Aquaculture Association of Canada

Recent research from the University of California, Davis, has demonstrated that incorporating seaweed into cattle diets can reduce methane emissions by nearly 40%. This finding presents a significant opportunity for the aquaculture industry, particularly seaweed farmers, to contribute to sustainable agriculture while expanding their market reach. As global demand for sustainable livestock farming practices intensifies, the need for effective methane mitigation strategies becomes paramount. Seaweed, especially certain red algae species like Asparagopsis, has been identified as a potent natural additive capable of reducing methane emissions when included in cattle feed. For seaweed farmers, this development opens a new and lucrative market avenue. By cultivating seaweed varieties effective in methane reduction, aquaculture operations can diversify their product lines and play a pivotal role in addressing climate change challenges. The integration of seaweed into livestock diets not only benefits the environment but also enhances the economic viability of seaweed farming. With projections indicating that the seaweed industry could become a $12 billion market by 2030, driven by various applications including animal feed, bioplastics, and biofuels, the potential for growth is substantial. To capitalize on this opportunity, collaboration between aquaculture farmers, livestock producers, and research institutions is essential. Such partnerships can facilitate the development of efficient seaweed cultivation methods, ensure the scalability of production, and optimize the supply chain to meet the demands of the livestock industry. In conclusion, the discovery of seaweed's capacity to reduce methane emissions in cattle presents a promising prospect for the aquaculture industry. By aligning seaweed production with the needs of sustainable agriculture, seafood farmers can contribute to environmental conservation while tapping into a burgeoning market, thereby fostering a symbiotic relationship between aquaculture and livestock farming. To read the original article, please visit: https://lnkd.in/g2vqbUFH

Recent research by ANSES has delved into the effects of glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), a species integral to freshwater ecosystems and aquaculture. The study, part of the GlyphoTAC project, involved exposing multiple generations of trout to both pure glyphosate and its commercial formulations. Findings indicate that glyphosate, whether in its pure form or within herbicides, can impact several generations of this species. These insights are crucial for understanding the long-term implications of glyphosate exposure in aquatic environments. Given the widespread use of glyphosate-based herbicides, understanding their potential effects on aquatic life is essential for environmental risk assessments and the development of regulatory policies. This research underscores the importance of evaluating the ecological impact of agrochemicals beyond immediate toxicity, considering their potential to affect multiple generations and disrupt aquatic ecosystems over time. For professionals in environmental science, aquaculture, and regulatory bodies, these findings highlight the need for comprehensive studies on the long-term effects of widely used herbicides. Such research is vital for informing sustainable agricultural practices and protecting aquatic biodiversity. For more information, please read the original article here: https://lnkd.in/gk4hcTVh

Lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) are a cornerstone of North America's freshwater aquaculture, prized for their delicate flavor and economic value. Recent research from the University of Guelph underscores the importance of high-protein, high-fat diets to optimize their growth and health in a culture environment. Protein is vital for muscle development and overall growth in lake whitefish. Diets rich in quality protein sources ensure the fish receive essential amino acids necessary for efficient growth. Inadequate protein can lead to stunted growth and increased susceptibility to disease. Lipids, or fats, are equally crucial, serving as a dense energy source and providing essential fatty acids that support cellular functions and enhance the fish's immune system. Incorporating appropriate lipid levels in the diet can improve feed efficiency and promote optimal growth rates. Balancing protein and fat in aquafeeds is essential. Excessive protein can be wasteful and environmentally detrimental, while insufficient fat may lead to energy deficits. Formulating diets that meet the specific nutritional requirements of lake whitefish is key to sustainable and profitable aquaculture operations. Advancements in feed formulation, including the use of alternative protein sources and optimized lipid profiles, are paving the way for more efficient and sustainable lake whitefish farming practices. By focusing on high-protein, high-fat diets, producers can enhance fish growth, improve health outcomes, and contribute to the industry's overall sustainability. In conclusion, prioritizing the nutritional needs of lake whitefish through carefully balanced high-protein and high-fat diets is essential for maximizing growth, ensuring fish health, and achieving economic success in aquaculture. Read the original article here: https://lnkd.in/gttGbNrY

New Brunswick’s surveillance program has detected the possible presence of MSX, a parasite affecting oysters, in certain Bay of Fundy sites. Although harmless to humans, MSX poses significant risks to oyster health and aquaculture productivity. In response, the government is intensifying monitoring efforts and engaging with industry partners to protect the local oyster industry. This proactive approach underscores the importance of maintaining strong biosecurity and safeguarding marine resources. #Aquaculture #OysterFarming #Biosecurity #SustainableSeafood #MarineHealth For more information, read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gzEnnaKQ

A recent study highlights that feeding salmon a diet containing krill may improve their resilience against sea lice. Krill, rich in essential nutrients, appears to boost the immune system of salmon, potentially reducing infestation rates. This finding offers an exciting avenue for sustainable aquaculture by using natural dietary strategies to improve fish health and reduce reliance on chemical treatments for sea lice management. #Aquaculture #SeaLice #SustainableFarming #FishHealth #Innovation #KrillDiet For more information, please visit: https://lnkd.in/ggcpqhC7

