A cutting-edge quarantine, isolation and recirculation facility opened today at the Ontario Aquaculture Research Centre [1] in Alma, thanks to a $4.5-million investment from the Government of Ontario through the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario, and with support from the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance [2].

The new facility will allow for the safe importation of fish to support breeding research that will produce strong genetics for the Ontario aquaculture industry.

It also presents new opportunities for the province's fish farmers and researchers to collaboratively grow and diversify Ontario's aquaculture sector, including:

• developing new strains and species for farming, such as lake whitefish or more resilient rainbow trout strains;
• accelerating practices, technology adoption and novel feed ingredients for farm-raised fish to adapt against climate change; and
• training the next generation of aquaculture pioneers for industry and academia.

Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson, officially opened the facility alongside representatives from the fish farming industry and the University of Guelph.

“Our provincial aquaculture industry is poised to supply a growing demand for nutritious Ontario fish products,” said Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “By investing in research capabilities and strategic planning, this sector is laying the foundation for further growth in an important industry that holds great potential.”

“Investment in research, innovation, and supporting infrastructure leads to real, tangible successes that are making a difference for Ontario’s food producers, consumers, the economy, and the environment,” said Malcolm Campbell, vice-president (research) at the University of Guelph. “This unique facility will benefit Ontario’s vibrant and growing aquaculture sector by providing a nexus for University of Guelph researchers to create innovations that address pressing aquaculture priorities.” 

"These investments help Ontario's aquaculture sector realize our incredible growth potential. We can grow more sustainable protein than ever before, and bring new employment to rural, northern and Indigenous communities," said Ontario Aquaculture Assocation (OAA) board member Arlen Taylor. "Our fish farmers thank the Ontario government for championing and advancing our sector."

The new facility also features a recirculating aquaculture system, teaching laboratories, and research space. It complements the existing technology at the Ontario Aquaculture Research Centre.

The Ontario Aquaculture Research Centre is owned by the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario and is managed by the University of Guelph through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance.