Microbial Protein for Sustainable Aquaculture project, led by DeNova.
Image: Canada's Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster has this week announced five new ocean innovation projects totalling more than CAD $18 million. Among them is a major $7.2 million initiative aimed at transforming aquaculture feed production through the use of novel microbial protein.
The project, Microbial Protein for Sustainable Aquaculture, is led by Dartmouth, Nova Scotia-based biotechnology company DeNova in collaboration with The Verschuren Centre in Sydney, NS, and Neptune Properties, also based in Dartmouth.
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $2.5 million in the project, with the remaining funding provided by the project partners. The funding was announced during this week's H2O: Home to Overseas Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia this week.
The project focuses on developing microbial protein as a sustainable replacement for conventional feed ingredients such as fishmeal and soy. The initiative is expected to create nine full-time jobs in biotechnology and feed manufacturing, the project partners said.
“This project is a powerful example of how ocean innovation can solve some of the most pressing challenges in sustainable food production," said Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, via a press release.
"By advancing a novel microbial protein for aquafeed, the project is not only reducing environmental impact, but creating new economic opportunities, supporting inclusive workforce development, and positioning Canada as a global leader in the future of sustainable aquaculture," she added.
“The Ocean Supercluster’s continued leadership and investment in transformative ocean innovation is accelerating sustainable solutions and advancing Canada’s blue bioeconomy," said Brianna Orr Stratton, Founder & CEO of DeNova.
"We’re grateful for their support in enabling technologies that promote responsible food production and contribute to a more resilient and environmentally sustainable ocean future," she added.
Four other Ocean Supercluster-funded projects were also announced this week: Maritime Emergency Response Systems ($1.4m), which will develop an AI-powered system to improve Canada's maritime emergency capabilities; Enhancing Aquaculture Productivity with Environmental Genomics ($2.9m), led by eDNAtec, in partnership with Mowi; Cleaner Smoother Natural Ship Bearings ($4.5m), which will develop water-lubricated wood bearings for vessels over 40 feet; and Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) Enhanced Offshore Fishing ($1.1m), which will use USVs to collect benthic habitat data to support the sustainability of Canada’s commercial bottom fishing industry.
The Ocean Supercluster also previously announced in May it was providing $2.3 million in funding for a precision aquaculture project led by Innovasea in collaboration with Grieg Seafood Newfoundland.
The latest funding awards are part of the Ocean Supercluster’s broader strategy under Ambition 2035, a national initiative to grow Canada’s ocean economy fivefold to reach $220 billion by the year 2035.
