Halibut PEI Phase 2 - Determining the Feasibility of Raising Halibut fingerlings to Market Size Using Salt Water Wells and Lobster Facilities

Summary:
Halibut PEI Inc., in phase 1, with the assistance of AIMAP set out to determine if a halibut feedlot industry was viable using moderate salinity well water available in the province. Through a series of evaluations and growth measurements of young halibut, the project demonstrated excellent survivability and good growth of the fish in salt water well systems.

The objectives of this ‘’Phase 2’’ were to (1) evaluate the status of commercial readiness of the halibut feed lot concept, (2) reduce production costs and improve the environmental performance of the culture of Atlantic halibut in modified lobster tanks, and (3) introduce an environmental impact reduction and monitoring program that can be used for land based Atlantic halibut aquaculture farms. Completion of these objectives established the viability of and encourages investment in commercial halibut culture in similar lobster facilities.

Atlantic halibut were stocked in modified concrete lobster tanks at commercial densities. They were fed to satiation and water quality was closely monitored to ensure maximum growth of the populations. Halibut PEI were able to produce a harvestable, saleable high quality halibut product within this system in a timely manner. Activities related to this objective carry on as they continue to grow out halibut and collect data on the fish populations of various ages. The halibut performed as projected in terms of growth rate with 4 pound fish produced after nine months rearing in a modified concrete lobster tank. The product was very well received in the marketplace. The final analysis of the commercial readiness of the halibut feedlot concept will not be complete until all fish populations have completed their growth cycle to harvest. At this point, the primary concern is the broad size distributions of the populations. It is anticipated that this can be handled with proper management practices, some of which will require the development of novel technologies specific for halibut. Work continues on improving production efficiencies in husbandry and nutrition and the environmental impact reduction for halibut feedlot applications.

Project Lead: Halibut PEI Inc.

Total Project Cost: $1,125,718
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $160,000

Other Financial Support:

• Recipient and private investment: Halibut PEI Inc.
• Provincial Government: PEI Government
• Federal Government: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, ACOA

For more information please contact the regional coordinator.

Gulf Region: Stephen.Lanteigne@dfo-mpo.gc.ca