Genome Canada on Wednesday announced two research projects totalling $7.6 million that will undertake genomic research with the goal of improving East Coast aquaculture.
The not-for-profit organization that champions genetic research in the country announced two projects in the region that will each receive $3.8 million. They are: the Salmon and Chips Project, which is a collaboration of Cooke Aquaculture Inc. of Blacks Harbour, N.B., its Kelly Cove Salmon unit and the University of Guelph; and the Biomarker Platform for Commercial Aquaculture Feed Development project, conducted by the Norwegian fish feed company Ewos and Memorial University of Newfoundland.
“This is great news for the region,” said Steve Armstrong, president and CEO of Genome Atlantic, the Halifax affiliate of Genome Canada. “It’s a clear example of how genomics — the powerful combination of biology, genetics and computer science — can provide innovative solutions to some of our most important industry challenges.”
The two Atlantic Canadian projects are among 12 projects announced Wednesday under the Genomic Applications Partnership Program. The program encourages research in genomics with the end goal of improving the performance of such industries as agriculture, aquaculture, life sciences and other sectors of the economy. Rather than conduct genetic modifications, the research tends to identify genes that produce the best commercial results and breed plants and animals bearing these genes.
Since 2000, Genome Atlantic has channelled $75 million into projects involving 70 organizations in the private and public sector.
The so-called Salmon and Chips Project will employ genomics tools known as SNP chips along with traditional breeding practices to identify and breed salmon that have optimal flesh quality and can resist parasites and diseases. Research scientist Keng Pee Ang of Cooke Aquaculture will team up with University of Guelph professor Elizabeth Boulding to conduct the research.
“Our competitors around the world are employing these technologies,” Ang said in a statement. “It’s critical for our Canadian operations that we do this as well.”
The Biomarker Platform project will be co-led by Ewos research scientist Richard Taylor and Memorial University associate professor Matthew Rise. They will use genomics technology to assess the effects of various diets on fish health at the molecular level.
They will gather detailed information that will help the Ewos Innovation group fine-tune feed formulae to maximize the growth of fish and help fight disease.
“This project will lead to better feeds that will help fish grow faster and with better health, which will improve the bottom line for producers immediately,” said Taylor.
Genome Canada supports genomic research projects so that it contributes one-third of the funding and two-thirds comes from corporations or other groups.
The Salmon and Chips project received $1.27 million in funding from Genome Canada and $2.26 million from Cooke and Kelly Cove Salmon. Kelly Cove is the North American production division of Cooke Aquaculture. The National Research Council’s industrial research assistance program kicked in $272,000. Genome Canada contributed $1.09 million to the Ewos Innovation project, while the company provided $2.71 million in funding.
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