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The Atlantic Cod Genomics and Broodstock Development Project (CGP)
The objective of the CGP is to develop a breeding program and a set of fundamental genomics tools that will be used to supply the developing Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) aquaculture industry in Canada with elite broodstock. The CGP is an $18.1 million project led by Genome Atlantic with university, industry, not-for-profit and government partners. This project is vital to solving several key issues that have hindered the development of the cod aquaculture industry in Canada. End point deliverables for the CGP include elite cod broodstock selected for performance in industrial-scale aquaculture production as well as a set of cod genomic markers and a genetic map that can be applied to accelerate the enhancement of cod broodstock.
Traditionally, Atlantic cod aquaculture has depended on unselected wild cod stocks for production which has limited progress in the industry. The CGP’s captive selective breeding program is a first step towards domestication of this species. At the end of the project, ownership of elite cod broodstock developed by the CGP will be transferred to the founding industry partners in New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador. The CGP has successfully completed selection of cod broodstock in New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador. These broodstock have been selected based on Estimate Breeding Values calculated from pre-harvest and harvest data collected on the first year classes of family fish generated by the project. These two broodstocks represent the first captive selected broodstocks for cod in Atlantic Canada.
 A major factor limiting the directed improvement of cod broodstock has been the scarcity of molecular tools available for this species. Within 18 months of project inception, 94% of publicly available DNA sequence information for cod was contributed by the CGP, and at present the CGP remains the leading contributor of genomics information for the species worldwide. To date, the CGP has generated approximately 158,000 DNA sequences and has started building a 20,000 element microarray, a high-throughput Illumina SNP genotyping platform, as well as a cod genetic map which will be used by the CGP to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and to develop genomic markers applicable in Marker Assisted Selection (MAS). MAS will enable rapid enhancement of cod broodstock in Canada, and is an approach that has been the cornerstone of recent advancements realized in other animal production systems (e.g. chicken, swine, dairy cows, and beef cattle). The CGP will give Canada a competitive edge in the developing cod aquaculture industry by ensuring that Canadian producers will have tools to improve the quality and volume of their product.
Through the CGP, a number of individuals have gained experience in various aspects of cod aquaculture, and several of these persons were attracted to the Atlantic region by the project. It is expected that these individuals will continue to be involved in cod aquaculture after completion of the CGP, and will persist as a tremendous resource for the growing cod industry. By uniting the collective energies, talents and resources within the region, Atlantic Canada has the potential to be recognized globally as the leader in genetic marker validation in cod aquaculture and, in turn, establish the region as the world’s premier supplier of cultured product.
Ocean Energy
The Huntsman is partnering with Irving Oil to conduct a two-year research program on 11 potential power generating sites in the Bay of Fundy, including regions extending from Cape Enrage, near Chignecto Bay, down to the Western Passage areas of Passamaquoddy Bay. Some preliminary work is already under way on the project.
During the two-year research period, information on the natural environment, tidal patterns, climatic conditions and behaviour of aquatic life in the selected areas will be collected and studied to determine the suitability for development.
“When we shared the news that we were seriously exploring the possibility of Eider Rock, the broader community was excited but also wanted to know that our company would focus on environmental performance and explore renewable forms of energy,” said Kenneth Irving.
“It’s very early in the development of tidal power, and there’s still a lot we don’t know, but we wanted to respond to our community’s aspirations. The New Brunswick Energy Hub is about supporting Self-Sufficiency with energy projects that perform the best both economically and environmentally. We hope that tidal power becomes a key spoke in the Hub.”
“This announcement gives us the platform we need to investigate an energy stream based on a renewable resource that will not only meet the standards of sustainability, but will also provide leadership in the development of ocean energy technology in Canada,” said Bill Robertson, Executive Director of Huntsman Marine Science Centre.
“We’re really excited to be partnering with a progressive energy company like Irving Oil, who shares our commitment to long-term sustainability. This is a winning partnership and proposition.” “This research will evaluate the potential for development of in-stream tidal power,” Arseneault said. “Information on the natural environment, climatic conditions, and the behaviour of wildlife in these areas will also be collected to determine the suitability for development.”
The project involves sampling and survey work conducted using mostly boat-mounted sampling equipment. However, the deployment of floating stationary sampling devices is also planned. These devices will be moored to the bottom of the bay and left in place for about 30 days at a time. A more detailed baseline study program may be undertaken for areas that show the highest potential for in-stream tidal-power generation.
These studies would include field sampling programs to collect data on the marine environment. The 11 study sites, measuring 25 hectares in size, are located in four regions in the Bay of Fundy: Head Harbour Passage, Western Passage, Cape Enrage, near Chignecto Bay, and Cape Spencer, near Saint John.
Earlier this year, Irving Oil submitted its proposal on tidal power generation to the Department of Natural Resources, in response to the government’s Request for Proposal on tidal power research.
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