The development of an improved weather station network for aquaculture on the west coast of Canada
21-P-07
Description
Fish farms operate in several regions of the British Columbia (BC) coast. Finite-Volume Community Ocean Models (FVCOM) have been created in these areas. These models simulate the dynamics of the water flow in the area. When they are combined with particle tracking models, they can help scientists and managers better understand interactions between fish farms and between fish farms and the environment. For example, FVCOM has been used for determining the water flow between fish farms, the distribution of sea lice, and virus dispersion. Examples of this is seen in the following projects:
FVCOM needs environmental data to properly represent real-world conditions. The better this data, the better the results of the FVCOM outputs. Good data should include accurate weather data for a long time series.
The existing weather station system along BC’s coast is not equipped to provide high resolution environmental data. The goal of this project is to maintain, upgrade and install weather stations along BC’s coastline. Water flow data will also be collected through Acoustic Doppler Current Meters. These 2 initiatives will provide high quality data to feed into FVCOM models.
Program Name
Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP)
Year(s)
2021 - 2023
Principal Investigator(s)
Peter Chandler, Ocean Scientist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Pacific Region
Email: Peter.Chandler@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Team Member(s)
- Mike Foreman, Emeritus Scientist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Pacific Region
- Glenn Cooper, Aquatic Science Technician, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Pacific Region
- Wendy Callendar, Physical Oceanographer, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Pacific Region
Collaborator(s)
- Tim Hewison, Fish Health and Research and Development Manager, Grieg Seafood
- Kathleen Frisch, Fish Health Director and Veterinarian, Cermaq Canada
- Mia Parker, Director of Environmental Performance and Certification, Mowi Canada West
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