Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources

Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
What the facility does

Design and testing of fishing gear technologies and practices that promote the sustainable development of aquatic resources and the protection of marine and freshwater environments

Areas of expertise

Recognized as Canada’s experts in fish capture, the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources has core strengths in fishing gear design and testing, conservation engineering, fisheries biology, fish capture behaviour, and mechanical engineering. The Centre uses a combination of numerical simulation, physical modelling in the flume tank and at-sea comparative fishing experiments to improve sustainable fishing practices and profitability of commercial fishing enterprises. This involves maximizing the value of the catch while at the same time reducing ecological impacts of fishing, such as bycatch of non-targeted animals, seabed impacts, fuel consumption, discarding, and ghost fishing of lost gears. The Centre is also recognized for its expertise in fisheries development, including resource assessments of underutilized species, particularly in the eastern Arctic (Baffin Island region). Documenting the abundance, distribution, and life history characteristics of new species of interest ensures that Canada’s emerging fisheries are established with excellent science advice. The Centre’s flume tank is also routinely used for hydrodynamic performance testing of non-fisheries devices, including things like AUV’s, gliders, turbines, and vessel hulls.

Research services

Fishing gear design and testing, conservation engineering, fisheries biology, fish capture behaviour, and mechanical engineering. The Centre uses a combination of numerical simulation, physical modelling in the flume tank and at-sea comparative fishing experiments to develop sustainable fishing technologies.

Sectors of application
  • Agriculture, animal science and food
  • Clean technology
  • Energy
  • Environmental technologies and related services
  • Fisheries and aquaculture
  • Management and business related services
  • Ocean industries
  • Policy and governance
Equipment  Function
Flume Tank Circulating water channel. Test chamber is 22m x 8m x 4m. Maximum speed is 1 m/s. Chief purpose is hydrodynamic testing of fishing gears.
  • Vónin Canada Ltd.
  • Hampidjan Canada Ltd.
  • Ocean Choice International
  • Arctic Fishery Alliance
  • Qikiqtaaluk Corp.
  • Baffin Fisheries Coalition
  • North Atlantic Marine Supplies and Services Inc.
  • Dalhousie University
  • University of Windsor
  • Simon Fraser University
  • Merinov
  • Government of Nunavut
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
  • National Research Council Canada