Download the 2025 Conference Program
Trey Angera, Springtide Seaweed
Seaweed Aquaculture Species and Site Selection
A discussion of selecting the best seaweed species and farm site to optimize growth and revenue. Many farms in the Gulf of Maine currently farm sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) despite limited markets for the species with significant competition from Alaska and Northern Europe. Other species such as winged kelp (Alaria esculenta), dulse (Palmaria palmata), and horsetail kelp (Lamanaria digitata) are highly valued in the marketplace and provide unique opportunities for small scale growers with significant upside in both production and revenue. Site selection is essential to success in growing all seaweeds. Whether it is kelp or red or green seaweeds, site selection will play a key role in success and profitability. We will discuss site design, location, essential attributes of suitable farm sites, and the use of data collection to validate and optimize farm site selection and design.
Mark Braceland, WellFish Tech, Lesley Clark, WellFish Tech, Josip Barasic, WellFish Tech, Brian Quinn, WellFish Tech
From Academia to Clinical Practice: Use of Blood to Evaluate Health and Welfare in Aquaculture
The use of blood samples is a cornerstone in human and veterinary medicine to evaluate health status. However, in aquatic species it’s use has been limited, by comparison, and largely restricted to research and academia. This presentation will evaluate research to date of the use of blood biomarkers in important aquaculture teleost spp. and discuss how these can and are being implemented in clinical and production settings.
Carly Buchwald, Dalhousie University, Kristen Tymoshuk, Tessa Schaeffer, Lara Mitchell, Sofia Day, Carolyn Buchwald
Optimizing techniques for the sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) hatchery phase
To improve sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) aquaculture in Nova Scotia, it is necessary to optimize hatchery cultivation methods. The aims of this study were to optimize nutrient concentrations and sterilization techniques to maximize sugar kelp growth while minimizing contamination in the Dalhousie University Aquatron Facility. The individual and interactive effects of three sterilization techniques (35 μm filtration + ultraviolet (UV), germanium oxide, and 0.35 µm filtration) and two nutrient concentrations (standard F/2 addition and 1/3 F/2 addition) were tested on juvenile sporophyte length and density after six weeks of growth. The effects of the treatments were also tested on sporophytes after harvest. During the hatchery phase, contamination levels were minimal and the 1/3 F/2 nutrient treatments consistently created denser and longer sporophytes than the standard F/2 nutrient treatments. The individual effect of adding germanium dioxide consistently yielded lower sporophyte lengths and densities. In the out-planting phase, all spools grew healthy, commercially viable kelp. These results suggest that sugar kelp growth in the Aquatron may be improved by lowering nutrient concentrations and using only the Aquatron’s base sterilization of 35 μm filtration with ultraviolet (UV). While these parameters improved growth at the end of the hatchery phase, there were only minor differences between spools once planted in the ocean, suggesting that proper hatchery protocols can create a good foundation to grow healthy kelp in suitable ocean sites. This study lays the groundwork for future kelp aquaculture research in the Aquatron, supporting the growing kelp aquaculture industry in Nova Scotia.
William Chapman, Mount Allison University, David Lieske, Mount Allison University, Jeffery Clements, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Clark Richards, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Joshua Kurek, Mount Allison University
Modelling Vibro parahaemolyticus contamination in eastern oysters in the southern Gulf of Saint Lawrence
Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) is a marine or estuarine bacterium that regularly infects shellfish around the world and can cause severe foodborne illness in humans. Despite past outbreaks in Canada and concern over increasing numbers of Vp tests failing regulations, little is known about Vp in the Atlantic region. Vp levels are known to be dependent on factors including water temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll-a. Using remote-sensed sea surface temperature and modelled salinity and chlorophyll-a for the southern Gulf of Saint Lawrence, along with Vp test results from oyster processing facilities, we developed a predictive random forest model for Vp outbreaks with an error rate of 9.8%. Using the model, we inferred a historical Vp climate to understand how Vp in the region has changed over time, corroborating monitoring studies. Predictive models for Vp are an essential tool to understanding Vp outbreaks in the region, and for informing management efforts in the face of this issue.
