The effects of smolt size on the intensity of Kudoa thyrsites infections in Atlantic Salmon

Description

Atlantic Salmon which are infected with Kudoa thyrsites do not exhibit clinical signs of disease. However, protease secretion from this parasite rapidly deteriorates affected muscle in the salmon when the fillet is processed, resulting in economic loss for the grower. Earlier research suggested the risk of K. thyrsites was reduced when salmon were transferred to sea as larger smolts.  This research project involves a more robust test of the size hypothesis by conducting trials that examine how smolts of a range of size classes respond to exposure to the K. thyrsites parasite.

The results of this project may help to improve the competitiveness of the Canadian salmon aquaculture industry by assessing a problem that greatly affects the marketability of Atlantic Salmon produced in British Columbia. An understanding will be gained in the relative importance of fish size (smolts) in influencing the development of K. thyrsites. Data obtained from the project will help inform K. thyrsites management strategies.

Program Name

Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP)

Year(s)

2015 to 2017

Principal Investigator(s)

Simon Jones
Research Scientist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Pacific Biological Station, Pacific Region
Email: Simon.Jones@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Team Member(s)

Diane Morrison, Marine Harvest Canada Limited

Kathleen Frisch, Cermaq Canada Ltd.

Collaborative Partner(s)

Marine Harvest Canada Limited

Cermaq Canada Ltd.