 FUNDED BY DFO – Program for Aquaculture Bathymetry of the original models. Red line indicates the boundary between both model domains. Regulatory Research (DFO – PARR) Source: Laura Bianucci (DFO) PROJECT LEADER Laura Bianucci (DFO) he complex coastal waterways northeast Broughton Archipelago and the Discovery PROJECT TEAM Mike Foreman, Peter Chandler, Tof Vancouver Island support a vibrant fish Islands. These models have demonstrated Di Wan, Glenn Cooper (DFO) farming industry. To ensure the sustainable the benefits of being able to simulate with COLLABORATORS Pramod Thupaki, Jen management of the industry, understanding confidence current flows, water temperature Jackson (Hakai Institute); Tarang Khangaonkar the regional hydrology is essential given the and salinity in three dimensions. FVCOM has (PNNL); Susan Allen (UBC) potential connectivity between some farms. been proven to provide this information and CONTACT [email protected] Previous work (namely, projects PARR- address area-based management issues, such WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2018- 2011-P-08 and PARR-2010-P-03), developed as particle tracking, virus dispersion and sea lice p-05-eng.html hydrodynamic models with FVCOM for the infectivity trends.

Improving Fertilization Success of Arctic Charr

ild Arctic Charr populations have a The objectives of this project are to: water use, electricity, and waste output. BSF Whistory of overharvest and remaining 1) Formulate and test a diet for Arctic Charr; appears to be a viable source of protein and/or small-scale fisheries are under tight government 2) Optimize gamete collection, storage, and fat in diets for Arctic Charr, and may provide a regulation. Given a high market demand, a high fertilization protocols; and 3) Assess impacts of health benefit during early rearing. market price, and the suitability of this species optimized diet and fertilization on early-rearing DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2019 for production under high densities, Arctic Charr performance. To date, we developed a diet FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative seems an excellent choice for the development containing black soldier fly larvae (BSF). We Research and Development Program of a sustainable land-based aquaculture replaced 20% of the fishmeal in a standard (DFO – ACRDP) industry. However, development of Arctic Charr diet with BSF. Results indicated that BSF can CO-FUNDED BY Taplow Ventures Inc. as a viable aquaculture species has been limited be used to replace up to 20% of the protein PROJECT LEADER Ian Forster, by poor and variable fertilization success and source in a standard Arctic Charr diet without Robert Devlin (DFO) egg survival rates. This project is tracking egg significantly affecting growth performance PROJECT TEAM Leigh Gaffney; Brad Hicks development, survival, hatching success and or feed efficiency. There was also improved (Taplow Ventures Inc.); Katarina H. Doughty (DFO) early performance of the fry during the first four survival in the first two months of the fry stage COLLABORATORS Wendy Vandersteen (Miracle Springs Inc.) to six months after initial feeding. The primary for fish fed the diet with BSF. CONTACT [email protected]; goal of the research is to improve the fertilization These results will be relevant for further [email protected] success, hatchability, and early survival of growth and development of Arctic Charr WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ cultured Arctic Charr by optimizing the diet and aquaculture. Increased fertilization rates would aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/ defining rearing and spawning protocols. provide an immense savings on rearing space, 17-1-P-04-eng.html MISCELLANEOUS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Development of the Baynes Sound Environmental Intelligence Collaboration (BaSEIC)

aynes Sound, in the northern Salish Sea, is Explorer?action=oiw:fixed_platform:FBO_ DATE JAN. 2017 – ONGOING Bthe epicenter of the BC shellfish aquaculture Fannybay1). This continuous record, along with FUNDED BY Hakai Institute industry, supplying approximately 50% of seasonally-resolved and spatially-distributed BC Shellfish Grower’s production province-wide. Numerous studies discrete seawater samples collected by CO-FUNDED BY Association (BCSGA); BC Ministry of Agriculture; have shown the vulnerability of commercial shellfish growers, provide a solid baseline for Tula Foundation shellfish species to ocean acidification (OA), OA conditions in Baynes Sound. PROJECT LEADER Wiley Evans (Hakai Institute) specifically through changes in seawater This initiative produces information essential PROJECT TEAM Katie Pocock, Alex Hare, Carrie chemistry that affect calcium carbonate mineral for the BC shellfish aquaculture industry. The Weekes (Hakai Institute)