Ranah Chavoshi, PhyCo Technologies
Innovations in seaweed biorefining and materials with commercial applications
Violet Chilvers, Dalhousie University, Eric H. Ignatz, Flavie Perron, Ramόn Filgueira
Comparing performance of diploid and triploid blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) larvae reared at constant and fluctuating temperatures
Triploid bivalves are increasingly favored for their enhanced growth and sterility, although they exhibit lower thermal tolerance, a concern due to climate change. Mussels in Sober Island Pond, NS (SBI) experience high thermal regimes, exhibiting a greater thermal tolerance compared to those in Prince Edward Island (PEI), where thermal range is lower. Early thermal stress exposure can lead to a higher thermal tolerance in later life stages, however it increases larval mortality. This study aimed to assess the performance of blue mussel larvae using a factorial design: 1) Ploidy: diploid and triploid (via pressure shock); 2) Source: SBI and PEI; and 3) Temperature regime: constant (18°C) and fluctuating (16-20°C). Flow cytometry confirmed triploid and survival and growth were measured approximately every two days until settlement. Initial findings suggest no significant differences by ploidy or source in fluctuating treatments, with PEI mussels performing better in constant conditions.
Shelby B. Clarke, Dalhousie University, Dalhousie University: Jasmine Talevi, Ramon Filgueira, Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada: Luc A. Comeau, John Davidson, Andre Nadeau
Farming bivalves under climate change scenarios: the effects of heatwaves and tunicates on mussel (Mytilus edulis) aquaculture in Atlantic Canada
Mussel aquaculture can alter the structure and functioning of planktonic communities, which could be exacerbated by invasive tunicates and an increasing frequency of marine heatwaves. This study investigated the effect of tunicates, heatwaves, and their interaction on the physiology and behaviour of mussel socks and examined how this can affect the functionality of the ecosystem through changes in primary productivity. Using a dockside experiment in Georgetown, PEI, mussel socks were suspended in 291 L chambers for 9 days. Valve behaviour, oxygen consumption, and feeding rates were measured daily and primary production was determined twice. Results show that tunicates and heatwaves affect the physiology and behaviour of mussel socks, leading to effects on primary productivity. Results can help inform carrying capacity models and assist in understanding trophic cascades, improving the accuracy of models and formulating more ecologically relevant predictions.
Stefanie Colombo, Dalhousie University
Microalgae: A future solution for Canada’s aquafeeds
Ruben Cordero, Dalhousie University, Anaïs Lacoursière-Roussel, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St. Andrews Biological Station, Thomas Guyondet, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Gulf Region, Ramon Filgueira, Dalhousie University, Chris McKindsey, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Quebec Region
Spatial-temporal patters of planktonic abundance and size structure among various shellfish aquaculture embayments in Atlantic Canada
Shellfish aquaculture significantly contributes to global food security and Canada’s economy but brings environmental challenges, notably habitat alteration, underscoring the need for sustainable practices. Zooplankton plays a dual role: as a food source for shellfish and an indicator of ecosystem health, making it essential for aquaculture sustainability. The Aquaculture Monitoring Program (AMP), led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, assesses habitat impacts by monitoring zooplankton community changes. This study analyzes spatial-temporal patterns in planktonic size structure and abundance in four bays with aquaculture, each distinct in area, watershed size, and depth. Initial results show size fraction variation linked to seasonality and bay locations. While conclusive trends are still emerging, these findings lay the groundwork for detecting subtle, long-term impacts on coastal ecosystems, highlighting the importance of AMP’s ongoing monitoring efforts for sustainable aquaculture.
James Cunningham, Centre for Marine Applied Research
Identifying Vessel Traffic Routes Using AIS Data and Landform Classification in Nova Scotia Waters
Effective marine spatial planning requires accurate identification of vessel traffic routes. Automatic Identification System (AIS) trackline data from 2019 to 2021 was used to examine vessel traffic patterns in the waters surrounding Nova Scotia. Vessel trackline density was calculated for each grid cell to identify areas of high and low traffic. However, high-density regions overshadowed lower density areas that may still represent critical vessel traffic routes. To address this issue, the Geomorphon landform classification tool in ArcGIS was applied to contextualize density data relative to surrounding areas. This method classified density data into recognizable ‘landforms’ such as ridges, valleys, and peaks, which were then further categorized into ‘on-channel,’ ‘near-channel,’ and ‘off-channel’ traffic areas. The refined classifications provide a provincial wide representation of vessel traffic routes to support marine planning initiatives.
