| The Atlantic Canadian aquaculture industry is dominated by Atlantic salmon production. In recent years, infectious disease, parasitic infestations, and price fluctuations from international competition have caused disruptions to the industry. Diversification of the industry away from Atlantic salmon production is a potential strategy to insulate the industry from these fish health and market challenges. Atlantic halibut has long been a primary candidate for this diversification. However, the early commercialization of the species over the last 15 years has failed to reach its potential, owning primarily to a lack of information on the biology of the species, best management practices and proven economic feasibility.;To address this information gap, a multi-objective Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was conducted at a commercial farm on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick. The study collected detailed information on the growth and survival of 5000 Atlantic halibut individually identified with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags and followed over a four year grow-out period.;The main objectives of this research were: (1) to evaluate the impact of individual fish characteristics on growth, survival and farm economics, (2) to determine the effects of oil-adjuvanted vaccines on growth performance, survival and vaccine associated lesions, (3) to evaluate the suitability of FT4 Lock-on tags as an external tagging method for individual identification of Atlantic halibut, and (4) to test a Stratified Transport System (STS) as a means of improving fish welfare and the economics of overland halibut transport.;A variety of fish level characteristics were found to be important predictors of productivity. Identifying and culling fish with these specific characteristics prior to grow-out was identified as a method to improve overall farm productivity. The side-effects of oil-adjuvanted vaccines were found to be mild in Atlantic halibut, thereby identifying oil-adjuvants as an available tool for future vaccine development. FT4 Lock-on tags were found to be suitable for identifying cage-cultured halibut with the exception of substantial impacts on growth. The STS was demonstrated to reduce post-transport mortality, establishing it as a cost-effective transport solution over currently practiced methods.;In conclusion, this research allows producers to make evidence-based management decisions, to strengthen and facilitate the continued development of the Atlantic halibut aquaculture sector in Atlantic Canada. |