saturation. A lack of environmental data detailing growing dataset reveals dynamic CO2 system COLLABORATORS BC Shellfish Grower’s the biogeochemical conditions in Baynes patterns in Baynes Sound. The baseline Association; Fanny Bay Oyster Company; Mac’s Oysters; Deep Bay Marine Field Station (VIU) Sound, as well as current issues with shellfish information generated by this research is also CONTACT [email protected] 90 production and mortality, has led to growing a foundation for further areas of study such www.hakai.org concern regarding the potential impacts of as phytoplankton, bacterial, and viral ecology, WEBSITE OA. In aid of this problem, the BC Shellfish which may further shed light on potential drivers Growers Association (BCSGA) and local of shellfish mortality. shellfish growers partnered with the Hakai Institute to form the Baynes Sound Environmental Intelligence Collaboration (BaSEIC), with support from the Province of British Columbia and the Tula Foundation. The goal of this research initiative is to develop our understanding of current biogeochemical patterns in Baynes Sound using a framework that provides publicly accessible real-time data, as well as additional information through the collection of discrete samples. A measurement system was installed at Fanny Bay Oysters to provide high-frequency

CO2 measurements made on seawater drawn from three to six meters depth adjacent to the facility, and these data are available live on a web

portal (Global Ocean Acidification Observing The BCSGA Burke-O-Lator (BoL) pCO2/TCO2 analyzer, installed at Fanny Bay Oysters in Baynes Sound, tracks Network data portal: http://www.ipacoa.org/ seawater CO2 content. Photo: Wiley Evans (Hakai Institute)

The Development of an FVCOM Hydrodynamic Model to Support Aquaculture on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.

inite Volume Coastal Ocean Model The resulting model can simulate the features DATE JUL. 2015 – MAR. 2017 F(FVCOM) was applied to model the of large scale circulation, and shows agreement FUNDED BY DFO – Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program hydrodynamics in the Broughton Archipelago with data collected using moored instruments at (DFO – ACRDP) and the Discovery Islands. Since FVCOM’s key locations in the region. It provides the ability CO-FUNDED BY Cermaq Canada Ltd.; Grieg development process is complex, this research to identify how water circulation transports Seafood BC Ltd. project used existing information and new virtual particles (such as sea lice or viruses). This PROJECT LEADER Peter Chandler (DFO) data collected specifically for this project in information can be applied to farm site selection, PROJECT TEAM Mike Foreman, Darren Tuele, order to further develop the model. Given the production limits and contingency planning of John Morrison, Pramod Thupaki, Di Wan, Ming Guo, importance of fresh water forcing to local inlet waterborne threats to fish farms. This model for Maxin Krassovski (DFO) conditions where aquaculture operations take the West coast of Vancouver Island is now being COLLABORATORS Barry Milligan (Cermaq Canada Ltd.); Tim Hewison (Grieg Seafood BC Ltd.) place, additional attention was paid to river validated prior to its use for decision-making. CONTACT [email protected] discharges. The results of this project will be important for http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ The ultimate goal of the project was to apply the sustainable management of the aquaculture WEBSITE aquaculture/rp-pr/acrdp-pcrda/projects-projets/15- accurate 3D information from the FVCOM to industry. The data will inform mitigation actions 1-P-03-eng.html examine particle tracking, virus dispersion, to well characterized risk. From an industry and sea lice behaviour in the waters off the perspective, these results can inform best West coast of Vancouver Island in and around management practices in order to offset aquaculture sites. possible impacts. CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 MISCELLANEOUS

