Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Fish escapes from aquaculture enclosures are not only a financial concern, but also represent a significant financial concern for producers. Open Water Systems Ltd. is an Ontario-based company that produces cages for the aquaculture industry. Their cages are designed to withstand wave action and therefore they are designed to withstand severe weather events. As metal fatigue caused by wave action is a major source of fish escapement, the Open Water System cages are designed to be escape-proof. Furthermore, the cages can be lowered in the water column to a habitat that is more suitable for fish growth, and therefore these cages will allow fish to grow larger on less food (i.e. they will have a high food conversion ratio; FCR). The ability to grow larger fish with less food translates directly into higher profits for the aquaculture industry. The main objective of this project is to assist the company in the research and development of the new cage design by verifying the claims made by the company that these cages provide a superior aquaculture environment to the traditional cages. The results of this applied research will assist the company in entering the market.