RESEARCH - Research Summary

Animal Production Theme

Research Summary

In Atlantic Canada, several species of cold-water finfish are presently under development for use in aquaculture. These species include the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and the haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus). As part of these new aquaculture initiatives, effective procedures for disease management need to be developed. A group of virus referred to as nodaviruses cause economically important diseases that limit the production of juvenile marine finfish in many regions. Recently, significant mortalities have been reported in Atlantic cod and haddock culture in Canada. Without adequate control of these disease agents, commercial-scale production of Atlantic cod and haddock is at risk.

The goals of this project are to develop a better understanding of how this disease is spread and how it can be controlled through the development of health management techniques. The information gained can be used immediately by the aquaculture industry to diagnose and control this devastating disease.

Network Investigators

Stewart Johnson, NRC-IMB, Halifax, NS
Brian Dixon, Dept. of Biology, Univ. of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
Laura Brown, NRC-IMB, Halifax, NS
David Groman, AVC, UPEI, Charlottetown, PE
Carmencita Yason, AVC, UPEI, Charlottetown, PE
Gilles Olivier, Aquaculture Division, DFO, Gulf Fisheries Centre, Moncton, NB