You’ve seen the spores take over the world in The Last of Us—but what if we told you there’s a real-life fungal enemy already wreaking havoc in fish farms? While humans are safe from apocalyptic cordyceps, aquaculture is fighting a losing battle against Saprolegnia, a deadly water mold responsible for massive losses. Forget fiction—this fungal threat is all too real, and the industry needs science-driven solutions now more than ever.

Curious how a team in Halifax is reshaping the future of fish feed—and what role a PEI-based research facility played in bringing it to life? This Canada Day, we’re spotlighting a powerful example of Canadian innovation and collaboration in action. From novel ingredients made through fermentation to rigorous salmon trials that put them to the test, this project brings together cutting-edge biotech, aquaculture expertise, and national research leadership. Discover how DeNova, Onda, and partners like the NRC are helping Canada lead the charge toward a more sustainable blue economy.

As global demand for sustainable seafood rises, so does the pressure to find effective, environmentally friendly solutions to persistent health challenges. One of the most pressing issues is the management of bacterial infection such as Yersinia ruckeri, a pathogen notorious for impacting juvenile rainbow trout and other farmed fish. Traditional responses have relied heavily on vaccines and antibiotics but growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance and regulatory restrictions have made these approaches increasingly unsustainable.

Vetagro, an Italian leader in animal biotechnology, in collaboration with Canadian aquaculture CRO Onda, have announced compelling results from a joint research initiative evaluating microencapsulated phytogenics for their efficacy against Yersinia ruckeri—a major pathogen in rainbow trout farming.

Onda, a leading Canadian contract research organization specializing in aquaculture health, nutrition and innovation, is proud to announce that it has been awarded funding from the prestigious Ignition Fund. This grant will support the development of rapid diagnostic test kits designed to enhance disease detection and management in aquaculture.

This collaboration integrates Prelude’s state-of-the-art software solutions into the CATC’s service offerings, underscoring a shared dedication to pioneering developments in the field of aquaculture.