Article - Collaborating on Aquaculture Research and Development

Shellfish aquaculture in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence grew into a 30 million dollar a year industry in the 1990s. This expansion can be attributed to an increase in the number of grow-out sites and also to a rapid development of husbandry practices specific to Atlantic Canada.

In 2000, DFO launched the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP), a five-year program designed to enhance the level of collaborative research between the aquaculture industry, DFO, and other research institutes.

ACRDP is an industry-driven program, in the sense that research projects are proposed by the aquaculture industry and partly funded by this industry. In the southern Gulf, excellent working relationships between the shellfish industry and DFO have led to several ACRDP projects.

Currently, there are seven shellfish-related studies that are funded through the program, each aimed at optimizing mollusc production within a healthy environment. These projects are led by the Mollusc Productivity Research Group at the Gulf Fisheries Centre, and include collaborators from the Atlantic Veterinary College, Université de Moncton and the National Research Council.

Clubbed tunicates on mussel socks and lines

Examples of ACRDP projects include the development of an effective management approach for predators and competitors found on shellfish farms. For example, the clubbed tunicate Styela clava has recently invaded the coastal waters of Prince Edward Island and has the potential to cause massive disruptions to the mussel farming industry.

An ACRDP study is being conducted to gather information on the biology and ecology of this recent invader. One goal is to describe tunicate recruitment on a temporal scale, so that growers know when tunicate settlement begins, peaks and ends. This information is crucial for determining the proper time to apply tunicate control measures.

The study is also taking a closer look at competition for resources between tunicates and mussels. This data will help identify the density at which tunicates start having a negative impact on mussel productivity.

Another example of an ACRDP project is the development of a standardised system for the monitoring of shellfish growing conditions in culture bays. The system is based on the REMORA model, which was implemented in Europe in the 1990s and which enables straightforward comparisons between sites and years.

The protocol is kept simple in order to extend geographic coverage and promote the long-term viability of the project. In May of each year, blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and American oysters (Crassostrea virginica) are placed in standard cages that are installed across the southern Gulf. Then, shell length, meat content, temperature, and phytoplankton biomass are monitored until November.

In 2002, a total of 54 cages were placed in various bays and estuaries (see map). An interesting aspect of the project is the rapid posting of data on the Internet, which will allow growers to compare the performance of their own operation with growth conditions at neighbouring reference stations.

Click on the map for a full size version

ACRDP has also funded a population-modeling project that will serve the quahaug aquaculture industry. At present, the management of quahaug (Mercenaria mercenaria) leases is based on qualitative measures (visual inspections) and size restrictions.

The ACRDP study, however, is looking into the possibility of applying modeling methods similar to the Virtual Population Analysis. (VPA is traditionally used for evaluating fish populations, although it has recently been applied to species such as scallop and snow crabs.)

Modeling quahaug populations within culture leases will lead to sustainable exploitation rates, and as such ensure a competitive position in the North American industry. Modeling techniques may also prove to be valuable for the management of other bottom species, such as soft-shell clams, razor clams and oysters.

In conclusion, the research conducted under ACRDP is important to the industry. The industry benefits from expertise within DFO and other agencies involved. This collaborative research between the industry and DFO facilitates and accelerates the transfer of technology and enhances aquaculture in the Gulf region.

Information about the ACRDP program can be found at:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/aquaculture/acrdp_e.htm