Evaluation and Comparison of Cranford & Wong and ISE Methods for Sediment Sulfide and Oxygen Measures in Aquaculture-Related Organically Enriched Sediments Using Manipulative and Observational Approaches

ewly developed analytical methods to production levels. We will compare the total specialized staffing (i.e., dive team) working Nmeasure total free sulphide and dissolved sulphide and dissolved oxygen concentrations in the region. These results will improve the oxygen concentrations in sediments (metrics using the new methods with those measured accuracy of the definition of the oxic state used to assess the oxic state of sediments) using the current (ISE) methods and see how of sediments and better inform aquaculture need to be evaluated more extensively in the both of these metrics are related to sediment management when assessing aquaculture field because these concentration gradients are benthic community structure. In addition, operations today. used to predict benthic impacts from organic nutrient fluxes from sediment cores from DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2018 loading at aquaculture operations. the mesocosms will be measured to better FUNDED BY DFO – Program for Aquaculture This project will use two sediment sources. understand the relationship between organic Regulatory Research (DFO–PARR) 91 The first is a mesocosm approach to generate loading and sediment processes like respiration PROJECT LEADER Chris Mckindsey (DFO) a gradient of mussel biodeposition rates similar and nutrient recycling. CONTACT [email protected] to those created by bivalve aquaculture. The This project builds upon ongoing projects WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ second is at a commercially-operated salmon funded by DFO’s Program for Aquaculture aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2017- farm, sampled along a presumed organic Regulatory Research (PARR-2016-Q-01 and q-09-eng.html enrichment gradient during maximum fish PARR-2016-Q-16) and takes advantage of the

Operational Management of Sustainable Fish Farming

• Lead the development and implementation of international best practices for compliance with both government regulations and third-party standards. These objectives will be undertaken through five modules that combine modelling, field work and analysis of aquaculture regulations and certifications: (1) Informing risk assessment with operational tools of coastal connectivity; (2) FINS (Fish-farm Interactions with Natural Systems): Decision support software for aquaculture management using benthic health as a benchmark; (3) Field implementation of an ecosystem approach in aquaculture regulation using cost-effective monitoring; (4) Global integration of environmental standards; and (5) Eco-certification: bringing clarity to third party standards. Proposed research modules in a spatial context. The strong focus of the proposed research on Source: Jon Grant (Dalhousie U) operational tools and technological applications is designed to directly benefit industry and ost academic research in aquaculture are poorly developed. Building on our extensive government regulators. The objective analysis Msustainability has been carried out at record in models and field studies of aquaculture, of regulations and certification bodies will also the farm-scale, while an understanding of the proposed research will focus on these key benefit Canadians, potentially increasing the ecosystem-scale measures of sustainability gaps in aquaculture sustainability through the social license for Canadian salmon aquaculture. is still in its infancy. The need for an ecosystem following objectives: DATE JAN. 2018 – DEC. 2020 approach to aquaculture (EAA) is made • Operationalize ecosystem science into FUNDED BY Natural Sciences and Engineering apparent by the fact that regulatory processes a decision support and management Research Council (NSERC) – Collaborative are currently directed at localized benthic effects system for continued improvement Research and Development Grants at the farm-scale, preventing the integration of of husbandry and future growth for CO-FUNDED BY Cooke Aquaculture Inc. ecosystem-scale sustainability research into salmon farming; PROJECT LEADER Jon Grant (Dalhousie U) aquaculture management. The transition from • Execute the practice of an ecosystem PROJECT TEAM Ramón Filgueira (Dalhousie U) a local (farm-scale) to ecosystem (bay-scale) approach to aquaculture (EAA) as a COLLABORATORS Longline Environment Ltd. approach to regulation has not been realized successful model for sustainable fish CONTACT [email protected] because mechanisms for its implementation farming; and MISCELLANEOUS CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