Danielle Dempsey, Centre for Marine Applied Research, Jenny Weitzman*, Leah Lewis-McCrea*, Gregor Reid*, James Cunningham*, *Centre for Marine Applied Research
Mapping exposure to extreme temperatures for aquaculture site suitability in Nova Scotia
Temperature is a key biophysical parameter with significant aquatic animal health impacts for cultured species. Cold temperatures below the superchill threshold cause mass mortality events at salmonid operations, even after only a few hours. Warm temperatures above the tolerance for a given species cause heat stress, resulting in decreased growth rates. Temperature data collected by the Centre for Marine Applied Research from 50 locations at typical cage depth was used to calculate and map the distribution of superchill and heat stress likelihood around the province. This high-resolution data is measured every 15 minutes, which is critical for assessing superchill occurrence and the duration of heat stress events. These layers can help understand where potential aquaculture operations may be exposed to extreme temperatures, and will be used to support a provincial tool to assess the suitability of Nova Scotia’s coastal waters for low-impact, sustainable aquaculture development.
Jim Duston Dalhousie University J. Duston, M.N. Sarowara, T. Schmidt-Schaun, and T. Astaktie.
Saprolegnia parasitica ‘new’ S1 strain in Nova Scotia is more pathogenic than the ‘regular’ S2 strain against juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Saprolegnia parasitica ‘new’ S1 strain in Nova Scotia is more pathogenic than the ‘regular’ S2 strain against juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) S1 and S2 strains of S. parasitica are both common among diseased farmed salmonids in Nova Scotia freshwater hatcheries. Globally, S1 is very rare and S2 common. Disease challenge tests at 10 oC were repeated monthly through the parr-smolt transformation. S1 was consistently more virulent than S2 (P=0.005), with gross disease signs evident among 50% of test fish in 40h for S1 vs. 72h for S2. Susceptibility to disease was independent of smolt status (P=0.453). S. parasitica inoculants dominated by either secondary motile zoospores, cysts or germling stages all caused disease; but the germlings were least pathogenic. For disease treatment experiments a 1 hour bath of either formalin (250ppm) or hydrogen peroxide (60ppm) was equally partially effective, whereas clotrimazole (8ppm), a ‘not approved’ product, was highly effective.
Grace Elliott, Dalhousie University, School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dr. Ramon Filgueira, Dalhousie University, Marine Affairs Program, Dr. Peter H. Tyedmers, Dalhousie University, School for Resource and Environmental Studies
Cultivating Sustainable Solutions: Exploring Factors Influencing Blue Mussel Aquaculture Expansion in the North Atlantic
The global food system must shift towards sustainable food sources to accommodate a growing population under climate change. Blue mussels are a nutrient-rich, low-impact protein source, contributing to global food security, environmental remediation, and local economies. However, the industry’s expansion has been slower than expected due to hesitancy caused by economic, environmental, and social uncertainties. This indicates a need for resources that consider all pillars of sustainable and equitable development to inform site-suitability. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, exploring the perceptions of stakeholders across the North Atlantic to understand the opportunities and barriers for blue mussel aquaculture expansion. Results will identify key factors to consider for expansion, and comparisons will be made between regions and stakeholder groups. Findings will provide insights for improved planning and decision-making in future blue mussel aquaculture developments.
