Canadian Model Aqua-Farm Initiative

Summary:
The Canadian Model Aqua-Farm Initiative comprises the development and construction of a state-of-the-art commercial land-based freshwater aquaculture production system intended to be the basis for a standardized approach to freshwater aquaculture production. This first model farm will be heavily monitored to document the economic and environmental performance of the model design. The anticipated outcome is a model for a ‘turn-key’ freshwater aquaculture operation that will catalyze the development of a sustainable freshwater aquaculture industry in Canada.

A principal concept underlying the expansion of freshwater aquaculture in Canada is utilization of vacant agricultural buildings; namely hog and horse barns. The Canadian Model Aqua-Farm is intended to fit within such buildings. The principal structure in the facility is a modified, D-ended raceway that incorporates the water reconditioning systems within the footprint of the unit. A plan has been developed to produce 130 metric tonnes of rainbow trout annually in a modular recirculating facility. Production of 840 to 950-gram fish within approximately 11 to 12 months of stocking fingerlings has been targeted. The intensive recirculation system will use only 227 Lpm of make-up water (99% recirculation).

Despite project delays, scheduling challenges and budget over-runs, the MB Canadian Model Aqua-Farm project is about to enter the performance monitoring and review process, which is intended to establish performance and productivity norms, leading to expansion of sustainable freshwater aquaculture development throughout Canada.

Project Lead: Riddell’s Roasters Inc.

Total Project Cost: $1,185,501
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $309,410

Other Financial Support:

• Recipient: Riddell’s Roasters Inc.
• Provincial Government of Manitoba
• Inter-provincial Partnership for Sustainable Freshwater Aquaculture Development (IPSFAD)
• Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI)

For more information, please contact the regional coordinator:

Central and Arctic coordinator, Adrienne.Paylor@dfo-mpo.gc.ca