research and innovation

At Cooke Aquaculture, the health of our fish and the environment are major priorities.
We are continuously studying, questioning and testing current practices
to learn as much as we can about the changing world of aquaculture.

3-bay management system

Cooke Aquaculture has implemented a 3-bay management system at its ocean sites. It's a more costly and elaborate way of farming but it allows for the organic renewal of the sites between crops and minimizes the environmental impact on the ocean floor. Ocean sites are grouped in large bay management areas and each area is designated for a particular age of fish. One area is set aside specifically for smolts, which are young salmon; another for market-ready fish; and a third area will be fallowed or kept out of production. This new system of allowing for fallow periods lets the ocean floor rest between crops and protects the health of our animals.

Leading edge initiatives

We are pushing it even further! Right now, we're investing in a DNA traceability project that will revolutionize the way we track our fish from egg to plate. Our Offspring™ DNA Traceability System will ensure an unparalleled level of food safety.

IMTA Project

Another important tool for reducing our environmental footprint is the company’s pioneering of the integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) approach to farming under the leadership of an interdisciplinary research team led by Dr. Thierry Chopin of the University of New Brunswick and Dr. Shawn Robinson of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.  IMTA creates a balanced ecosystem as nutrients released from the salmon pens are recaptured to become food and energy for the additional commercial crops of mussels and seaweeds.

Ongoing research

When it comes to sustainability, environmental stewardship and fish health and welfare — we want to be the best in the industry. That's the reason why Cooke Aquaculture sponsors and leads many scientific research projects with different groups including local Universities and Colleges.

New Brunswick Innovation Fund honours Dr. Thierry Chopin's IMTA research

Cooke Cod Program

Cooke began initial sea cage trials with Atlantic cod in 2004 and is currently the largest producer of farmed cod in Canada. Atlantic cod is a popular and well-known product in Canada and the northeastern US and maintains a reputation as a premium white fish. The company has made a significant investment into the development of cod farming over the past five years both with in-house pre-commercial developments and as the key industry partner on several R & D Projects.

Cooke has been the key industry partner on the Cod Genome Broodstock Project which, through breeding of selected parents, will enable more cost-effective production of future generations of Atlantic cod. It generally takes a few years to start realizing the benefits of a broodstock program but it's an important and necessary investment. Cooke is also involved in projects that address issues of early maturation, improved protocols/ efficiencies for hatchery production, vaccination protocols, stocking strategies, and feed regime development.

We are currently marketing “Cold Ocean Cod" to fine distributors in Canada and the US. Our cod has received very good reviews at the Boston Seafood Show for its flakiness, translucent colour and mild succulent taste.

Cod Demonstration Farm

In partnership with the Province of NL, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (AIMAP) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Cooke Aquaculture Inc. is aiding in the development of commercial-scale cod farming activities in Newfoundland and Labrador through the Newfoundland and Labrador Commercial Atlantic Cod Farm Demonstration Project.

A multi-year undertaking, this project will utilize “best approach” techniques and equipment to successfully grow cod from fry through to market size.