A Proposal for the Development of Halibut Culture in the Lower Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick

Summary:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of decreasing the percent covered area (PCA) within transfer tanks on the post-transfer survival of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) juveniles. Surface area has a direct and inverse relationship with the percent covered area (PCA) within tanks. In simple terms PCA referrers to the depth of fish if all fish were to settle on the available surface area (e.g. 200% coverage = 2 fish deep). This project attempted to provide insight into the unique transport requirements of halibut with the potential to make the procedure more efficient by enabling an increased stocking density while lowering the PCA within transfer tanks. As Atlantic halibut farming moves towards commercial scales in Atlantic Canada and transportation costs continue to rise, it is important to investigate ideas that will improve fish survival and the overall efficiency of live fish transport technologies for flatfish.

There is evidence to suggest that reducing PCA within transfer tanks with comparable stocking densities will reduce post transfer mortality in halibut juveniles. Also, wire mesh cages are and economically and logistically feasible method to stratify juvenile Atlantic halibut within transfer tanks.

Project Lead: Canadian Halibut Inc.

Total Project Cost: $732,837
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $300,000

Other Financial Support:

• Recipient: Canadian Halibut Inc.
• Federal Government: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
• Provincial Government: New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries (NBDAAF)

For more information, please contact the regional coordinator:

Maritimes Region coordinator, Cindy.Webster@dfo-mpo.gc.ca