University of Waterloo Aquatic Threats Environmental Research Facility

Located in Ontario, Canada, the Waterloo University recently opened a new research facility to study the impact of climate change on fish stress, the Waterloo Aquatic Threats Environmental Research (WATER) Facility. One of the largest aquatic test facilities in Ontario, WATER is designed to study a variety of aquatic organisms, from cold-water fish to tropical fish and amphibians. The facility is also equipped to trace the multi-generational effects different environmental stresses may have on aquatic life over multiple lifespans.

Integrated Aqua Systems was recently commissioned to design, fabricate, and deliver three Integrated Culture Modules to be installed as part of the new facilities pathogen challenge research program. The culture modules are design for for testing the impact of disease agents and contaminants of concern in aquaculture, expose populations to controlled climate-related stressors like water temperature and oxygen saturation levels, and measure the effects of human-centric pollution such as wastewater on aquatic ecosystems. Each of the recirculating multi-tank rack mounted systems include twenty 1.8 gallon polycarbonate tanks, each supplied with water from IAS’ Integrated Filtration Module (IFM) which is a complete sump treatment system to filter the system mechanically and biologically. The systems also include Prominent Aegis II water quality monitoring & control systems to monitor and record pH, temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen.

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If you'd like to learn more about this project, check out this recent article from Hatchery International.