Khalil Eslamloo, Centre for Marine Applied Research (CMAR), Danielle Dempsey, Debora Lucatelli, Leah Lewis-McCrea, Gregor K. Reid
Vibrio parahaemolyticus and oyster aquaculture in Nova Scotia
Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) is prevalent in marine environments and can cause food poisoning through consumption of raw sea food. Vp is a significant challenge for oyster aquaculture in Nova Scotia (NS), notably in recent years, due to increased incidents of ‘regulatory non-compliance’. Since Vp-driven damages may increase over the next decades, due to increasing ocean temperatures, it is important to evaluate the impacts on NS’s aquaculture industry under a changing climate. We applied CMAR-collected coastal temperature data to estimate the time- and location- of risk for high Vp prevalence in NS. Data analysis of CFIA’s Vp testing results (2021-22) showed the highest level of regulatory non-compliance during July and August in Atlantic provinces and a correlation between testing method and Vp count. The increased accessibility of Vp testing, assay optimization and the cost-benefit assessment of regulatory thresholds may help to mitigate ongoing and future Vp challenges in NS.
Folake Temitope Fadare, Dalhousie University, Sekar Nishanth, Pushp Sheel Shukla, Balakrishnan Prithiviraj
Investigations on the nutritional, biochemical composition and biological activity of sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) cultivated in Nova Scotia
Seaweed cultivation has attracted growing interest in Nova Scotia as it offers ideal conditions to support sustainable cultivation of species like sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima), a perennial brown macroalgae commonly grown in sheltered waters. In this study, we analyzed the nutritional and biochemical composition of cultivated S. latissima harvested over a three-year period (2022–2024), comparing the effects of different drying methods, including air drying, oven drying, and freeze drying. Our results revealed that the harvested sugar kelp was a significant source of minerals, soluble sugars, crude protein, amino acids, and lipids. Importantly, the nutrient composition of cultivated seaweed remained consistent across the three cultivation years, with notable variations depending on the drying technique used. Low-temperature drying methods, such as freeze drying and air drying, preserved higher concentrations of valuable biochemical components compared to oven drying. Additionally, we demonstrated that S. latissima enhances oxidative and heat stress tolerance in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, suggesting potential health-promoting properties. These findings offer key insights into the stable biochemical composition and bioactive potential of sugar kelp cultivated in Nova Scotia, reinforcing its promise as a nutritious and functional food source.
Evie Gagne, ACFFA
Inspiring the Future: Engaging the public, policy makers and the Next Generation in Salmon Science and Aquaculture
Discover how ACFFA shares science priorities, sparks curiosity and inspires future leaders in salmon science and aquaculture. Through hands-on learning and innovative outreach, we’re connecting the next generation to the vital role of farmed Atlantic salmon in sustainable food systems. Join us to see how education is shaping the future of aquaculture!
Ryan Horricks, Centre for Marine Applied Research, Marie-France Lavoie (DFO), Nathaniel Feindel (NSDFA), Shawn M. C. Robinson (Longline Environment), and Christopher W. McKindsey (DFO)
Impact of finfish farms in Nova Scotia on American lobster and rock crab movements
There are concerns about the potential effect of finfish aquaculture sites on lobster distribution patterns and changes in food sources that may impact their condition, biology, and catchability. This study assessed the abundance and movement of American lobsters and rock crabs near two salmonid aquaculture leases in Liverpool Bay and Port Mouton, Nova Scotia using direct observation and acoustic telemetry. The study was done over a full 3-year Atlantic salmon production cycle in Liverpool Bay and 4 years after Rainbow trout production in Port Mouton. 50 lobsters and 50 crabs were tagged with acoustic transmitters and released within an acoustic array each year of the study. Lobster and crab movement varied spatially across years. Lobsters travelled throughout Liverpool Bay and showed little affinity to the farm. Rock crabs seem to be associated with the farm in Liverpool Bay, even in the fallow year.
Tatum Johnson, Dalhousie University, Rebecca Lawson, Dalhousie University, Ramón Filgueira, Dalhousie University, John Batt, Dalhousie University
Optimizing pressure shock induced triploidy methods for Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica)
The Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is the Maritimes’ only farmed oyster and, along with being a primary food source, also provides a variety of ecosystem services such as water filtration and coastal protection. However, limits on industry expansion and rapidly spreading MSX disease threaten the sustainability of the oyster aquaculture industry. Producing triploids, individuals with an extra set of chromosomes, can be a solution as they have a limited investment in reproduction, which leads to higher growth rates compared to diploid counterparts, potentially reaching market size before MSX becomes lethal. Triploids are commonly used in the US; however, production methods primarily use chemicals, which could cause consumer concerns. This research aims to develop procedures for producing triploid Eastern oysters using pressure shocking techniques. The implementation of this method has the potential to increase oyster production and maintain oyster product with the spread of MSX.