Rapid and Sensitive eDNA Methods for Early Detection and What is the Overall Effect Mitigation of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and Monitoring of of Shellfish Aquaculture on Aquatic Species at Risk (ASAR) Eelgrass, an Ecologically

unicates are especially detrimental to established and ±15 potential), as well as a Significant Species? Tmussel aquaculture in PEI, and create species of special concern, the Brook Floater. elgrass (Zostera marina) was designated an an important economic burden to producers. Species-specific molecular tests (qPCR) will Eecologically significant species because This work will provide information on the be designed and evaluated for each species it provides numerous ecological functions, presence and distribution (e.g., distribution using the widely used cytochrome c oxidase 1 including habitat for fish and their prey. The maps) of tunicates and other known aquatic (COI) DNA barcode. Barcoded sequences will interactions between oyster aquaculture and invasive species (AIS) as well as the Brook be uploaded into the Barcode of Life website eelgrass beds will be analyzed in this project, Floater (Alasmidonta varicose), a species of (BOLD) and vouchers will be sent to museum for which aims to assess the net effects of oyster special concern under COSEWIC and SARA. future reference. eDNA capture methods (e.g., 92 farming on CRA fisheries and eelgrass habitat. The information can then guide decision on water sampling, collector plates) will also be This project will synthesize the results from mitigation strategies and conservation efforts. evaluated on a select list of species (four to five) past research projects funded by DFO’s The detection of species using environmental to optimize the approach in terms of sensitivity, Program for Aquaculture Regulatory Research DNA (eDNA) in water samples is a promising feasibility and costs. Finally, the suitability of the (i.e., PARR-2011-G-19, PARR-2012-G-01, and approach in support of traditional field surveys tests will be evaluated on field samples and the PARR-2014-G-10) and the scientific literature for the management and conservation of results compared to other traditional methods. to produce a review of the scale and scope aquatic species. The method is also gaining This study will provide proof-of-concept for of interactions between shellfish aquaculture popularity as an early detection tool. While the suitability of eDNA testing to detect and and eelgrass. At the small scale, bare patches traditional monitoring techniques can be limited estimate the abundance of aquatic species. of eelgrass occurred under oyster farms and in morphologically identifying cryptic species research revealed that shading from oyster DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2019 or larval life stages, eDNA detection can help aquaculture structures were the primary FUNDED BY DFO - Genomics Research and resolve these problems, as it is sensitive, rapid Development Initiative (DFO – GRDI) stressor. As research expanded to assess and specific. As such, eDNA testing has great PROJECT LEADER Francis Leblanc (DFO) bay-scale effects, the hypothesis that oyster potential in aquatic ecosystems to monitor AIS PROJECT TEAM Valérie Belliveau, Jean-René farming can increase eelgrass productivity due that affect aquaculture (e.g., tunicates) as well as Arseneau, Nellie Gagné, Renée Bernier, Chantal to increased water clarity was explored. Impacts rare and elusive species (e.g., the Brook Floater). Coomber, Erica Watson, Nathalie Simard, Cynthia on eelgrass beds may reduce some CRA Mckenzie (DFO) The goal of this project is to develop, evaluate fisheries’ productivity with habitat loss; however, CONTACT [email protected] and optimize eDNA based tests for AIS (nine the ability of aquaculture structures to create new fish habitat may offset this loss of CRA fisheries. This project will review the influence of oyster aquaculture structures on eelgrass, the creation of fish habitat by aquaculture structures, and the overall consequences on fish habitat change.

DATE APR. 2017 – ONGOING FUNDED BY DFO–Program for Aquaculture Regulatory Research (DFO–PARR) PROJECT LEADER Jeffrey Barrell (DFO) PROJECT TEAM Remi Sonier, Marc Ouellette (DFO) CONTACT [email protected] WEBSITE http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ aquaculture/rp-pr/parr-prra/projects-projets/2017- g-06-eng.html

Francis Leblanc sampling water for eDNA detection of aquatic species. Photo: DFO CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 MISCELLANEOUS

