About ACE
The events leading to the successful development of the ACE have been the result of a combined effort of many different agencies. Lethbridge College and Alberta Agriculture, Food & Rural Development (AAFRD) have had a highly successful working relationship since 1987.
Aquaculture research began at Lethbridge College in 1989 with the first studies on the efficacy of triploid grass carp in controlling rooted aquatic vegetation in irrigation canals. The success of this research led to a partnership with the Eastern Irrigation District (EID), in which the College was to produce certified triploid grass carp fingerlings which would be grown out and sold by EID. Although the early involvement by EID has since been replaced by a partnership with the Alberta Aquaculture Association (AAA) in April, 2003, an outcome of this early partnership led to the construction of a state-of-the-art aquaculture facility at Lethbridge College in 1997.
Since its conception the facility has grown, and today includes: a main building of (55 x 15 m) including 225 m 2 of office and laboratory space and 635 m 2 of aquaculture space, a small (9 x 10 m) and large (9 m x 29 m) greenhouse, and a quarantine building (10 m x 25 m). With the further construction of other quarantine modules, rentable space will become available for interested private and academic research interests.
ACE specializes in the culture of warm water fish, in particular the use of warm water fish as biological control agents for aquatic plants. The species that have been or are being studied at ACE include: grass carp, silver carp and Tilapia. For several years there has also been a small amount of research on rainbow trout, principally on a strain of rainbow trout that might be more suitable for put and take stocking in south eastern Alberta than the strains presently used. We are also developing expertise in the diseases of concern for the fish species we culture, using advanced genetic techniques to characterize and identify fish pathogens. To this end a modern molecular laboratory was constructed in 2002 and expanded in 2005. Others areas of research and interest include water conservation, aquaponics of vegetables and aquatic plants, and biofiltration.
ACE provides the foundation for similar joint ventures, new collaborative arrangements and future partnerships. A developing fledgling food fish industry in the region, and close proximity to an abundant supply of water will allow for cost-effective field trials, low fish transport costs, local marketing opportunities, and close contact with the rural region that will be the main economic development benefactor of the educational programming and applied research conducted through the Centre. The Centre will meet the demand for research into aquaculture practices specifically adapted to northern geographical locations.
This Centre will help to meet the growing need for quality applied research in the western Canadian aquaculture and agricultural fields as well as training aquaculture technicians to both work in this sector and have a solid understanding of research techniques. No other similar education and applied research Centre exists in Canada.
Goals of the Centre
The primary goal of conducting applied research through ACE is to provide five major benefits to our internal and external stakeholders:
- Contribute to developing the present and future workforce;
- Produce graduates of high quality;
- Promote direct application of research results;
- Create partnerships with industry to sustain economic development; and
- Increase institutional capacity for contract applied research and other service activities to the community, business and industry.