Jennie Korus, Innovasea
Optimizing Aquaculture Efficiency: How Can Oxygen Forecasting Improve Farm Management
Modern aquaculture farms are using more and more data to develop more efficient, sustainable and cost-effective operations. Forecasting of critical parameters like dissolved oxygen can play a transformative role on fish farms, providing famers with the ability to make proactive decisions instead of reactionary and enable them to optimize feeding schedules and mitigate the risks associated with low oxygen events. We will examine how producers might use this forecasting information, drawing on customer surveys that highlighted the balance between trust and accuracy as a central theme. While some producers find any information helpful, others see unreliable forecasts or excessive false positives as barriers to adoption. This presentation will explore the development and current state of oxygen forecasting, the balance of accuracy and trust that makes forecasting useful, and the lead time needed to effectively prevent or mitigate low oxygen events.
Debora Lucatelli, Centre for Marine Applied Research (CMAR), Ryan Horricks (CMAR), Leah Lewis-McCrea (CMAR), Gregor Reid (CMAR)
Ocean Climate Models: Scale Matters
The present work is an inventory of available Regional Climate Models (RCMs) in Atlantic Canada, focused on sea surface temperature (SST). Thirteen high-resolution RCMs with 24 different ensembles were identified that represent local phenomena and project SST variation along the coast. Unfortunately, the RCMs are currently too coarse to capture smaller-scale phenomena and are restricted to surface waters. Further development of high-resolution RCMs that cover subsurface waters and describe variability are required to support climate change adaptation plans for coastal industries. Continuous high-resolution coastal data can improve RCM output and provide seasonal and local data variability not registered by satellites. These data would contribute to a useful tool for decision-making in coastal areas where aquaculture currently occurs, support the development of new suitable aquaculture areas, and assist with engineering management decisions in harbours under future climate scenarios.
Peter MacGregor, Dalhousie University, Kit Tymoshuk, Dalhousie University, Dr. Carolyn Buchwald, Dalhousie University
Identifying optimal phosphate nutrient delivery to maximize sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) growth in the nursery phase
Kelp aquaculture has been on the rise globally in recent years due to the growing need for sustainable, resource-efficient and cost-efficient food sources. Although the kelp aquaculture industry is small in Nova Scotia at the moment, it is on the rise with the potential to be a multi-million-dollar industry in the future (EAC 2023 report). While the recent rise of kelp aquaculture has prompted research into investigating optimal temperature, salinity, and pH conditions, little research has been conducted on the optimal nutrient constituents of the water which kelp is grown in. Most sugar kelp hatcheries use Guillard F/2 medium, a media nutrient solution that has been optimized for microalgal growth however, there has been a wide variety between recommended media concentrations. In the Kelp Cultivation Handbook published by the Puget Sound Restoration Fund, the recommended concentration of F/2 is 10-20 ml/L. On the contrary, some kelp farmers have had success adding no F/2 media at all. The aim of this research project is to identify the amount of phosphate required to optimize sugar kelp growth in the nursery stage.
To achieve this, spools of sugar kelp will be grown for 6 weeks in tanks containing water from one of two controls group; one control group consists of water continuously flowing through from the Northwest Arm of Halifax, and the other control group consists of static UV-filtered seawater mixed with a concentration of 0.044ml/L F/2 nutrient solution. Water samples will be sampled at the beginning and end of each growing week. These samples will be used to track the nutrient uptake of both phosphate and nitrate over the hatchery season. Phosphate will be measured using spectrophotometric analysis and nitrate will be monitored using an optical sensor measurement. With these two datasets; phosphate and nitrate uptake, we can identify the optimal N:P ratio for sugar kelp growth in the nursery phase. The purpose of this research is to determine whether a new nutrient solution should be designed to optimize sugar kelp growth based on our found N:P ratio. Kelp sporophytes will be measured for length and density on the spools at the end of the experiment to determine which delivery method, flow through or static, and at which concentrations are best for kelp growth in a hatchery.