Social Licence and Planning in Coastal Communities

his module of the Ocean Frontier Institute The term SLO can be defined as a social licence is frequently cited as a key Taims to develop innovative mechanisms community’s understanding and experience goal in Canadian provincial and national policy for bridging the gap that currently exists in of the benefits and impacts of resource documents on aquaculture, and is a strong understanding Social Licence to Operate development. It is widely acknowledged that feature of international concerns around (SLO) for aquaculture by focusing on three social licence is an ongoing practice that aquaculture, it remains poorly defined in this normative SLO components (legitimacy, changes over time. SLO as a process is key sector of the marine economy. credibility, and trust) and four levels of social often linked to, and can inform, other legal The goal of Module M is to advance licence (withdrawal, acceptance, approval, and regulatory arrangements including impact knowledge on social licence in aquaculture and identification with the project). SLO as a assessments (social and environmental), by establishing the expectations and roles concept was first articulated in the mining sector, corporate social responsibility (CSR), of stakeholders involved in achieving but it has quickly spread to other resource sustainability certification systems, and sustainable aquaculture, and by developing intensive sectors including aquaculture. consumer advice programmes. Although and implementing tools to optimize and translate 93 knowledge so that the full suite of factors affecting SLO can be better understood and outcomes predicted based on this increased understanding. This research will produce regionally vital information for a rapidly developing aquaculture sector and a globally exportable integrated framework for SLO in aquaculture, filling a significant knowledge gap in the sector as evidenced in Canada, Europe and other leading marine aquaculture producing areas in the world. Its innovation lies in the integration and diversity of new knowledge affecting SLO, co-created with key stakeholders and leading to an enhanced understanding of social licence, regulation and resource sharing.

DATE APR. 2017 – MAR. 2022 FUNDED BY Ocean Frontier Institute PROJECT LEADER Lucia Fanning (Dalhousie U); Charles Mather (MUN) OFI Research Module M with submodules and showing links with other OFI aquaculture modules. PROJECT TEAM Dean Bavington, Reade Davis, Source: Ocean Frontier Institute Faisal Khan, Joel Finnis, Paul Foley, Zhiwei Gao, Max Liboiron, Lorenzo Moro, Barbara Neis, Nicole Power (MUN); Ramon Filgueira, Jon Grant, Bertrum MacDonald, Patricia Manuel, Ian Stewart (Dalhousie U); Gesche Krause, (AWI, WGSEDA) COLLABORATORS NAIA; SINTEFT; DFO; ASF; AWI; FFAW; IMR; NL-FFSA CONTACT [email protected]; [email protected] WEBSITE https://oceanfrontierinstitute. com/research/social-licence-and-planning-in- coastal-communities; soon to be launched: www. coastalfutures.ca

