Arctic Char Broodstock Development and Hatchery Expansion

Summary:
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. 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 DFO’s 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. 

Recipient: B&B Freshwater Fish Farm

Total Project Cost: $187,525
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $93,000

Other Financial Support:

• Recipient: B&B Freshwater Fish Farm

For more information please contact the AIMAP regional coordinator
Central and Arctic Region: Adrienne.Paylor@dfo-mpo.gc.ca