Halibut PEI

Summary:
Halibut PEI Inc. set out to determine if a halibut feedlot industry was viable using low salinity well water available in the province. The natural advantages of well water including stable geothermal temperatures (10°C) and under ground filtration through sandstone to avoid diseases, and the significant reduction of initial capital expenditures by modifying existing lobster holding tanks were anticipated to give economic advantages over other means of halibut culture. Beginning in September of 2008, with funding from both federal and provincial governments, equipment and expertise from both private and academic institutions and the cooperation of the plant owner, halibut were raised in PEI for the first time. Halibut PEI has determined the feasibility of raising halibut fingerlings to market size using the salt water wells and lobster holding facilities at MorningStar Fisheries in Victoria, PEI. Activity takes place during the nine months of the year when the facility is not required for lobster operations. Through a series of evaluations and growth measurements of three different ages of young halibut, the project demonstrated excellent survivability and satisfactory growth of the fish and a variety of adaptive techniques to facilitate their successful culture in lobster tanks while promoting a high degree of environmental protection. Throughout the trial period, no treatment of any kind was necessary. The saltwater wells on PEI can biologically support an efficient industry to grow halibut juveniles to market weight. The business model for success still requires extensive development. Fingerling costs must be reduced, growth discrepancy between males and females must be addressed, new markets must be found for different sizes of fish, and feeds have to be evaluated for efficiency in this type of water. Lobster facilities around the Island need to be made aware of the basic parameters for saltwater wells, tank modification and growth estimates in order to assess their potential for growing halibut as second product when not holding lobster. Halibut PEI Inc believes that capture of effluents needs to be refined to ensure the best environmental protection possible.

Based on the results of this project, salt water wells on PEI can reasonably support an Atlantic halibut grow out industry in lobster pounds. Fish survival was excellent with growth rates being on par or better than published studies. Only minimal modifications of a concrete lobster tank were required in order to sustain commercial densities of halibut.

Project Lead: J. Dunphy Inc.
           
Total Project Cost: $327,300

DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $160,000

Other Financial Support:

• Provincial Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, PEIDFARD
• Proponent: J. Dunphy Inc.
• Scotian Halibut Ltd.
• Ocean Choice International Inc.
• Waterline Ltd.
• Viodiaq Inc.
• Atlantic Vet. College
• Robert Johnston Consulting

For more information, please contact the regional coordinator:
Gulf Region coordinator, Stephen.Lanteigne@dfo-mpo.gc.ca