Centre for Innovative Aquaculture Production (CIAP)
The Centre for Innovative Aquaculture Production (CIAP): meeting the applied research needs of Canada’s commercial aquaculture and supporting industries.
Overview
Located at Frost Campus in Lindsay, Ontario, the Centre for Innovative Aquaculture Production (CIAP) is a modern facility dedicated to industry-driven aquaculture applied research. Our projects take place on-site in our research hatchery, at partner locations, or in the field. Beyond industry collaboration, we work closely with academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and Indigenous communities to advance aquaculture innovation.
Students gain hands-on experience through applied research and working with animals, the research team, and industry partners.
Our Areas of Expertise:
- Enhancing aquaculture performance and productivity
- Developing new species culture protocols
- Exploring innovative feed ingredients and formulations
- Conducting efficacy testing for novel aquaculture technologies
- Establishing best practices for rearing unique species
- Assessing the environmental impact of fish culture practices
- Habitat restoration and conservation
- Optimizing aquaculture facility design and production planning
- Aquatic research in biological and biomedical sciences, including zebrafish culture and fish behavioural analysis
Our Services
CIAP provides a wide range of applied research services in our state-of-the-art facilities. Our expertise includes:
- Small-scale efficacy assessments to full-scale commercial projects
- Controlled trials for optimizing feed additives
- Innovation and development support for novel aquaculture technologies and AI-driven devices
- Broodstock characterization and development
- Assessment and characterization of aquaculture byproducts for reuse applications
- Environmental impact assessments for sustainability certifications
- Aquaculture facility design and optimization
- Development of breeding and rearing protocols for native and emerging aquaculture species
- Behavioural and environmental response testing
- Collaboration with leading research centers in water, wastewater, and machine intelligence
Research Facility
Opened in 2024, the new CIAP Research Hatchery expands applied research capabilities while our Salmonid Hatchery remains operational.
This new, highly modular facility features three independent, fully isolated recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) labs, allowing for customized rearing conditions. We support research on cold, cool, and warm-water species, with adaptable climatic controls. Our strict biosecurity protocols ensure animal welfare and project integrity.
We are also equipped with a zebrafish holding rack, automated observation chamber, and a shuttle box for real-time video tracking and fish behavioural analysis
Contact Us
Ethan Ramsey, Ph.D.
Principal Researcher, CIAP
Frost Campus, Fleming College
200 Albert St. S., PO Box 8000
Lindsay, Ontario, Canada K9V 5E6
1-705-324-9144 ext 3045
Toll-Free: 1-866-353-6464 ext 3045
About Us
The CIAP team consists of scientists, faculty researchers, and technologists with strong industry connections. We are committed to driving innovation, sustainability, and knowledge transfer in Canada’s aquaculture sector.
Ethan Ramsey, Ph.D. – Principal Researcher
Dr. Ramsey is an aquaculture expert with over 15 years of experience in systems management, fish nutrition, and sustainable practices. At CIAP, he leads research projects and works with aquaculture industry partners to turn results into practical solutions they can use. His international experience includes a postdoctoral fellowship in Southeast Asia and curriculum development for Canadian aquaculture programs. He holds a Ph.D. in Aquaculture from Universiti Putra Malaysia and a Master’s from Tehran University, with numerous publications, including a translated text on aquaculture statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How do I start a project?
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Contact us to set up a consultation. We’ll create a custom research plan tailored to your needs.
- Are projects restricted to CIAP’s facility?
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No. Research can take place on-site, at industry partner locations, or external facilities, including other academic institutions and government agencies. Our team has extensive field experience across various aquaculture settings.
- What are the costs?
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Project fees vary based on scope and duration. Contact us for a detailed estimate.
- Are funding opportunities available?
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Yes. We can help explore funding options to reduce costs, including applying for grant funding. This will be discussed during your consultation.
- Who owns the intellectual property (IP) from my project?
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In most cases, industry partners retain full ownership of IP. This is outlined in the project agreement before work begins.
- Who will work on my project?
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Our core research team of scientists and technologists will oversee your project. In some cases, students may assist, particularly when required by certain funding programs. All researchers sign non-disclosure agreements.
- Which fish and shellfish species can CIAP work with?
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CIAP holds an Ontario aquaculture license for over 10 species, with ongoing expansion. Contact us for a full list.