Geographic location of proposed research sites for Module M. Source: Ocean Frontier Institute GLOSSARY CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 GLOSSARY AAFC Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada CARTI Centre for Applied Research, DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid AANS Aquaculture Association of Technology and Innovation (NIC) DO/DO2 Dissolved oxygen Nova Scotia CASD Centre for Aquaculture and DTU Technical University of Denmark Seafood Development AARS Alma Aquaculture Research Station Duke U Duke University (U Guelph) (Marine Institute) EAA Ecosystem approach CATC Center for Aquaculture 94 ABMA Aquaculture Bay to aquaculture Management Area Technologies Canada EAF Embryo/alevin/fry ACFFA Atlantic Canada Fish CBU Cape Breton University ECCC Environment and Climate Farmers Association CCGS Canadian Coast Guard Ship Change Canada AChE Acetylcholinesterase CCHSI Chopin Coastal Health eDNA Environmental DNA ACRDP Aquaculture Collaborative Research Solutions Inc. ELISA Enzyme-linked and Development Program CDRF Cold-Ocean Deep-Sea Research immunosorbent assay ACOA Atlantic Canada Facility (MUN) EMB Emamectin Benzoate Opportunities Agency CFIA Canadian Food Inspection Agency EU European ADCP Acoustic Doppler current profiler CFS Canadian Federation of Students FAP Fonds d'Amorçage de AEIP Aquaculture Ecosystems CFU Colony-forming unit Partenariat (UQAR) Interactions Program CGQ Centre de géomatique du Quebéc FASAM Agricultural Training for Food AGD Amoebic gill disease CHS Chitin synthase Security in Mali AHC Animal Health Centre (BC) CMA Cornmeal agar FCR Feed conversion rate AIF Atlantic Innovation Fund CO2 Carbon dioxide FFAW- Food Fish and Allied Workers Union AIS Aquatic invasive species COI Cytochrome C oxidase 1 Unifor ASF Atlantic Salmon Federation COSEWIC Committee on the Status of FINS Fish-farm interactions with AVC Atlantic Veterinary College Endangered Wildlife in Canada natural systems AVC Atlantic Veterinary College (UPEI) CPUE Catch per unit effort FMM Flexibacter maritimus AWI Alfred-Wegener Institute CRA Commercial, recreational or FRQNT Fonds de recherche du Québec – BaSEIC Baynes Sound Environmental Aboriginal fisheries Nature et technologies Intelligence Collaboration CRC Canada Research Chair FVCOM Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model BC British Columbia CRIUCPQ Quebec Heart and Lung Institute g Gram BCSFA BC Salmon Farmers Association CroV Cafeteria roenbergensis virus GAIN Green Aquaculture Intensification BCSGA BC Shellfish Grower’s Association CRS Coastal restoration fund in Europe BKD Bacterial kidney disease CSAS Canadian Science GC Gas chromatograph BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand/ Advisory Secretariat GFAT Glucosamine: fructose- Biochemical Oxygen Demanding CSIC Spanish National Research Council 6-phosphate aminotransferase BOLD Barcode of Life Data System CSP Chitin synthesis pathway GIS Geographic Information System BSF Black soldier fly CSR Corporate social responsibility GRDI Genomics Research and Development Initiative (DFO) C Carbon CTD HCO3 Bicarbonate C&A Central & Arctic Region, Fisheries Station Instrument for measuring ocean and Oceans Canada conductivity, temperature, HMSC Huntsman Marine Science Centre and depth CAAHRD Centre for Aquatic Animal Health HSMI Heart and Skeletal Research and Diagnostics Dalhousie U Dalhousie University Muscle Inflammation CAHS Centre for Aquatic Health DFARD Department of Fisheries, HPR0 Low virulent infectious salmon Sciences (BC) Aquaculture and Rural anaemia virus Development (PEI) CAIR Centre d'appui à l'innovation par la ICES International Council for the recherche (UQAR) DFO Fisheries and Oceans Canada Exploration of the Sea DI Discovery Islands CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 GLOSSARY

