Production of Triploid Rainbow Trout Ova by BC Freshwater Finfish Farmers Using Hydrostatic Pressure

Project Summary:
Early sexual maturation of diploid trout results in the production of smaller fish, and mature fish that cannot be sold to the food fish market. In normal, diploid trout, there are two chromosomes that determine sex. However, the application of heat to fish ova can result in a third chromosome, creating sterile, triploid trout. The Freshwater Aquaculture Association of B.C. (FAABC) has undertaken trials of hydrostatic pressure to develop production of triploid trout in B.C. and address the issue of early maturation. Hydrostatic pressure sterilizes fertilized fish ova and results in larger fish, since energy is not required to produce sexual organs or for sexual behaviour. The FAABC conducted trials of this technology at four farm facilities in B.C., and determined that hydrostatic pressurization is effective in inducing reproductive sterilization (triploidy) in trout.  Protocols for use of the technology with trout ova were also established as part of this project. Adoption of this technology will provide a reliable source of triploid trout ova, previously unavailable to growers in B.C. Use of triploid ova could also result in savings of up to 20 percent from the elimination of early trout maturation, and will result in larger fish, which are sold for a premium, allowing B.C. farmers to better compete with producers outside of B.C. This project promotes technical excellence in the B.C. trout farming industry and will provide an immediate, sustainable improvement to trout production in the province.

Project Lead: Freshwater Aquaculture Association of British Columbia (FAABC)

Total Project Cost: $60,500
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $32,750

Other Financial support:

• BC Aquaculture Industry

For more information, please contact the regional coordinator:

Pacific Region Officer, Sean.Irvine@dfo-mpo.gc.ca