Arctic Charr Broodstock Development and Hatchery Expansion

Final Report
B&B Freshwater Fish Farm
AIMAP-2010-CA06

Table of contents

Introduction
Project Objectives
Project Results
Conclusion

Introduction:  

Manitoba has a small aquaculture sector characterized by owner-operator ventures, few of which are full-time endeavours.  Nevertheless, the province does have considerable potential to further develop the freshwater aquaculture sector due to the availability of large quantities of high quality ground water, an inherent culture to develop and support farming and proximity to major US markets.

It is thought that the key missing ingredients to furthered development of aquaculture in Manitoba are (1) the demonstration of aquaculture technologies that will generate awareness and stimulate investor confidence in the sector and (2) the availability of fingerlings for on-growing by others in converted barns or other such facilities within the province.

B&B Freshwater Fish Farm (B&B), one of the oldest aquaculture ventures in Manitoba, is a family operation that has been producing fish in a land-based facility (converted hog barn) since 1987.  In the early years B&B sold fish to restaurants and seafood businesses in Winnipeg, but for the last 10 years B&B has been operating a commercial fish hatchery focusing on the development of an arctic charr broodstock population and sales of eyed eggs and fingerlings for on-growing.  B&B is one of two federally inspected arctic charr hatcheries in Northern / Western Canada with Schedule II Fish Health Certification that gives the company the ability to market and export fish and/or eggs around the world.

B&B’s original infrastructure did not allow for viable production of fingerlings or replacement broodstock since the water temperature on site is naturally maintained at 5°C.  Ground water sources at such low temperatures have limited the company’s productivity and ability to meet market demand for domestic sales and international exports.  With the help of Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP) funds, B&B was able to make significant infrastructure upgrades that now enable the ground water to be heated from 5°C to 12°C in an economical way using green technology.  B&B was also able to utilize AIMAP funds to purchase key pieces of equipment that allowed for expansion of hatchery capacity. 

Project Objectives:

The specific objectives of the AIMAP project were:

• To increase the operational efficiency of the nursery area by installing a heating system that would serve to raise the water temperature from 5°C to 12°C;
• To increase annual production of eyed arctic charr eggs from 200,000 to 800,000; and
• To improve the overall financial performance of the venture.

In order to meet the objectives of the project, the following 6 principal components were identified:

1. A heating system will be installed to heat the water in the nursery area
2. A second biofilter will be installed to service the nursery area of the farm
3. Building improvements and upgrades to the nursery area will be made
4. A total of nine tanks will be installed in the nursery area for fingerling production and broodstock selection
5. An oxygen generator will be installed to provide the necessary oxygen for the nursery area
6. New hatching jars and health trays will be installed to accommodate the increase in egg production

Project Results:

1. Heating System
   With no heating system, fry and fingerlings raised at B&B are raised in 5°C water making the commercial production of fingerlings not viable and taking years to grow replacement broodstock. B&B purchased a biomass heating system that will raise the incoming water to 12°C which will increase the growth rate of fish within the farm system.

1. Second Biofilter
   The first biofilter on site at B&B is dedicated to the broodstock holding area.  In order to maintain a stand alone nursery for fingerling production and rearing replacement broodstock a second biofilter must be incorporated.  B&B purchased a Mini-IMF biofiltration system that includes a CO2 stripper, UV treatment component and low head oxygenator.  The addition of this second biofilter will allow for a reduction of demand on the local aquifer; solids separation and increased heating efficiencies from recirculated water. 

1. Building Improvements and Upgrades
   The existing building at B&B was functional but lacked the proper insulation that would ensure efficient use of heated water on site.  The main hatchery room was renovated to include R40 insulation in the ceiling, walls and ceiling finishings to guard against increased humidity, energy efficient windows and doors, as well as upgraded wiring to improve the electrical service that would accommodate expanded operations. The upgrades and renovations performed have improved B&B’s ability to temperature regulate the nursery area increasing efficiency and decreasing operational risks on site. 

1. New Tanks
   Production at B&B was limited to existing broodstock holding with the remaining tank space used to grow replacement broodstock.  There was a significant need to increase total rearing capacity (tanks and plumbing) to allow for production of both fingerlings and replacement broodstock.  Circular tanks were recommended for B&B’s facility and have been acquired for installation on site. 

1. Oxygen Generator
   At the existing ground water temperature and the low production level density found on site, supplemental oxygen was not required.  The proposed expansion plan raises the production density and water temperatures which both increase the oxygen requirements of the fish and to accommodate requires some form of supplemental oxygen. 

1. Hatching Jars and Health Trays
   To accommodate the planned expanded production of eyed eggs and the hatching of fry, increased hatchery capacity was needed. 

Conclusion:

With the building renovations undertaken and equipment purchased to upgrade and expand our existing facilities, B&B will have significant capacity to increase the available supply of arctic charr eyed eggs and fingerlings to the Canadian aquaculture industry as well as international markets.

More than a year after the spring 2011 major flood events in Manitoba, a high water table continues to pose a hurdle for B&B and other residents in the Lake Manitoba watershed. 

Although spring flooding events continue to affect the farm, work is on-going to complete the installation of new system components.  Sump pumps and retention ponds located on farm property are currently being used to reduce the level of flood waters from within the facility.  Once fully cleared of incoming water, a concrete floor will be poured and circular tanks installed as originally planned.  It is B&B’s intention to begin its proposed expanded production plan during the Fall 2012 spawning season.