IFREMER French Research Institute for MÉES Québec Ministry of Higher NOAA US National Oceanographic and Exploration of the Sea Education and Training Atmospheric Administration IgM Immunoglobulin M MERP Marine Environmental Research NOEC No observed effect concentration IHNV Infectious hematopoietic Program (BCSFA) NPLD Net pen liver disease necrosis virus MESI Ministère de l’Économie, de la NRC National Research Council Science et de l’Innovation IMR Institute of Marine NRCAN Natural Resources Canada Research, Norway MET Master of Educational NS Nova Scotia IMTA Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Technology (UBC) NSDFA Nova Scotia Department of mg Milligram IOS Institute of Ocean Sciences Fisheries and Aquaculture ml Millimeter IP Intraperitoneal NSERC Natural Sciences and Engineering IPMC Integrated Pathogen Management MMAFMA Mi’gmaq Maliseet Aboriginal Research Council 95 Fisheries Management Association of Co-infection NTNU Norwegian University of Science IRAP Industrial Research Assistance MMR Maximum metabolic rates and Technology Program (NRC) Mount Mount Allison University NV Namao virus Allison U IRAP Integrated respiratory OA Ocean acidification assessment paradigm MP Microplastic particles OFI Ocean Frontier Institute IRCC Industrial Research Chairs MSc Master of Science OMAFRA Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food for Colleges MSU Montana State University and Rural Affairs ISA Infectious salmon anemia MSX Haplosporidium nelsoni P Phosphorus ISAV Infectious salmon anemia virus MSX Multinucleate Sphere X PARR Program for Aquaculture ISE Ion selective electrode MT Metric ton Regulatory Research ISMER Institut des Sciences de la Mer de (one thousand kilograms) PART Programme d'aide à la recherche et Rimouski (UQAR) MUN Memorial University au transfert (MÉES) ITS Internal transcribed spacer of Newfoundland PCA Principal Component Analysis JBARB Joe Brown Aquatic NA North Atlantic pCO2 Dissolved carbon dioxide Research Building NAIA Newfoundland Aquaculture PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction k Kilobase Industry Association PEI Prince Edward Island KCS Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. NB New Brunswick PEIAA Prince Edward Island KJ Kilojoule NBDAAF New Brunswick Department Aquaculture Alliance of Agriculture, Aquaculture LARSEM Laboratoire aquatique de recherche PGD Proliferative gill disease/disorder en sciences environnementales and Fisheries PGI Proliferative gill inflammation et médicales NBIF New Brunswick Innovation Foundation PHAC Public Health Agency of Canada LC50 Lethal concentration required to kill 50% of a trial group NCAG National Contaminants PIT Passive integrated transponder LL 24 hour light Advisory Group PML Plymouth Marine Laboratory LOEC Lowest observable NIC North Island College PNNL Pacific Northwest effect concentration NINA Norwegian Institute for National Laboratory m Meter Nature Research PRV Piscine orthoreovirus OR piscine reovirus MA Marine agar N Nitrogen ppm Parts-per-million MACAS Ministerial Advisory Committee on N2 Dinitrogen Atlantic Salmon NL Newfoundland and Labrador PPSI Priorities and Partnership Fund Strategic Initiatives MAFI Magellan Aqua Farm Inc. NL-FHSA Newfoundland Fish Harvesting psi Pounds per square inch MAPAQ Quebec Department of Agriculture, Safety Association Fisheries and Food NMBU Norwegian University of PVC Polyvinyl chloride MB Manitoba Life Sciences Q2 Test method using real time polymerase chain reaction Mc Myxobolus cerebralis nmol Nanomole QAIC Quebec’s Agrifood MC Microcystin NO2 Nitrogen dioxide Innovation Centre McGill U McGill University NO3 Nitrate qPCR Quantitative (Real-Time) NH Ammonia MDS Multidimensional scaling 4 Polymerase Chain Reaction GLOSSARY CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019

