Aquaculture Association of Canada

New Brunswick Welcomes Investment in Net Pen Salmon Farming New Brunswick has reinforced its commitment to net pen salmon farming, inviting new investments despite the recent federal ban on this practice in British Columbia. Margaret Johnson, the province's Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries, emphasized the region’s strong regulatory framework, highlighting the industry's growth, sustainability, and technological advancements. This support aims to bolster the local economy and provide stable opportunities for coastal communities, positioning New Brunswick as a key player in the global aquaculture sector. For more details, visit Fish Farming Expert: https://lnkd.in/gx-j8xeM #AquacultureNews #SalmonFarming

🐚 🦐 Enhancing Resilience: Aquaculture Insurance Offers Peace of Mind 🐠 A recent report from CBC News sheds light on the growing importance of aquaculture insurance in Prince Edward Island (PEI), highlighting its role in safeguarding the industry against unforeseen risks and disruptions. As aquaculture continues to play a crucial role in the region's economy, insurance coverage emerges as a critical tool for ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience. To read the original article, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gM2Zxjkw The article underscores the unique challenges faced by aquaculture operators, ranging from extreme weather events to disease outbreaks and market fluctuations. In response, insurance providers are offering tailored coverage options to mitigate financial losses and protect investments in aquaculture operations. Key aspects highlighted in the report include the expansion of insurance offerings to cover various aspects of aquaculture operations, including infrastructure damage, equipment failure, and loss of stock. This comprehensive coverage provides peace of mind to aquaculture operators, allowing them to focus on sustainable production practices and business growth. Furthermore, the article discusses the collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders, government agencies, and insurance providers to address the specific needs of the aquaculture sector. By fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange, stakeholders can develop effective risk management strategies and ensure the availability of affordable insurance options for aquaculture operators. The implications of aquaculture insurance extend beyond individual operators, contributing to the overall resilience and stability of the industry. By mitigating financial risks and enhancing risk awareness, insurance coverage facilitates investment in aquaculture infrastructure and innovation, driving economic growth and job creation in coastal communities. In conclusion, the CBC News report underscores the vital role of aquaculture insurance in building resilience and sustainability in PEI's aquaculture industry. As the sector continues to evolve and expand, insurance coverage will remain a crucial tool for navigating uncertainties and ensuring the long-term success of aquaculture operations. #Aquaculture #ProductionInsurance

Open-Net Fish Farms to Continue Operating in British Columbia - Just not salmon The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has announced that open-net aquaculture will persist in British Columbia for species other than salmon, such as sablefish. This decision follows the Liberal government's recent plan to phase out open-net salmon farming by 2029, a move that does not extend to other finfish. The DFO is reviewing applications for other species on a small scale and continues to support sustainable sablefish aquaculture through significant funding and research initiatives in collaboration with First Nations and industry partners. For more details, visit Sea West News: https://lnkd.in/gTuQud2w #AquacultureNews #SalmonFarming

New Brunswick Affirms Commitment to Aquaculture Regulation Despite recent federal changes in British Columbia's aquaculture oversight, New Brunswick remains committed to its role as the lead regulatory agency for aquaculture within its jurisdiction. The province emphasizes the importance of this industry to its economy, providing significant employment and investment opportunities. New Brunswick's government reassures stakeholders of its continued support and robust regulatory framework, aiming to foster a sustainable and competitive aquaculture sector. For more information, visit Government of New Brunswick. https://lnkd.in/gpuVCpQ8.

🐟 Exciting News in Aquaculture Research! 🌊 A new study published in "Aquaculture Reports" sheds light on enhancing the hypoxia tolerance of triploid rainbow trout. Researchers evaluated the impact of high protein-low carbohydrate (HPLC) and low protein-high carbohydrate (LPHC) diets on hypoxic tolerance. After an 80-day feeding trial, fish were subjected to acute hypoxic challenge. Results revealed that the HPLC diet significantly improved fish hypoxic tolerance compared to the LPHC diet. Fish fed the HPLC diet exhibited lower plasma levels of key enzymes associated with hypoxic stress and enhanced expression of genes related to anti-stress, antioxidant, and immune responses. Furthermore, the HPLC diet induced metabolic remodeling, regulating glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism genes. This study underscores the importance of diet composition in mitigating hypoxic stress and improving fish welfare. For more insights, check out the full study: https://lnkd.in/eaFXiuAQ #AquacultureResearch #RainbowTrout #TriploidWelfare #HypoxiaTolerance #DietComposition

AVC Faculty Member Receives Aquaculture Association of Canada Research Award Dr. Mark Fast, a professor at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island, has been honored with the Aquaculture Association of Canada Research Award of Excellence. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Fast's groundbreaking contributions to aquatic animal health, including his work on salmon immunizations and genomic approaches to sea lice and disease management in salmonids. Dr. Fast’s extensive research, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications, has had a significant impact on both academic and industry practices within Canada and internationally. For more details, visit UPEI News: https://lnkd.in/gBgcefaF #AquacultureResearch

The Aquaculture Association of Canada (AAC) is committed to sponsoring and advocating the use of high-quality science to promote innovation and sustainability in all sectors of the Canadian aquaculture industry. The recently announced decision regarding the future of salmon aquaculture in British Columbia by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada fails to take the current evidence from many scientific studies, including DFO's Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) review, on the risks of net-pen aquaculture, as well as the status of closed containment innovation and progress. This decision has put in jeopardy a national food producing industry with significant economic value to Canadians, including many coastal, rural, and Indigenous communities. The AAC firmly believes that policy should be driven using current, reliable, scientific data and that policy development should seek and consider broad input to reach a consensus that reflects an institution’s real needs. For the betterment of all Canadians, the AAC urges the Federal Government and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada to uphold their commitment to unbiased, evidence-based policymaking. We implore you to consider the body of scientific evidence on sustainable salmon aquaculture, including risk assessments conducted by leading Canadian scientists when making decisions about the future of the aquaculture industry in British Columbia.   Tiago Hori, Ph.D. President of the Aquaculture Association of Canada  