Tor Magne Madsen, Fish Globe
How to maximize the usage of new technology
Stephen O’Leary, National Research Council of Canada (NRC)
An overview of seaweed research activities at NRC’s Marine Research Station
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has conducted research activities in marine biosciences in its Halifax laboratories since 1952 and at the Marine Research Station in Ketch Harbour, NS, since 1967. Today, researchers from NRC’s Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Centre use these facilities to work with industry and academic partners on the commercialization of marine bioproducts, the valorization of waste streams from seafood processing, and novel technologies to expand domestic seaweed aquaculture.
This presentation will summarize the algae cultivation capabilities at NRC’s Marine Research Station and highlight current activities conducted by NRC researchers and their collaborators to develop new technologies and biological resources to support seaweed aquaculture and marine ecosystem restoration in Canadian waters.
Flavie Perron, Dalhousie University, Eric H. Ignatz, Dalhousie University, Violet Chilvers, Dalhousie University, Tillmann J. Benfey, University of New Brunswick, Réjean Tremblay, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Tiago S. Hori, Atlantic Aqua Farms, Ramόn Filgueira, Dalhousie University
Timing the Shock: Optimizing Triploidy Induction in Blue Mussels Using Polar Body Extrusion Timing
Triploid bivalves are increasingly favored in aquaculture for their faster growth and reduced gamete production, ensuring market quality during spawning season and minimizing ecological impacts on wild populations. However, using non-chemical methods to induce triploidy remains challenging, often resulting in low yields and larval survival. With the growing demand for non-chemical treatments, refining these methods is key for sustainable aquaculture. This study aimed to optimize hydrostatic pressure shock treatment in blue mussels to improve triploid induction while preserving spat quality. Experiments manipulating timing post-fertilization, pressure, and duration used polar body extrusion as a reference. Triploidy was confirmed by flow cytometry and diploid counterparts were used as controls to evaluate triploid performance. Further trials with varied mussel sources and temperatures tested the protocol’s robustness, offering a promising approach to improve triploid mussel production.
Jonah Rathgeber, Dalhousie University, Stefanie Colombo, Dalhousie University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture
Utilizing Sustainable Bio-Circular Ingredients in the Diets of Atlantic Salmon Grown in Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems
Aquaculture plays a growing role in meeting global seafood demand. Canada is a leading producer of Atlantic salmon, a valuable source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. As global fish stocks are increasingly fished at unsustainable levels, there is interest in finding alternatives for the wild-caught fish meal (FM) and fish oil (FO) traditionally used in salmon diets. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using three alternative bio-circular ingredients in Atlantic salmon diets raised in Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS): black soldier fly meal (BSFM), microalgae biomass, and regenerative fish meal from Pacu fish. BSFM, produced by larvae of the black soldier fly, is rich in essential amino acids and micronutrients like calcium and zinc, making it a viable protein source. Microalgae provides a sustainable source of DHA, an important omega-3 fatty acid. Regenerative Pacu fish meal, a species raised in eco-friendly rice paddy co-cultures, offers a high-quality and sustainable FM replacement.
The research compares growth performance, feed conversion, and nutrient composition of salmon fed diets with BSFM, microalgae, and Pacu fish meal to a control group fed traditional FM and FO over 144 days. The results of this study suggest that the substitution of the sustainable ingredients does not affect growth rates when compared to the traditional wild-caught ingredients. This indicates that these alternatives could be viable options in reducing the reliance on wild-caught FM and FO, contributing to more sustainable practices for Atlantic salmon RAS aquaculture.
Megan Rector, Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Lynne Falconer (Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling)
Developing a framework to assess adaptive capacity in salmon farming
Successful adaptation to climate change relies on adaptive capacity, the ability to prepare for and respond to climate stressors, in salmon farming. We gathered information about how the salmon farming industry has responded to previous challenges through discussions with industry professionals and identified internal and external factors that contributed to these responses. An adaptive capacity framework was developed based on those discussions, and a consensus building approach was used to further refine and validate the framework with industry experts. Preliminary results suggest that assets (financial and technological) social context (social and political) and cognitive factors (knowledge, motivation, flexibility, and agency) are important components of adaptive capacity. Results also indicate a disconnect between need for an adaptive policy and regulation that is responsive to changing requirements under climate change.
