Research Projects

2011

Finfish Organic Certification Project

The purpose of this project is to investigate whether or not it would be feasible for finfish grower in Nova Scotia to adopt organic certification. The first meeting involved discussing the content and delivery of the market survey. A second meeting will be held on April 5th to discuss the results of the market survey analysis. Future work includes comparing organic standards from different countries and conducting a cost benefit analysis. The final report from this project will be available in early June.

Small Mussel Project

Industry representatives, consumers and chefs were surveyed to compare small mussels (between 40-50 mm) with market size mussels (>50 mm). Overall the appearance, texture and taste were liked by those who sampled small mussels. Both consumers and chefs agreed that they would purchase small mussels as seasonal product could envision them accompanying a main dish or be used in soups and chowders. The technology exits to process small mussels and growers in Nova Scotia are interested in profiting from small mussels which are currently being sorted as waste. The mussel sector will be meeting with a consultant to discuss marketing opportunities for small mussels. A final report will be available shortly.

2010

Mussel Certification Project

This project brought the mussel sector in Nova Scotia together to discuss the challenges the industry is facing around certification. Unlike the MSC in the wild fishery, it is difficult for aquaculturalists to know which certification body will prevail. The report layouts the challenges and breaks down options for the mussel sector with regards to certification. The Mussel Certification report suggests for the mussel sector to apply the AANS Codes of Practice (shellfish section) along with CAIAs Environmental Management Systems Framework and Logbook to their operations. By implementing these two documents into their operations, mussel growers in Nova Scotia will be prepared to achieve certification if desirable.

Mission to Spain

Spain’s Mission to Atlantic Canada was so successful that a Mission to Spain was held in September-October 2010. Collaborating with other countries can lead to new opportunities and demonstrate alternative technical applications and current R&D activities being investigated in other countries. A total of 11 sites were visited during this mission, as well as research facilities and educational institutions. Participants attended and participated in a tradeshow at the Aquaculture European Conference. R&D activities were discussed which resulted in potential project collaborations and technology transfer. The Mission to Spain was an excellent opportunity for industry representatives in Atlantic Canada to visit aquaculture facilities in another country.

Gap Analysis

This project gave several members the opportunity to learn where their operations and paper traceability can improve. This process prepared the interested member for the next steps towards certification. Achieving certification has the potential to give aquaculture farmers a premium price for their product and to build public confidence in the aquaculture industry. The gap analysis has been completed and the results were submitted to the members in a report. Another report was written by the RDC on the Gap Analysis to capture the results from the project.

Eider Duck Monitoring and Mitigation Project

The purpose of the project was to develop an automated means of controlling sea ducks that are responsible for losses of up to 90% of production in some mussel farms of Nova Scotia and PEI. If automated systems can be used to control predators there is a potential for mussel farmers to move their sites further offshore. Underwater acoustics were used to detect ducks noise in the field. Research results concluded that using underwater acoustics was a useful approach but further practical work is required. Other natural noises were detected which triggered the acoustic deterrence when ducks were not present.  The Eider Duck Monitoring and Mitigation report outlines the details of the project.

Shelley LeBlanc - Clarks Harbour NS.