RAQ Ressources Aquatiques Québec UdeM Université de Montréal RAS Recirculating aquaculture systems UNB University of New Brunswick RBC Red blood cell UNBF University of New Brunswick RLI The Rivers and Lochs Institute - Fredericton (Inverness College) UNBSJ University of New Brunswick - RMR Routine metabolic rates Saint John RNA Ribonucleic Acid UPEI Univeristy of Prince Edward Island RNA-seq RNA sequencing; whole UQAR University of Quebec - Rimouski transcriptome shotgun sequencing UROC_Q Quebec Arctic Char RNAi RNA interference Research Group ROV Remotely Operated Vehicle USDA United States Department of Agriculture RPC Research and Productivity Council (NB) USGS United States Geological Survey RT-qPCR Quantitative reverse UVic University of Victoria transcription PCR VHSV Viral hemorrhagic sepicemia SABS St. Andrews Biological Station virus+B248 SARA Species At Risk Act VIU Vancouver Island University SAV Salmon alphavirus WFRC Western Fisheries Research Center SAV3 Third subtype of WGSEDA Working Group on Social salmonid alphavirus and Economic Dimensions of Aquaculture SDB Sabouraud Dextrose Broth WLU Wilfrid Laurier University SFU Simon Fraser University YC Year class SGPV Salmon gill poxvirus SINTEF Applied research, technology and innovation research organisation (Norway) SLO Social licence to operate sNCLDV Sturgeon nucleo-cytoplasmic large DNA virus SNP Single Nucleotide Polymorphism SOG Strait of Georgia SRS Salmonid Rickettsial Septicaemia SVCV Spring Viremia of Carp Virus TAM Tumor-associated macrophage TAN Total ammonia nitrogen TFS Total free sulfides U University U Alabama University of Alabama U Alberta University of Alberta U Chile Universidad de Chile U Geneva University of Geneva U Guelph University of Guelph U Laval Université Laval U Moncton University of Moncton U Waterloo University of Waterloo U Windsor University of Windsor UBC Univeristy of British Columbia UCC University College Cork CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 INDEX INDEX OF PROJECT LEADS A E McCarthy, Anne 77 Mckindsey, Chris 66, 91 Abbott, Cathryn 56, 87 Evans, Wiley 90 Méthé, Denise 64, 75 Miller-Saunders, Kristi 69 B F Misk, Ehab 40, 45, 46, 47 97 Murray, Harry 65 Backman, Steven 59 Fanning, Lucia 93 Barker, Duane 45 Farrell, Anthony 30 P Barrell, Jeffrey 92 Fast, Mark 22, 42, 44 Belley, Rénald 82 Filgueira, Ramón 52 Page, Fred 86 Benfey, Tillmann 17 Forster, Ian 23, 35, 89 Patanasatienkul, Thitiwan 22 Beresford, Rod 68, 69 François, Nathalie R. Le 4, 88 Pearce, Chris 37, 61, 70, 79, 80 Bernatchez, Louis 18 Fréchette, Marcel 63 Podemski, Cheryl 7 Bianucci, Laura 89 Frisch, Kathleen 40 Pohle, Gerhard 50 Boudreau, Monica 60 Boulding, Elizabeth 27 G R Bourque, Daniel 75 Gagné, Nellie 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 55 Ratsimandresy, Andry Bradbury, Ian 10, 13, 15, 28 51 Gamperl, Kurt 18, 85 Rechisky, Erin Bradford, Mike 58 10 Garber, Amber 6, 15, 16, 17, 77 Revie, Crawford Brager, Lindsay 53 22 Garver, Kyle 30, 31, 32, 36 Rise, Matthew , Bridger, Chris 83 39 84 Gauthier, Stéphane 11, 12 Robinson, Shawn , , , Burridge, Les 23, 24 21 25 26 57 Grant, Jon 52, 91 Byrne, Allison 70 Gurney-Smith, Helen 79 S Guyondet, Thomas 60, 61 C Schroeder, Tamara 41 Solomon, Lisandre Chandler, Peter 88, 90 H 83 Sonier, Rémi , , Charette, Steve 43 60 63 74 Hamoutene, Dounia 20 Stephenson, Mary Chopin, Thierry 59 75 Sterling, Andrea Clouthier, Sharon 43, 45 58 Sutherland, Terri , Coffin, Michael 71 J 54 80 Comeau, Luc , , , 72 73 74 77 Johnson, Stewart 12, 24, 44 T Cooper, Andrew 50 Jones, Simon 36, 38, 39, 42, 46 Coughlan, Elizabeth 65 Tamigneaux, Éric 82 Couturier, Michel 86 K Taylor, Richard 39, 84 Cranford, Peter 49 Therriault, Thomas 61 Kelley, Trish 30 Cross, Stephen 57, 58, 59 Toupoint, Nicolas 68 Kennedy, Chris 20, 25, 26 Tremblay, Réjean 85 Knowler, Duncan 49 D Trudel, Marc 13 Koop, Ben 18 Daoud, Dounia 21 V Dave, Deepika 87 L Davidson, John 64 Vandenberg, Grant W. 5, 7 LaFlamme, Mark 72 Davidson, William S. 18 VanWalleghem, Elissa 41 Devlin, Robert 89 Leadbeater, Steven 38, 41 Dixon, Brian 16, 36 LeBlanc, Angeline 78 W Donnet, Sebastien 51 Leblanc, Francis 92 Drolet, David 66 Lemaire, Nicolas 88 Welch, David 10 Dudas, Sarah 79 Wilkie, Michael 4 Duston, Jim 6, 84 M Wootton, Brent 8

Maillet, Michelle 78 Mather, Charles 93 2019

CANADIAN AQUACULTURE R&D REVIEW 2019 AQUACULTURE ASSOCIATION OF CANADA SPECIAL PUBLICATION 26