Fisheries and Oceans Canada Aquaculture Science Research Funding Programs

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) continues to play a key role in the support of Canadian aquaculture research and development initiatives. This support has been provided through two programs in particular: the Program for Aquaculture Regulatory Research (PARR) and the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP). These programs serve distinct purposes with regards to supporting aquaculture research. The PARR supports regulatory research of interest to DFO management clients, other federal regulators and the provinces with regulatory responsibilities for aquaculture. The ACRDP is a collaborative research program available to aquaculture industry stakeholders who have particular research needs that are in line with the mandate of DFO and the broad objectives of the program - optimal fish health and environmental performance. This paper will provide further information on how initiatives under these research and development programs are contributing to the sustainable development of Canada's aquaculture industry. It will also provide an update on recent changes to the ACRDP and how industry may participate in these programs.