Grant: Applied Research Tools and Instruments Grants

Fleming College is seeking funding for innovative research equipment to be used in its Centre for Innovative Aquaculture Production (CIAP). CIAP specializes in research related to aquaculture, also known as the breeding and raising of aquatic species for consumption and/or the rehabilitation of threatened and endangered fish populations, and works closely with industry, academic, government and community partners across Ontario. As the world’s fastest-growing food production system, the aquaculture sector in Canada has been growing rapidly over the past few years. Accordingly, much of the applied research CIAP conducts for its partners focuses on developing and/or improving best practices for the industry. A key factor related to this is implementing the best feeding practices for the fish to ensure their health and welfare. The requested equipment, an innovative SMART fish feeding technology, enables feed to be delivered to the fish in a consistent and accurate manner. Additionally, the feed can be adjusted to match the needs of a wide range of species, and the system monitors key parameters and collects important data that are critical for the types of research CIAP conducts for its partners. As such, the requested equipment will enable Fleming to support organizations working towards addressing the current, real-world challenge of producing food sources for the public in ethical and sustainable ways, as well as help companies bring products to market that are more economically and/or environmentally sustainable than existing options. It will also equip Fleming’s students with valuable applied research training opportunities and marketable skills. Taken together, the requested equipment will significantly enhance the types of research Fleming College is able to conduct for its partners and enable the College to continue and support responsible and sustainable aquaculture development.