Spatiotemporal influence of sea cage aquaculture on wild fish dietary habits and biological characteristics

Research will involve capturing of commercially valuable wild fish species aggregated around sea cage aquaculture sites in different parts of Newfoundland, including one previously sampled. These specimens will then have samples taken that will be evaluated for an ‘aquaculture signature’ that would indicate direct or indirect consumption of sea cage feed and waste that becomes available to the local environment. Few studies have assessed this effect on mobile organisms like wild fish, but the recommended techniques use samples that store dietary habits for an extended period (potentially several months). The partner organization will receive the development of a peer-reviewed manuscript deciphering the applicability of the technique on a spatiotemporal scale to assess sea cage influence on wild fish and the commercial application of these techniques to assess aquaculture influence on aggregated wild fish populations.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mark Abrahams;Travis van Leeuwen

Student:

Luke McAllister

Partner:

Springboard Atlantic

Discipline:

Oceanography

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland