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ABOUT...
ACROSS CANADA
AND...
RESOURCES
FACT SHEET - SCIENCE FOR SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE
Scientists from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) make significant contributions to the understanding of Canada's three oceans, freshwater systems, coastlines and aquatic resources.
Areas of research include environmental and aquaculture science, fisheries research, hydrography, oceanography and climate science. Scientific research within DFO is increasingly guided by an integrated ecosystem approach, meaning all parts of the ecosystem are studied to observe how they interact with one another.
DFO has researched shellfish aquaculture since the 1960s and salmon and trout aquaculture since the 1970s. The department’s aquaculture research addresses farm production and environmental interactions with the aquatic environment.
Science in support of sustainable aquaculture
DFO’s aquaculture research aims to transfer the latest technologies to the aquaculture industry. Research into the environmental effects of aquaculture also provides a solid scientific foundation for the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat in marine or freshwater ecosystems. Scientists monitor wild and cultured finfish and shellfish stocks for diseases, and carry out research on the ecological interactions between wild and farmed species.
Research and on-going monitoring – primarily near or under finfish net cages – is the basis for decisions on site selection, licensing, feeding practices and harvesting.
In collaboration with industry and other partners, DFO provides funding through the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP) for research and development projects that are funded jointly with the private sector. The ACRDP is a $4.5-million program designed to identify gaps in scientific knowledge and develop research projects to address them. Key areas for ACRDP research are:
- fish production, including improved diets, grow-out systems, husbandry methods and new species development;
- fish health, including disease resistance, detection and treatment as well as studies on disease-causing agents; and,
- industry environmental performance.
The federal government works with universities, the provinces, and industry, both domestically and abroad, to expand the scientific knowledge base and enhance Canada’s ability to respond to research needs related to the aquaculture industry.
These partnerships result in valuable scientific and technological advancements. This scientific information and advice helps to guide policy development and management decisions.
Scientific advice
The need for decision making in the absence of scientific certainty has grown both in scope and public visibility. Research to date provides us with a level of assurance that the environmental effects of aquaculture operations can be controlled to operate within acceptable levels.
DFO’s scientific research addresses gaps in knowledge in aquaculture production and the environmental effects of farm operations. New information generated from peer-reviewed scientific research builds on the existing body of knowledge and provides scientific advice to support decision-making to manage the industry.
On-going research contributes to scientific certainty with respect to aquaculture operations and how they interact with the aquatic environment. A precautionary approach can be used to manage risks in the absence of complete scientific certainty. A precautionary approach recognizes that a lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason to postpone economic development.
For sources and further information visit these websites:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada – www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca (/science or /aquaculture)
PCO – www.pco-bcp.gc.ca/default.asp?Language=E&Page=Publications&doc=precaution/precaution_e.htm (Framework for the Application of Precaution in Science-based Decision Making)
