Atlantic Whitefish Holding, Raising and Captive-Breeding

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has a requirement to the holding, raising and genetically managed breeding of captive-held Atlantic Whitefish and any additional wild-caught YOY collected in present and future years of this project, and to further the development and testing of the genetic marker panel to support the development of a preliminary mating strategy for Atlantic Whitefish breeding.

The work will involve the following:

Project Objectives
The project objectives are two(2) fold as per described below:
a) Holding and rearing of Atlantic Whitefish for breeding purposes and for the release of their progeny in the year they are born; and
b) Genetically managed breeding (with the objective of preserving genetic diversity in the progeny produced to the extent possible as directed by the mating strategy) of stocks as they mature to provide progeny for future range expansion activities and/or research trials.

Criteria for assessment of the Statement of Capabilities (Minimum Essential Requirements)
Any interested offeror must demonstrate by way of a statement of capabilities that it meets the following requirements:

Facility and equipment:
a) The housing, rearing and breeding of Atlantic Whitefish must be done in a suitable local facility (within Nova Scotia and within a 100-150 km radius from the collection site given the need to transport fish quickly and safely to and from the wild), with tanks of a variety of sizes (minimally with tanks as described in the ‘General Tasks’ section above), research spaces, and equipment necessary for accommodating a growing captive stock of Atlantic Whitefish and the work required.
b) The facility must be equipped with a mechanical system, which can provide high quality, temperature controlled seawater and freshwater year round.
c) The facility must also have a fail-safe systems in place to safeguard against mechanical failures, including an alarm system capable of contacting staff after hours in the event of a mechanical issue and a generator support for Aquatic Animal Life Support systems, in the event of a power failure.
d) The facility must also have access to aquatic veterinary expertise involved in the facility operations.
e) Staff must be available to provide care, feeding and animal welfare support seven (7) days a week.

Experience:
a) Must have a minimum 10 years direct experience with mechanical operations of aquatic systems and a broad range of experience (minimum of two (2) years) in aquatic research such as in the following areas.
b) Must have previous experience in aquaculture at both hatchery and grow out levels, and specific experience with the handling, care and culture of Endangered aquatic species at risk.
c) Must have experience with population and conservation genetics of fish, including aquatic species at risk.
d) Must have experience with similar projects of similar size, scope and complexity.
e) Must have experience in the rearing of all life stages of salmonid fishes, including knowledge/experience in finfish physiology, finfish nutrition, assessing sexual maturation and experience in artificial spawning techniques of salmonids.

Academic qualifications:
a) Must possess at minimum Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in the field of aquatic sciences or aquaculture.

Professional designation, accreditation, and/or certification:
a) Must possess certification in the operation of Recirculating Aquatic Systems (RAS) or a minimum of 10 years’ experience working in RAS.
b) Must have a Good Animal Practice Certificate from the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC).