Centre for Aquaculture & Environmental Research

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The Center for Aquaculture & Environmental Research (CAER) is a specialized centre for aquaculture and coastal research co-founded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the University of British Columbia.

CAER conducts focused research programs that integrate ecosystem and conservation with sustainable aquaculture practices for growing aquatic species of global importance.

Recognized internationally as a centre dedicated to innovative research and education in aquaculture and the marine environment, the six-hectare site offers a unique opportunity for experimental research on fish rearing and indoor-outdoor aquaria.

Fascinating Facts

CAER’s research activities focus on key areas related to sustainable aquaculture and marine ecosystems:

• Biotechnology and Genomics

  • assessing and preventing interactions between wild and cultured animals

  • researching the adaptability of fish into new environments

  • developing tools for reproductive control in aquaculture
     

• Coastal Habitat Issues

  • detecting noxious and toxic algal blooms

  • preventing the spread of non-indigenous species

  • studying natural sea lice infestation cycles and the links between wild and cultured fish
     

• Aquatic Animal Nutrition

  • developing cost effective and nutritional diets for salmon and marine fish species by identifying suitable

  • replacements for fishmeal and oil of plant and/or animal origin.

  • creating environmentally friendly diets by minimizing organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus discharge.

  • enhancing the flesh quality of market-size cultured salmon and marine fish species
     

• Salmon Migration Physiology and Ecology

  • researching the physiology and behaviour of fish

  • studying factors affecting broodstock quality for salmon, marine fish and invertebrates

  • developing tools for ecosystem-based modeling techniques

For further information, please visit the CAER website: http://www-sci.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sci/facilities/westvan_e.htm