Grieg Seafood NL is currently in the planning phase of a $5.9-million, multi-year Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) project, in partnership with Innovasea, Bedford, N.S. that aims to improve fish welfare by using advanced hydrogen sulfide (H2S) monitors and AI-powered camera systems for real-time monitoring.
Funding for the Enhanced Aquaculture Technology for Marine Health Project was announced on May 22 by the OSC during the Ambition 2035 Summit in Ottawa. Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $2.3 million in the project, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
“With this project, Grieg Seafood NL is updating its existing systems,” said Gaïtane Villeneuve, communications director for the company.
“The project will be implemented in phases, with the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) monitors scheduled for installation at our freshwater facility during smolt downtime in fall 2025, and the first aeration system planned for installation at a small number of our marine pens in spring 2026.”
Villeneuve said all Grieg Seafood NL’s stocked sites in Placentia Bay continue to operate independently of the OSC project. Grieg Seafood NL is the only licensed aquaculture company in Placentia Bay, with 14 sea sites across three aquaculture management areas (AMAs). Each site has six to eight cages.
“The primary focus of the project is to test the system’s functionality and assess its performance and operational requirements. Once the systems are in place, we will move into a testing and refinement phase. The goal is to develop the system’s capability for environmental forecasting and proactive monitoring,” he said.
“Through implementing innovative monitoring technologies, this project will enhance the operational efficiency of aquaculture facilities, leading to higher yields of farmed fish and reduced losses, and helping position Canada as a leader in the aquaculture technology sector,” said the OSC when making the funding announcement.
“Sustainable aquaculture is an important economic area of growth globally that contributes to climate action priorities and commitments under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By co-investing in innovative technologies that improve fish health, we’re enhancing operational efficiency, creating new revenue streams, contributing to our own food security and helping feed the world,” said Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster.
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, a not-for-profit organization, was established in 2018. “Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 — a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035,” said the OSC.
“To date, the OSC has approved more than 120 projects valued at more than $500 million, which will deliver more than 300 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes and services to sell to the world.”
