CAT Delivers
Inovative, Tailor-Made Solutions for Organizations in the Industry
The Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT) is an R&D and contract service organization focused on improving the productivity, efficiency and sustainability in aquaculture and related industries through expertise in genetics, health, and nutrition. A joint US-Canada operation with facilities located in San Diego, California and in Victoria and Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada, our aquaculture expertise and experience combined with a solid background in cellular and molecular technologies and tank-based testing gives CAT a unique advantage in delivering research-based solutions.
Our Team
Dr. John Buchanan
President and CEO
Prior to helping launch CAT, Dr. Buchanan served for 5 years as the Director of Research and Development at AquaBounty Technologies. Previously, Dr. Buchanan has held a series of research leadership positions at Louisiana State University, the University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, and Kent SeaTech Corporation. Dr. Buchanan has led research on the application of genetic engineering to aquaculture, the use of selective breeding, hatchery technologies, and genomics for improved productivity in finfish, the development of novel therapeutics for aquaculture, and the molecular and genetic basis for virulence in aquatic and human pathogens. He also has experience directing and conducting studies compliant with governmental regulatory standards (GLP/GCP).
Dr. John Buchanan
President and CEO
Prior to helping launch CAT, Dr. Buchanan served for 5 years as the Director of Research and Development at AquaBounty Technologies. Previously, Dr. Buchanan has held a series of research leadership positions at Louisiana State University, the University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, and Kent SeaTech Corporation. Dr. Buchanan has led research on the application of genetic engineering to aquaculture, the use of selective breeding, hatchery technologies, and genomics for improved productivity in finfish, the development of novel therapeutics for aquaculture, and the molecular and genetic basis for virulence in aquatic and human pathogens. He also has experience directing and conducting studies compliant with governmental regulatory standards (GLP/GCP).
President and CEO Genetics
Genetics Team
Business Development
Finance
Chris Perry
Chief Operating Officer
Chris is an experienced executive with more than 20 years of strategic, operating and financial management experience including managing and growing early-stage companies. He was most recently the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Open Blue Sea Farms, a Panama based aquaculture company. Prior to Open Blue, he was the global Corporate Controller of EnerNoc (NASD: ENOC and now part of the Enel Group). While at EnerNoc, the company grew from $1 million in revenue to over $400 million in revenue and named the 2007 Top IPO in New England by Mass High Tech. Chris started his career at Ernst & Young LLP, in both the Transaction Services (M&A) and Assurance practices. He holds a BSBA degree from The Sawyer Business School at Suffolk University.
Business Development
Finance
Chris Perry
Chief Operating Officer
Chris is an experienced executive with more than 20 years of strategic, operating and financial management experience including managing and growing early-stage companies. He was most recently the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Open Blue Sea Farms, a Panama based aquaculture company. Prior to Open Blue, he was the global Corporate Controller of EnerNoc (NASD: ENOC and now part of the Enel Group). While at EnerNoc, the company grew from $1 million in revenue to over $400 million in revenue and named the 2007 Top IPO in New England by Mass High Tech. Chris started his career at Ernst & Young LLP, in both the Transaction Services (M&A) and Assurance practices. He holds a BSBA degree from The Sawyer Business School at Suffolk University.
Chief Operating Officer
Business Development
Roly Morris
CEO Health & Nutrition
Roly Morris is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of senior management experience. His background includes working with start-up and high-growth companies and overseeing maintenance and operations.
Roly has garnered front-line knowledge from a wide range of experience across multiple businesses and industries, as well as diverse geographies and countries.
He has earned a positive reputation for a strategic, systemic approach to business optimization, creating dynamic forward-thinking cultures and delivering memorable customer experiences.
Shaun MacLeod
Director of Research Facilities
Shaun MacLeod joined the CATC team in early 2019 as Aquatic Facility Manager. He has been working in the aquaculture industry since graduating from St. Francis Xavier University in 1992. Shaun’s expertise is in the field of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) construction and operations. He has taken part in the construction, commissioning and operations for some of the largest RAS projects in North America over the past 27 years. Shaun is best know for his hands on approach to delivering projects on time and ensuring the overall feasibility of the projects and he is bringing this philosophy to CATC as the Aquatic Facility Manager.
