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Lethbridge Polytechnic conducts research canola-based feed in aquaponics

Lethbridge Polytechnic is looking to begin new research studies around canola-based feed in aquaponics.

Under project lead, Nick Savidov, senior research scientist with Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Integrated Agriculture Technology Centre (IATC), the research will examine the viability of using canola-supplemented fish feed, in place of fish meal, in commercial aquaponics production. The project could lead to significant savings for the aquaculture industry, as well as offering polytechnic students learning opportunities.

“Using a byproduct from the canola industry means a potential new market and additional revenue for canola farmers,” Savidov said in a press release. “One of the reasons that the aquaculture industry, especially the in-land aquaculture industry, is developing relatively slowly and not competitive enough is because of the cost of fish feed.”

Savidov estimates the savings of using canola to replace fishmeal ingredients in fish feed could be in the millions of dollars.

Aquaculture research scientist, Nick Savidov, stands behind vine-vegetable plants grown using aquaponics. (Photo: Lethbridge Polytechnic)

“With domestic canola crushing capacity expanding, we’re looking forward to finding new ways to utilize canola meal and aquaculture is a natural fit,” said Chris Manchur, agronomy specialist and research lead for the Canola Council of Canada, “Helping enhance the sustainability of our food systems in Canada and beyond is important, and we’re looking forward to the outcomes from this work happening in aquaponics right here on the Prairies.”

The Canadian college, formerly known as Lethbridge College in Alberta, will receive support for a three-year project (C$300,000 or about US$216,000) from Canola Council of Canada, Alberta Canola, SaskOilseeds, Manitoba Canola Growers Association, and the Government of Canada under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

“This grant allows the polytechnic to acquire state of the art equipment; unique equipment that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world,” said Savidov. Components have been sourced which will allow them to build 42 fully automated aquaponics modules. The equipment will allow for a “very robust” statistical analysis in a fraction of the time it now takes to collect data manually.

The new infrastructure will increase the institution’s capacity for related research and should make it easier to attract additional grants in the future, adds Savidov, who has been involved in aquaponics research for more than two decades. He said the project also has the potential to further the polytechnic’s goal of becoming a national centre for sustainable food production.