Gregor Reid, CMAR, Ramón Filgueira, Ian Gardner, João G. Ferreira, Leah Lewis-McCrea, Kiersten Watson, Jon Grant, Alexander van Oostenrijk
The Farming in Natural Systems (FINS), Aquaculture Carrying Capacity Modelling Platform for Nova Scotia
Farming In Natural Systems (FINS) is a spatially-explicit software application that operationalizes published aquaculture carrying capacity models to enable scenario modelling and scoping exercises for decision support. Modules include finfish and shellfish production, organic deposition, ammonium dispersal, oxygen depletion, seston depletion (shellfish), benthic sulphide generation, and the relative risk of disease transfer between sites. The Finite Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM) provides the underlying hydrodynamic model and has been applied to a dozen Nova Scotia bays. FINS is nearing completion, and a workshop is being held in February to demonstrate its functionality to industry, researchers, and regulators. This presentation highlights FINS operational capacities, current development status, and previews a ‘sneak peak’ of select functions.
Gregor Reid, Kiersten Watson, Debora Lucatelli de Albuquerque, James Cunningham, Leah Lewis-McCrea, Ben Normand
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment of Nova Scotia Finfish Aquaculture Preliminary Results
Climate change is affecting our oceans, and it is a looming issue for aquaculture in Nova Scotia. To help guide planned climate change adaptation of the sector, three climate change vulnerability assessments were implemented by the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Climate change vulnerability is assessed in the context of Exposure, Sensitivity, and Adaptive Capacity. The methodology involves combining quantifiable data metrics and climate projections, with more qualitative perception surveys of industry and regulators. Three assessment reports are currently under development: Finfish aquaculture, shellfish aquaculture, and a deeper dive into fish health. The finfish aquaculture report is nearing completion and preliminary results and implications to date will be presented.
Flora Salvo, Merinov, Stephen O’Leary(NRC), France Dufresne (UQAR), Sabrina LeCam (UQAR)
Populations genetics of sugar kelp in Eastern Canada
Sugar kelp is a species of interest in Atlantic Canada for at sea farming as practices are well developed. To better support this new industry and farmers, in a context of climate change, characterizing the population genetics, potential for adaptation and selection for yield performance are needed.
Sarah Shiels, Shiels Marine Legal Services Inc.
How to get an injunction to protect aquaculture operations
This presentation will summarize legal options and practical steps for seeking an injunction against the public, opposing actors, and government decisions/policies with respect to aquaculture operations in Canada.
Jasmine Talevi, Dalhousie University, Department of Biology, Anne Dalziel, Saint Mary’s University, Department of Biology, John Davidson, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Luc Comeau, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, André Nadeau, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Tiago Hori, Atlantic Aqua Farms Ltd., Ramón Filgueira, Dalhousie University, Marine Affairs Program
The effect of extended hypoxia on oysters (Crassostrea virginica) across different life stages
Hypoxia, defined as dissolved oxygen below 2 mg L⁻¹, can be a significant stressor to marine bivalves. Oysters in eutrophic coastal areas often encounter hypoxia as nutrient loading fuels oxygen-depleting algal blooms. Furthermore, ocean warming exacerbates hypoxia’s challenges by increasing metabolic oxygen demands while reducing oxygen availability. Hypoxia stress may affect life stages differently, thus studying differences in tolerance across life stages is valuable both ecologically and economically. This study explores the plasticity of juvenile and adult oysters (Crassostrea virginica) to extended hypoxia under warm temperatures. Juveniles and adults were held under normoxic or hypoxic conditions for three weeks. Growth, metabolic rate, and proxies for mitochondrial content were measured to assess the impact of hypoxia at multiple biological levels. Preliminary results suggest both life stages show plasticity to low oxygen, though adults demonstrate greater resilience over time.
