It is one of the five new ocean innovation projects worth over CAD 18 million launched during the H20 Conference in Halifax.
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada's Ocean Supercluster has presented the project 'Enhancing Aquaculture Productivity with Environmental Genomics' led by eDNAtec, a company specialized in the use of environmental DNA (eDNA), to monitor and manage aquatic ecosystems.
This initiative, in collaboration with Mowi in Campbell River, BC, aims to improve environmental management, pathogen detection, and mitigation efforts through environmental genomics. It is one of the five new ocean innovation projects worth over CAD 18 million launched during the H20 Conference in Halifax.
Specifically, 'Enhancing Aquaculture Productivity with Environmental Genomics' will receive CAD 2.9 million. Canada's Ocean Supercluster is investing CAD 944,800, with the remainder coming from the project's partners.
For the first time, eDNAtec is embarking on a project focused on aquaculture. Meanwhile, Mowi aims to drive the adoption of innovative technologies that enhance sustainability and competitiveness.
"The collaboration will reinforce the long-term viability of Canada's aquaculture industry, supporting economic stability, environmental responsibility, and meaningful community involvement, all while strengthening Canada's position as a leader in aquaculture innovation, improving global competitiveness, and building a more resilient ocean economy," the Supercluster statement says.
This project package is part of Ambition 2035, which aims to grow Canada's ocean economy fivefold, reaching $220 billion by 2035.
Canada's Ocean Supercluster is an industry-led, national ocean cluster that brings together startups, scaleups, as well as mature organizations from coast-to-coast-to-coast across the fishery, aquaculture, bioresources, offshore resources, marine renewables, defence, transportation and ocean technology sectors to accelerate the commercialization of leading Canadian ocean solutions that tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges.
To support this growth, the cluster is also focused on the development of a robust ecosystem, including more ocean companies starting and scaling, engaged communities to identify challenges and solutions, engaging Indigenous Peoples and under-represented groups, and helping build the well-skilled, diverse workforce needed.
Canada's Ocean Supercluster is also increasing its presence in emerging and established markets worldwide. The cluster has numerous international strategic partnerships, bringing new collaborative and commercial opportunities to members, while also telling Canada’s ocean story to the world.