The development of an FVCOM hydrodynamic model to support aquaculture on the West Coast of Vancouver Island

Description

Previous hydrodynamic modelling in the Broughton Archipelago and the Discovery Islands (ACRDP project P-12-01-006) has demonstrated the advantage of having a computer (numerical) model that provides accurate three dimensional information on current flow, temperature, and salinity. FVCOM (Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model), when fully developed for this area, promises to provide accurate 3D information. Since FVCOM’s development process is complex, this research project is using existing information and new data collected specifically for this project in order to further develop the model.

The ultimate goal of the project is to be able to apply the accurate FVCOM 3D information to examine particle tracking, virus dispersion, and sea lice behaviour in the waters off the West Coast of Vancouver Island in and around aquaculture sites in the area.

The results of this project (the developed model) will be important for the sustainable management of the aquaculture industry. The data will inform mitigation actions that can be recommended by management bodies in response to well characterized risk. From an industry perspective, these results can inform best management practices in order to offset possible impacts.

Program Name

Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP)

Year(s)

2015 - 2017

Principal Investigator(s)

Peter Chandler
Oceanographer, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Institute of Ocean Sciences, Pacific Region
Email: Peter.Chandler@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Team Member(s)

Mike Foreman, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Pacific Region

Darren Tuele, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Pacific Region

John Morrison, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Pacific Region

Pramod Thupaki, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Pacific Region

Di Wan, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Pacific Region

Ming Guo, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Pacific Region

Maxin Krassovski, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Pacific Region

Collaborative Partner(s)

Peter McKenzie, Cermaq Canada Ltd.

Barry Milligan, Grieg Seafood BC Ltd.