Evaluation of Well Boat Technology for the Treatment of Sea Lice

Summary:
The Ronja Carrier arrived in New Brunswick on June 12, 2009. While the industry did not expect that it would see significant cost savings in 2010 because the benefits would only be realized over time, we did anticipate that the project would enable us to determine if we could increase treatment efficacy at the same time we further improved our on-farm environmental management. This project also enabled us to bring people together to learn about this technology. This included personnel from the various farm management teams to learn about the treatment process in addition to personnel from the various federal and provincial regulatory agencies. Collaborations were enhanced with the various pharmaceutical companies and researchers. This project also provided a platform to build and enhance relationships with community stakeholders through information meetings, consultations, etc.

During the charter period the Ronja Carrier treated a total of 190 net pens of salmon for sea lice. Of the 190 pens treated, 77 were treated with Salmosan, eight with Alpha Max, and three with a combination of two of these products. A total of approximately 3.2 million fish were treated with the Ronja Carrier. While the aquaculture industry in New Brunswick considers this project a success, due to a range of circumstances, the extensive evaluation of the well boat technology and the various sea lice treatment products, such as AlphaMax, was not as detailed as initially intended. However, we do know that product quantity was reduced and efficacy increased.

We have learned a lot on treatment efficacy. Also, this pilot project provided all the salmon farming companies in New Brunswick with the opportunity to have their farm crews and fish health personnel learn and understand well boat technology for sea lice treatments. In addition personnel and researchers from various organizations including Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Atlantic Veterinary College, New Brunswick Department of Agriculture Aquaculture and Fisheries, Department of Environment, Pest Management Regulatory Agency and other regulatory agencies had the opportunity to be on board the Ronja Carrier to learn about the vessel operation and treatment procedures.

Recipient: NB Salmon Growers Association now called ‘’Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA)’’

Total Project Cost: $3,681,744
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $250,000

Other Financial Support:

• Recipient: Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) - http://atlanticfishfarmers.com/index.html
• Government of Canada: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) - http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/English/Pages/Home.aspx
• Government of New-Brunswick: Department of Agriculture and Aquaculture and Fisheries (NBDAAF) - http://www.gnb.ca/0027/index-e.asp

For more information please contact the AIMAP regional coordinator
Maritimes Region: Cindy.Webster@dfo-mpo.gc.ca