AquaBounty Shifts Focus Amid Operational Changes AquaBounty Technologies, a pioneer in genetically modified salmon farming, has announced the cessation of its fish farming operations in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. This decision marks a significant shift in the company’s strategy, aiming to focus exclusively on its next-generation farm in Ohio, USA. The closure of AquaBounty’s PEI operations comes alongside a leadership change, with CEO Sylvia Wulf stepping down. AquaBounty’s interim leadership, spearheaded by current CFO David Frank, underscores a new phase of prioritizing cost efficiency and scalability. The PEI facilities, which have been integral to AquaBounty’s operations, are no longer aligned with the company’s growth goals. AquaBounty has redirected resources toward the large-scale Ohio facility, which promises higher production capacity and lower costs. The shift is a strategic effort to position AquaBounty as a leader in sustainable aquaculture at a commercial scale. While the PEI closure may be disappointing for local stakeholders, AquaBounty’s focus on the Ohio farm signals the company’s commitment to advancing aquaculture innovation. As AquaBounty refines its model, it also seeks to address challenges like public perception and operational hurdles tied to genetically engineered fish. This transition highlights a broader trend in aquaculture: the need to balance innovation with scalability and market demands. AquaBounty’s genetically modified salmon, approved in the U.S. and Canada, has sparked global conversations about food security and sustainability. As the company pivots toward its next phase, the industry will watch closely to see how this restructuring impacts the future of aquaculture innovation. For more details, visit IntraFish: https://lnkd.in/gdHVJ-FK

Salmon farming faces a persistent challenge: sea lice, a parasitic threat to fish health and farm productivity. Innovative approaches are emerging to tackle this issue sustainably. Farmers now use cleaner fish like wrasse and lumpfish, which naturally consume sea lice, alongside advanced technology such as laser treatments and semi-closed containment systems to reduce lice populations without relying on chemicals. These solutions are helping to minimize environmental impacts while improving fish welfare—a critical step for the industry’s future. #Aquaculture #SustainableFarming #SeaLice #FishHealth #Innovation #EnvironmentalImpact For more information, please read: https://lnkd.in/g4Dgyhnb

A recent success story highlights how the 'Namgis First Nation in British Columbia (BC) is driving innovation in sustainable aquaculture. Their land-based recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) near Port McNeill raises steelhead trout in a closed containment environment and aligns with the 'Namgis’ values of environmental stewardship and local economic development. For more information, read the full article:  https://lnkd.in/gFqMFEym

NOAA has launched an Aquaculture Nutrient Removal Calculator to help oyster growers measure their farms' nitrogen-removal benefits, addressing environmental permitting needs. Growers input farm data like oyster quantity, size, and location, generating a nitrogen removal estimate, backed with scientific sources. This tool aids in demonstrating oysters’ ecological value in filtering nutrients, which helps manage algae and improve water quality. NOAA plans further enhancements, including phosphorus tracking. For more, you can view the original article: https://lnkd.in/g57UYhWy

Krill-Based Diets: A Natural Defense Against Sea Lice in Salmon Farming? Sea lice pose one of the most persistent challenges for salmon farming, impacting fish health, welfare, and operational costs. However, a promising new study suggests that a simple dietary change could make a substantial difference: feeding salmon a krill-based diet may enhance their resilience to sea lice infestations. According to research presented by Aker BioMarine, salmon that consumed diets supplemented with krill displayed a stronger immune response, which is believed to contribute to reduced susceptibility to sea lice. Krill meal, rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, and astaxanthin, appears to improve skin health and strengthen the salmon’s natural defenses. Healthier skin provides a more effective barrier against parasites like sea lice, while the overall nutritional boost from krill supports immune function. This approach offers an exciting, sustainable alternative to traditional treatments for sea lice, such as chemical treatments and mechanical delousing. Reducing reliance on these methods not only cuts costs and minimizes stress on the fish but also helps mitigate environmental impacts, aligning with the industry's push for more eco-friendly solutions. The potential of krill-based feeds represents a valuable development for salmon farmers aiming to manage sea lice more sustainably. In addition, as consumer interest grows in seafood raised with natural and welfare-focused practices, the industry can leverage krill supplementation as a value proposition, emphasizing health and sustainability. While further research is needed to optimize krill-based diets and measure long-term effects, these findings suggest that nutrition-focused solutions could play a significant role in parasite management. It’s a reminder that advancements in feed can have a major impact on both productivity and fish welfare in aquaculture. With promising results like these, the future of salmon farming may be one where feeding strategies offer a first line of defense—helping salmon thrive naturally, reducing treatment needs, and supporting more sustainable aquaculture practices. Read the original article here: https://lnkd.in/ggcpqhC7