Tolerance to fluctuating water currents in Atlantic salmon
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The purpose of this experiment is to quantify the swimming capacity in Atlantic salmon post smolts when exposed to strong fluctuating water currents of various magnitudes and durations.
In this experiment we will be using a large swim tunnel setup. Based on prior experiences, we are not expecting distress, severe injuries or other serious welfare issues. But, as some fish will experience momentary fatigue, the severity of trials must be considered moderate.
The results obtained will increase our knowledge of salmon exercise physiology, as the experimental design and underlying questions being addressed are novel. The results also have applied value to the aquaculture industry with regards to fish welfare, and biological and environmental tolerances. Specially with regards to emerging offshore aquaculture where the farm environments may be continuously exposed to large oceanic waves that are characterized by periodic peak currents on small time scales. Such water current environment have not been tested in fish previously.
We plan to use 240 Atlantic salmon post smolts in this experiment.
Regarding the 3R’s: Replacement is not possible as we are investigating whole-animal performances in response to different conditions. Reduction has been used to minimize experimental animals used while not compromising the statistical robustness of the results. Refinement has been optimized in the experimental protocols by reducing handling time, avoiding multiple stressors simultaneously, and by ensuring that the time fish spend being fatigued is minimal owing to rigorous monitoring.
The purpose of this experiment is to quantify the swimming capacity in Atlantic salmon post smolts when exposed to strong fluctuating water currents of various magnitudes and durations.
In this experiment we will be using a large swim tunnel setup. Based on prior experiences, we are not expecting distress, severe injuries or other serious welfare issues. But, as some fish will experience momentary fatigue, the severity of trials must be considered moderate.
The results obtained will increase our knowledge of salmon exercise physiology, as the experimental design and underlying questions being addressed are novel. The results also have applied value to the aquaculture industry with regards to fish welfare, and biological and environmental tolerances. Specially with regards to emerging offshore aquaculture where the farm environments may be continuously exposed to large oceanic waves that are characterized by periodic peak currents on small time scales. Such water current environment have not been tested in fish previously.
We plan to use 240 Atlantic salmon post smolts in this experiment.
Regarding the 3R’s: Replacement is not possible as we are investigating whole-animal performances in response to different conditions. Reduction has been used to minimize experimental animals used while not compromising the statistical robustness of the results. Refinement has been optimized in the experimental protocols by reducing handling time, avoiding multiple stressors simultaneously, and by ensuring that the time fish spend being fatigued is minimal owing to rigorous monitoring.