Recap of Dr. Ramón Filgueira's Plenary Presentation at Aquaculture Canada 2024 At Aquaculture Canada 2024, Dr. Ramón Filgueira delivered an insightful plenary presentation titled "Sustainable Bivalve Farming: Threats and Opportunities." His talk highlighted the critical role of bivalve farming in the future of sustainable seafood production and environmental stewardship. Dr. Filgueira began by emphasizing the unique advantages of bivalve farming. Bivalves, he explained, offer the most affordable farmed animal protein with the lowest carbon dioxide footprint. Beyond their nutritional benefits, bivalves contribute significantly to ecosystem services, such as water filtration and habitat provisioning, which enhance the health and sustainability of marine environments. However, Dr. Filgueira did not shy away from addressing the formidable environmental threats facing the industry. He outlined several key challenges, including: 🔹 Climate Change-Induced Heat Stress: Rising temperatures can severely impact bivalve welfare and performance. 🔹 Eutrophication-Triggered Hypoxia/Anoxia: Excessive nutrient runoff can deplete oxygen levels, creating inhospitable conditions for bivalves. 🔹 Harmful Algal Blooms: These blooms can produce toxins that are detrimental to both bivalves and human consumers. 🔹 Disease Outbreaks: Increased disease prevalence poses a constant threat to bivalve populations. 🔹 Habitat Degradation: The loss of suitable habitats affects bivalve survival and productivity. Dr. Filgueira underscored that these environmental stressors not only threaten bivalve health and performance but also pose significant risks to human health and the economic viability of the industry. Despite these challenges, Dr. Filgueira expressed optimism about the future of bivalve aquaculture. He pointed out that the industry is at an exciting juncture, with local seafood production and low carbon dioxide footprints becoming central to political agendas. As the global population continues to grow, the need to provide sustainable food sources while reducing greenhouse gas emissions places bivalve farming in a pivotal position. Dr. Filgueira concluded his presentation by calling for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to overcome these environmental threats. He stressed the importance of continued research, adaptive management practices, and supportive policies to ensure the resilience and sustainability of bivalve farming. The presentation left attendees with a profound understanding of both the challenges and opportunities within sustainable bivalve farming, inspiring a renewed commitment to advancing the industry in harmony with environmental goals. #AquacultureCanada #AC2024PE #BivalveAquaculture #SustainableAquaculture

Exploring the Global Impact of Shellfish and Algae Aquaculture 🐚 A recent article on Global Seafood Advocate delves into the far-reaching footprint of shellfish and algae aquaculture, shedding light on its implications for production, environmental impact, and biosecurity. This insightful piece underscores the vital role of these aquaculture sectors in meeting global seafood demand while addressing sustainability challenges. For more information, please visit: https://lnkd.in/e-TASRki The article highlights the extensive geographic distribution of shellfish and algae aquaculture operations, spanning diverse coastal regions worldwide. From oyster farms along the shores of North America to seaweed cultivation in Asia-Pacific waters, these industries contribute significantly to global aquaculture production and food security. Key themes explored in the article include the environmental benefits of shellfish and algae aquaculture, such as nutrient remediation, carbon sequestration, and habitat enhancement. By filtering water and sequestering carbon dioxide, shellfish and algae play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of nutrient pollution and climate change on marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the article addresses biosecurity considerations associated with shellfish and algae aquaculture, including the risks of invasive species introduction and disease transmission. Effective biosecurity measures, such as site selection, pathogen monitoring, and quarantine protocols, are essential for minimizing these risks and safeguarding the health of farmed species and native biodiversity. The implications of shellfish and algae aquaculture extend beyond production and environmental sustainability, influencing economic development, cultural heritage, and community resilience in coastal areas. By providing livelihood opportunities for coastal communities and supporting traditional fishing practices, these aquaculture sectors contribute to socio-economic prosperity and cultural preservation. In conclusion, the article underscores the multifaceted impact of shellfish and algae aquaculture on global food systems, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development. By embracing innovation, collaboration, and responsible management practices, stakeholders can harness the full potential of these industries to build a more resilient and sustainable future for aquaculture. #Aquaculture #Algae #Shellfish #Seafood #Innovation

This year's Aquaculture Canada 2024 Conference and Tradeshow culminated in a remarkable evening that seamlessly blended tradition and tribute: the Dr. Joe Brown Fundraising Social Event, combined with the Gala. Renowned for its long-standing tradition of supporting the AAC Student Endowment Fund, the event continued its mission of raising funds to award student scholarships, as well as presentation and travel awards. The BBQ, renamed in honor of Dr. Joe Brown—a former AAC member, professor, research scientist, and cherished mentor—was a heartfelt tribute to his enduring legacy. Known for his significant contributions to the field and his impactful mentorship, Dr. Brown's memory was celebrated with warmth and reverence. The atmosphere was electric as friends and colleagues gathered to enjoy a sumptuous meal, sharing stories and laughter under the night sky. As the final social event of the conference, the BBQ saw attendees donning their finest fish and seafood-themed attire, adding a splash of creativity and fun to the evening. Our members outdid themselves, showcasing a variety of imaginative and vibrant outfits. Check out this collage of our members who were definitely the "best dressed"! Overall, the Dr. Joe Brown BBQ was not just a social gathering but a celebration of community, scholarship, and the lasting impact of a beloved figure in the aquaculture field. The event was a resounding success, leaving attendees with cherished memories and a renewed sense of camaraderie. #AquacultureCanada #AC2024PE #BestDressed