June 10, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(HALIFAX) – Canada’s Ocean Supercluster today announced five new ocean innovation projects worth over $18 million during the H20 Conference in Halifax, including the $7.2 million Microbial Protein for Sustainable Aquaculture Project led by DeNova.
This new project is set to transform aquaculture feed production with the development of a novel microbial protein – an innovative and sustainable alternative to conventional aquafeed ingredients like fishmeal and soy, which are major contributors to aquaculture’s environmental footprint.
As aquafeed remains one of the biggest barriers to the growth of sustainable seafood, this project directly addresses a critical challenge in the ocean economy. By advancing responsible food production technologies, the initiative supports the expansion of Canada’s aquaculture industry while reducing environmental impact.
The project is led by Dartmouth, NS-based DeNova, in partnership with The Verschuren Centre in Sydney, NS, and Neptune Properties in Dartmouth. With a total project value of $7.2 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $2.5 million, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
With global demand for sustainable protein rising, this project brings Canada to the forefront of next-generation aquaculture solutions, supporting a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible ocean economy. It also strengthens Canada’s position as a global leader in sustainable aquafeed, while driving economic growth through job creation in biotechnology and feed manufacturing, including an expected nine full time positions.
Through Ambition 2035 and together with Canada’s ocean community, we are bold in our ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy 5X to $220 billion by 2035. Continued investment in the accelerated development and commercialization of globally relevant, made in Canada ocean solutions, including the projects announced today, will help us realize this ambition. Read more about recommendations to help achieve this transformational growth opportunity outlined in Charting the Course to 5X Growth in Canada’s Ocean Economy and the projected benefits to Canada here.
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Media Contacts
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved more than 140 projects valued at more than $500 million, which will deliver more than 300 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world.
Quotes
“This project is a powerful example of how ocean innovation can solve some of the most pressing challenges in sustainable food production. By advancing a novel microbial protein for aquafeed, the project is not only reducing environmental impact, but creating new economic opportunities, supporting inclusive workforce development, and positioning Canada as a global leader in the future of sustainable aquaculture.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“The Ocean Supercluster’s continued leadership and investment in transformative ocean innovation is accelerating sustainable solutions and advancing Canada’s blue bioeconomy. We’re grateful for their support in enabling technologies that promote responsible food production and contribute to a more resilient and environmentally sustainable ocean future.” – Brianna Orr Stratton, Founder & CEO, DeNova