Grow lights in marine finfish aquaculture in British Columbia: Ecological effects

Description

Exposure of cultured Atlantic Salmon and cod to a 24-hour artificial light regimen during the fall, winter, and early spring grow-out seasons has been shown to enhance fish productivity by increasing growth rates and suppressing early maturation, or grilsing. Due to their effectiveness, artificial lights have been widely implemented at Canadian East and West coast marine aquaculture facilities. However, ecological effects of artificial lights in the marine environment, and fish farm grow lights in particular, yet remain to be thoroughly investigated. It is essential that the potential effects on zooplankton and fish, biofouling organisms, and benthic structures be evaluated and quantified so that industry is aware of the impacts grow lights may have on the local marine environment and interactions between cultured species and wild biota. This study will be the first comprehensive assessment of the pathways and magnitude of the ecological effects of grow lights used at marine finfish aquaculture facilities.

Program Name

Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP)

Year(s)

2010 - 2011

Ecoregion(s)

Pacific: Vancouver Island West Coast

Principal Investigator(s)

Anya Dunham
Email: Anya.Dunham@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Hannah Stewart
Email: Hannah.Stewart@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Links

Ecological effects of blue LED lights used at marine finfish aquaculture sites in British Columbia