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Ellen Campbell


Ellen Campbell sampling some mussel spat and green algae in Rustico, Prince Edward Island, Canada (photo: Aaron Ramsay). .

Present Occupation: Program Coordinator at Environment Canada

M.Sc.: 2006 - 2012

Thesis: Nitrogen allocation in kelps grown in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems

Description: Prior research has indicated that the proximity of a significant amount of nitrogen generated by salmon has an impact on the total nitrogen level in kelps produced in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems. Kelps respond to changes in nitrogen concentrations by taking up ambient nitrogen and storing it for subsequent growth. The current research will focus on determining the pattern of nitrogen storage in kelps and will identify the major nitrogen pools involved. Kelps grown near salmon aquaculture cage sites will be examined to determine whether they are saturated with nitrogen and whether they are storing nitrogen as unique compounds.

Skipper Campbell doing field work in Rustico, Prince Edward Island, Canada (photo: Aaron Ramsay).

Further, the study will investigate the seasonal profiles of both free amino acids and protein amino acids in kelps grown in IMTA systems, and will determine the seasonal protein quality and content of these kelps. The short-term goal of the research is to characterize these profiles and compare them to those of wild kelps grown naturally and away from salmon operations, so that we can determine whether kelps grown in IMTA systems are biochemically different from wild kelps.

The distribution of nitrogen and amino acid composition can have a major impact on the taste and properties of seaweeds. Analyses of amino acid profiles should help to answer some of the questions regarding nutritional value and taste of seaweeds cultured in proximity to salmon aquaculture operations, and could identify compounds which might be appealing to pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies.