Implementation of New Cryopreservation Technology

Summary:
Cryopreservation of milt from fish is a new technology in marine finfish aquaculture. The technology offers several productivity enhancing advantages that are currently common in land based agriculture, including increases in the number of offspring from genetically superior males and an accelerated breeding process. The B.C. Salmon Farmers Association has collaborated with New Zealand King Salmon, who has obtained high levels of success using cryopreservation, to import and test cryopreservation techniques at B.C. salmon farms. The BCSFA commissioned New Zealand King Salmon experts to demonstrate cryopreservation techniques to hatchery technicians at Creative Salmon, Marine Harvest and Mainstream facilities in B.C. These companies subsequently tested the techniques for use in their broodstock operations. Use of cryopreservation showed milt improvements at one testing site, and Creative Salmon has expressed interest in incorporating thawing methods obtained from the cryopreservation demonstrations into its broodstock operations. All three companies have underscored the valuable insight into alternative cryopreservation techniques that the project provided, and will continue to test and adapt the imported techniques for use in their broodstock operations. In addition, the project has established a platform for future technology exchange initiatives between B.C. and New Zealand King Salmon. As these companies continue to adapt these cryopreservation techniques, they anticipate productivity gains through increased survival, growth, and genetic diversity of broodstock. The project advances scientific excellence within the industry and delivers improvements in sustainable resource use by B.C. salmon farmers.

Project Lead: B.C. Salmon Farmer’s Association

Total Project Cost: $37,248
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $24,000

Other Financial Support:

• Proponent: BC Salmon Farmer’s Association
• Member companies
• BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences
• NZ King Salmon

For more information, please contact the regional coordinator:
Pacific Region Officer, Sean.Irvine@dfo-mpo.gc.ca