Aquatic Biotechnology and Genomics Research and Development (R&D) Program

Building on our research and development success since the 1980's, DFO researchers and key partners develop new biotechnology techniques that support important policy and management decisions to enhance the ecological sustainability of the wild commercial fishery, aquaculture and oceans ecosystems. This “aquatic biotechnology” research and development has helped Canada become a well-recognized world leader in niche areas from genetic identification of salmon populations, aquatic animal disease diagnosis to bioremediation (link to program theme area) and of contaminated sites and risk assessments of genetically engineered fish.

DFO seeks opportunities to deploy (have others use) its products and tools quickly so that other government agencies, and the private and public sectors can benefit from the application of new technologies. Our ability to move quickly along the R&D to application spectrum within a two to five-year timeframe means that we can experience the positive impact of our research efforts on the condition of our fishery and ocean health fairly quickly.

On the regulatory side…

We also have a regulatory mandate to fulfill, and DFO generates objective, factual information on the genetics, biology, physiology, behaviour and fitness of aquatic organisms with novel traits including transgenenic aquatic organisms, and those developed using more conventional approaches like selective breeding. Biotechnology tools are used in designing and implementing risk assessments for novel aquatic organisms, and research into potential impacts of interactions with wild fish. This is important as more companies around the world are developing aquatic organisms with novel traits including genetically engineered or transgenic aquatic organisms, and will possibly want to seek regulatory approval to grow and/or sell them in Canada for a variety of purposes.