Coordination and Development of Three Priority Innovation Projects for Salmon Farming in B.C

Summary:
The British Columbia Centre for Aquatic Health Science (BC CAHS) was recently established to provide scientific support to the B.C. aquaculture industry. Through startup contributions from Western Economic Diversification and from DFO support for this project, the Centre has undertaken three priority projects for the B.C. salmon farming industry: a pilot trial of an enzyme activity assay to minimize fish losses at saltwater entry, a rapid detection technique for infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNv) and support for the development of a selective salmon breeding program.

Project 1:
The enzyme activity assay, refined by the Centre for use with Atlantic salmon through this project, determines smolt readiness for saltwater entry through the identification of increased levels of ATP enzymes present during salmon smoltification. The test has proven highly accurate, and is now routinely conducted by the Centre on behalf of producers. Marine Harvest has included the test in its regular smolt readiness evaluation and has noted reduced costs and substantially improved smolt quality at sea sites.

Project 2:
The quantitative PCR test adapted by the Centre to detect IHNv in salmon is highly sensitive and specific to the virus. Advantages of the test include a lower turn around time (48 hours compared to 5-21 days) and higher through-put of sample testing. As a result, aquaculture veterinarians have requested that this test and the BC CAHS team be part of a response to future outbreaks.

Project 3:
To support the development of a selective breeding program in B.C., the Centre liaised with industry and has consulted with international leaders in cryopreservation technology to explore technology transfer opportunities. As a result, the groundwork for a selective breeding program is established and B.C. farmers are equipped with knowledge and tools needed to pursue a cryopreservation program. 

This overall project helped establish BC CAHS as an important environmental non-governmental organization focused on aquatic health in B.C. The component projects provide solutions to some of the industry’s most economically relevant concerns, and will contribute to increased industry sustainability and protection of the marine environment in the future.

Project Lead: BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences Society

Total Project Cost: $350,000
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $250,000

Other Financial Support:

• BC Salmon Farming Industry

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