Applied Research at Lethbridge Community College

(an emphasis on Aquaculture)

By: John Derksen

Introduction

The LCC research philosophy.

Aquaculture research at LCC– past, present and future.– organizational framework.– funding, and driving forces.

LCC Research Philosophy

Emphasis - applied research v.s. pure. Research is curriculum driven.

– Focus on increasing student skills, experience and practical knowledge.

– STUDENT INSTRUCTOR

RESEARCH

Aquaculture Research

Past Present Cooperative Aquaculture Research Project

(CARP) A 5 year cooperative study to explore the

viability of...– “Eliminating Aquatic Weeds in Irrigation

Canals using Triploid Grass Carp”

Grass Carp Project

• Native to Eastern Asia.

• Can reach 1m in length and weigh 45 kg.

• Can consume 20-30% body weight per day.

Need for Vegetation Control

Over 8000 km of canal in Alberta.

Vegetation can reduce flow by as much as 80% by August.

Vegetation Control

Farm dugouts, also areas of concern.

Northern Water Milfoil – a common aquatic plant in Alberta.

Carp Project (participants)

Initiated by Alberta Agriculture. Committee formed to oversee all research. Research and development by:

– Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife– Alberta Environment– Agriculture Canada– Alberta Irrigation Projects Assoc.– LCC and University of Lethbridge

Funding

Initially - Irrigation Council of Alberta & Alberta Agriculture.

Later - LCC + Alberta Agriculture + Eastern Irrigation District (EID).

Feasibility Studies

Research concentrated on:– Grass carp requirements– Winter & summer survival in dugouts.– Fish survival in flowing systems (canals).– Effectiveness of fish to control aquatic

plants. – Preference of aquatic plant by fish.

LCC’s involvement

Applied for acknowledgement as an Applied Research Site.

Together with EID, LCC constructed a recirculating aquaculture facility on campus to spawn and raise grass carp.

Virtual Tour of Campus Facility

LCC’s Grass Carp Hatchery

The Inner Workings

Early rearing

• Larval grow out tanks

• Early rearing fry tanks

Birds’ eye view of fish

Advanced Technology

Certified Triploid

All triploid Grass Carp are verified and tagged before they leave the building.

Expansion of Research

Silver Carp

Hypopthalmichthys molitrix

Aquaculture Centre of Excellence

Aquaculture Centre of Excellence Research Programs

– Eagle Lake Strain Rainbow trout (2000-2002)– Aquaponics – fish waste nutrient transfer

(2000-2002)– Aquaculture Engineering – ozone applications

(1999-2000)– Aquaculture Wastes – effluent management

(2000-2002)

Summation

Curriculum drives the research.

Partnerships have: - transferred technology - enhanced provincial aquaculture - provided environmental solutions

A final thought!

“Research is a perpetual loop, for every question answered two or more questions

arise.”