Atlantic cod

Gadus morhua

cod brood

Atlantic cod has been an important commercial groundfish species for centuries, particularly in New England. Atlantic cod has been considered one of the next “new species” for aquaculture in the United States for a number of years. The basic technology for rearing this species has been developed for many decades but only recently has there been real commercial interest in farming cod. This is due to the limited supply of wild caught cod and the recent advances in farming techniques. Research has been carried out to evaluate its potential and develop technologies in a number of New England states and Canadian Maritime provinces. In contrast to many species under development, juvenile supply is not the key issue. More juvenile cod have been produced in the US and Canada than any other cold water marine fish. During the last decade significant numbers were produced at Great Bay Aquaculture in New Hampshire, here at the CCAR, and at Canadian hatcheries including the Marine Biological Station (DFO) in St Andrews, the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St Andrews and by Memorial University in Newfoundland (Dr Joe Brown Aquatic Research Building).

Despite these promising developments, there have been only small volumes of commercial cod production. Countries that farm cod include Norway, Scotland, Canada, Iceland and the USA. North American production is limited to Maine, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. The University of Maine’s Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research ended their Atlantic cod program in 2018, but between 2004-2010 CCAR conducted a number of projects with industry partners, including Great Bay Aquaculture (GBA).

Click the links below for more details.

Atlantic cod projects at CCAR

2004 demonstration project

2009 investigation of cod cataracts

2010 breeding program