The timing of nutrient uptake in the Chinook salmon intestine.

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Canada is a leader in a growing aquaculture industry, that adds over $3 billion to our economy (CanadianAquaculture Industry Alliance). Salmon aquaculture claims ~60% of this industry. Although Atlantic salmoncurrently dominates Canadian production, Pacific salmon species such as Chinook salmon are increasinglyattractive to producers given their higher market price, and resistance to diseases and parasites. We arepartnering with Yellow Island Aquaculture Limited (YIAL), one of Canada's oldest Pacific salmon farms thathas produced premium organic Chinook salmon for market since 1985. A major question for YIAL, is how tooptimize product quantity and product quality while minimizing feed costs, a primary component of salmonfarm operating costs. Fish, like all animal species, possess innate 24 hour cycles, and they feed and digest foodat specific times when they are most active. These cycles of daily activity are called Circadian Rhythms, a topicwhose discovery was recognized by the Nobel Prize in Physiology, 2017. Our lab studies the circadian rhythmsof the digestive tract, and we propose to study the circadian rhythms of the Chinook salmon intestine to helpYIAL optimize salmon production. To do this we will first test different strains and stages of Chinook salmonfor digestive activity, to find at what time of day digestion is highest, and which stocks have the highestdigestive tract efficiency. These experiments will enable feedings and stocks to be aligned with the optimaltime of nutrient uptake, thus reducing feed cost and waste. Our project will specifically concern Chinooksalmon for the benefit of YIAL, however, our work will be easily transferable to benefit many otheraquaculture producers in Canada.