Lawrence Taylor, IntegraSEE
Monitoring: Technology, Disease, and the Future of Aquaculture
Atlantic Canada’s oyster industry stands at a crossroads. Recent outbreaks of MSX in PEI and Dermo in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia signal a clear warning: we need to act now to secure the future of oyster farming in our region. This talk will cover the capabilities of a new biosensor prototype that uses oysters as biosensors, but also look beyond technology to the systemic challenges we face, including disease, production scalability, and the need for a unified strategy.
Kit Tymoshuk, Dalhousie University, Dr. Carolyn Buchwald, Dalhousie University
Spore density and nutrient fluxes in sugar kelp aquaculture
Optimizing nursery protocols is crucial to improve the economic case for seaweed cultivation. The aims of this study were to compare farmed sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) growth in a static tank or flow through tank in the nursery phase, as well as high and low spore densities. We compared the effects of three treatments (500 spores/ml + 250 μM of weekly added nitrate, 5000 spores/ml + 250 μM of weekly added nitrate, and 5000 spores/ml + flow through tank with no added nutrients) on juvenile sporophyte length and density after four and a half weeks of growth in the nursery. The seawater in the static tanks was changed weekly, while the flow through tanks received constant seawater inflow, with an average ambient nitrate concentration of 9.8 μM/L. The 500 spores/ml + 250 μM treatment yielded the longest sporophytes, while the 5000 spores/ml + flow through treatment yielded the densest sporophytes. These results suggest that kelp density responds positively to a steady flux of seawater, that already has a low concentration of nutrients. Previous research suggests that the nutrient recommendations by kelp aquaculture manuals may be unnecessarily high, negatively impacting sporophyte growth. Furthermore, kelp length also responds positively to low spore inoculation density. Many kelp manuals recommend a spore inoculation density of 5000 – 10000 spores/ml, which may lead to resource competition between sporophytes. My future research will focus on comparing the density, length, and biomass of these treatments following their out-planting phase in the ocean, providing insight into how hatchery conditions impact the overall yield of farmed kelp.
Greg Wanger, Oberland Agriscience
Land & Sea: The Benefits of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) in Aquafeed
Tim Webster, Applied Geomatics Research Group, NSCC, Nathan Crowell
How Geomatics can support Aquaculture
Geomatics is the collection, analysis and presentation of geographic data which can support marine spatial planning and many of the requirements for selecting an aquaculture site. AGRG have conducted several studies to support aquaculture using their topo-bathymetric lidar (TB-lidar) and other data. Studies to be presented include: 1) Mapping Little Harbour and using a hydrodynamic (HD) model to track the fate of land-based pollution, 2) Mapping sea-ice cover using remote sensing (satellite to drones) and past ice charts to determine probabilities of ice, 3) Mapping the height and biomass of rockweed, 4) Mapping the benthic habitat including sea-plants, 5) Mapping wild kelp beds and estimating their thickness and biomass, 6) Calculating the maximum fetch (exposure) along the coast, and 7) Mapping Pomquet Harbour and developing an HD model to calculate flushing rates and current speeds to support a web-based shellfish aquaculture site selection tool.
Jenny Weitzman, The Centre for Marine Applied Research, Laila Nargis, James Cunningham, Therese Wilson, Leah Lewis-McCrea, Gregor Reid
Developing a Coastal Classification System: assessing suitability for sustainable aquaculture development in Nova Scotia
Comprehensive spatial evaluations that combine biophysical and ocean use factors can help promote holistic siting and zoning for aquaculture. The Centre for Marine Applied Research (CMAR) presents an update on ongoing high-level assessments to explore the potential for aquaculture development in coastal Nova Scotia. Through an evidence-based and collaborative process, this project will identify and assess factors that influence aquaculture development, bringing in critical needs for species health and welfare, potential multi-user overlaps, and consideration for important coastal habitats. Combining GIS with Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, diverse criteria are being rated, mapped, and combined to identify areas with the highest potential for sustainable aquaculture development for Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, blue mussels, and American oysters. This project is also developing an online mapping platform to provide stakeholders and the public interactive access to these findings.
