Canada expands aquaculture network

The Canadian government last week announced the launch of 11 research networks focused on areas of social and economic importance, including the Canadian Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Network (CIMTAN).

CIMTAN, part of the University of New Brunswick, will aid in the development of responsible aquaculture. The network, along with the 11 others, received a grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) of between CA$4.8 million (US$4.5 million) and CA$5.3 million (US$5 million) over five years to create strategic partnerships to bring together academia, industry and government.

''Each of these 11 research networks will accelerate research in areas that could strongly enhance Canada's economy,'' said Suzanne Fortier, NSERC president.

The other networks include: Biomaterials and Chemicals Strategic Network, University of British Columbia; Canadian Network for Research and Innovation in Machining Technology, University of British Columbia; Digital Surface Software Application Network, University of Calgary; Green Fibre Network, McGill University; Hydronet, Universtié de Montreal; Network for New Manufacturing Technologies for Plastic Systems, University of Toronto; Photovoltaic Innovation Network, McMaster University; Strategic Network for the production of single-type glycoform monoclonal antibodies, University of Manitoba; Strategic Network on Innovative Wood Products and Building Systems, University of New Brunswick; and Strategic Network on Value Chain Optimization, Université Laval.