Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

Canada is a leader in a growing aquaculture industry, that adds over $3 billion to our economy (Canadianx000D
Aquaculture Industry Alliance). Salmon aquaculture claims ~60% of this industry. Although Atlantic salmonx000D
currently dominates Canadian production, Pacific salmon species such as Chinook salmon are increasinglyx000D
attractive to producers given their higher market price, and resistance to diseases and parasites. We arex000D
partnering with Yellow Island Aquaculture Limited (YIAL), one of Canada's oldest Pacific salmon farms thatx000D
has produced premium organic Chinook salmon for market since 1985. A major question for YIAL, is how tox000D
optimize product quantity and product quality while minimizing feed costs, a primary component of salmonx000D
farm operating costs. Fish, like all animal species, possess innate 24 hour cycles, and they feed and digest foodx000D
at specific times when they are most active. These cycles of daily activity are called Circadian Rhythms, a topicx000D
whose discovery was recognized by the Nobel Prize in Physiology, 2017. Our lab studies the circadian rhythmsx000D
of the digestive tract, and we propose to study the circadian rhythms of the Chinook salmon intestine to helpx000D
YIAL optimize salmon production. To do this we will first test different strains and stages of Chinook salmonx000D
for digestive activity, to find at what time of day digestion is highest, and which stocks have the highestx000D
digestive tract efficiency. These experiments will enable feedings and stocks to be aligned with the optimalx000D
time of nutrient uptake, thus reducing feed cost and waste. Our project will specifically concern Chinookx000D
salmon for the benefit of YIAL, however, our work will be easily transferable to benefit many otherx000D
aquaculture producers in Canada.