The global marketplace is very competitive. Research is key to growth, competitiveness and exploitation of new biological and technological developments to enhance production. To be sustainable, though, the industry's growth must also incorporate sound environmental practices, as the viability of aquaculture is directly dependent on the maintenance of a healthy and productive aquatic environment. AquaNet's goal is to help secure the future of the Canadian aquaculture industry by increasing the efficiency of production through species diversification, biotechnology, environmental sustainability and training of highly-qualified personnel. Chronic viral diseases and cancer exert a heavy burden on society in terms of lives and economic factors.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Canada and around the world.
It is estimated that as many as 200 million people world-wide, including approximately 275,000 in Canada, harbour the hepatitis C virus. Vaccine development and production in Canada have been highly successful areas of research and business for the past 25 years. The discovery of the T-cell receptor by Canadian investigators has allowed better understanding of the fundamental immune processes involved in controlling chronic diseases. It is now possible to envision the development of immunotherapeutic strategies for the prevention or treatment of chronic diseases such as some forms of cancer, AIDS and hepatitis C, through the triggering of a protective immune response. A person is afflicted by a stroke every 10 minutes in Canada.