CEO Health & Nutrition
Business Development
Dr. Debbie Plouffe
Vice President of Business Development
Dr. Plouffe completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta graduating first with a BSc. in Invertebrate Biology and later with a Ph.D. in Physiology and Cell Biology with a focus on comparative immunology and immunoparsitology. Dr. Plouffe is a molecular and cell biologist with a strong background in fish immunology and fish health gaining experience in this area through a research position held at the National Research Council in Halifax where she was involved in a project funded by the NRC-Genomics and Health Initiative to examine genomic approaches to disease management in Atlantic salmon. She has been leading research projects in the industry since 2007 and has been involved in several regulated studies, designed and implemented diagnostic assays, and participates in study design, execution, and data analysis.
From 2007-2012 she has served as the Group Leader for Research and Development for AquaBounty Canada on PEI where she was responsible for management of research programs in Canada in support of the development and optimization of growth hormone transgenic salmonids in a GLP/GMP environment. Currently she is responsible for the management of research priorities and development of new projects, contracts, and collaborations from the CATC facility on PEI.
Business Development
Dr. Debbie Plouffe
Vice President of Business Development
Dr. Plouffe completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta graduating first with a BSc. in Invertebrate Biology and later with a Ph.D. in Physiology and Cell Biology with a focus on comparative immunology and immunoparsitology. Dr. Plouffe is a molecular and cell biologist with a strong background in fish immunology and fish health gaining experience in this area through a research position held at the National Research Council in Halifax where she was involved in a project funded by the NRC-Genomics and Health Initiative to examine genomic approaches to disease management in Atlantic salmon. She has been leading research projects in the industry since 2007 and has been involved in several regulated studies, designed and implemented diagnostic assays, and participates in study design, execution, and data analysis.
From 2007-2012 she has served as the Group Leader for Research and Development for AquaBounty Canada on PEI where she was responsible for management of research programs in Canada in support of the development and optimization of growth hormone transgenic salmonids in a GLP/GMP environment. Currently she is responsible for the management of research priorities and development of new projects, contracts, and collaborations from the CATC facility on PEI.
Vice President of Business Development
Jason Stannard
Vice President of Genotyping & Diagnostic
Jason Stannard devotes his efforts to overseeing company operations and managing various research projects focused on the development of diagnostics, therapeutics and genetic improvement technologies to enhance growth, health and disease resistance in aquatic species. Prior to joining CAT, Mr. Stannard served as Laboratory Director at AquaBounty Technologies (2005-2012) and Research Coordinator at Kent SeaTech (1999-2005); where he was responsible for managing laboratory and aquatics operations and leading a variety of R&D projects focused on developing improved diagnostics, genetics and animal health technologies for applications in aquaculture. Mr. Stannard has over twenty years of experience in operations and fisheries and aquaculture-based research.
Jason Stannard
Vice President of Genotyping & Diagnostic
Jason Stannard devotes his efforts to overseeing company operations and managing various research projects focused on the development of diagnostics, therapeutics and genetic improvement technologies to enhance growth, health and disease resistance in aquatic species. Prior to joining CAT, Mr. Stannard served as Laboratory Director at AquaBounty Technologies (2005-2012) and Research Coordinator at Kent SeaTech (1999-2005); where he was responsible for managing laboratory and aquatics operations and leading a variety of R&D projects focused on developing improved diagnostics, genetics and animal health technologies for applications in aquaculture. Mr. Stannard has over twenty years of experience in operations and fisheries and aquaculture-based research.
Vice President of Genotyping & Diagnostics
Dr. Alan Tinch
Vice President of Genetics
A graduate of the University of Edinburgh and Roslin Institute, Dr. Tinch brings more than three decades of experience in advanced animal genetics. He is an expert in developing and managing commercial breeding programs and research across both aquatic and terrestrial species with a focus on innovation and sustainability. During his career Dr. Tinch has held senior positions in Genetics and Technical Services in leading breeding companies including Benchmark Genetics Ltd and Hendrix Genetics.
Dr. Alan Tinch
Vice President of Genetics
A graduate of the University of Edinburgh and Roslin Institute, Dr. Tinch brings more than three decades of experience in advanced animal genetics. He is an expert in developing and managing commercial breeding programs and research across both aquatic and terrestrial species with a focus on innovation and sustainability. During his career Dr. Tinch has held senior positions in Genetics and Technical Services in leading breeding companies including Benchmark Genetics Ltd and Hendrix Genetics.
Vice President of Genetics
Dr. Klara Verbyla
Director of Genomics and Breeding and Associate VP of Genetics
Dr. Klara Verbyla brings over a decade of experience in designing and delivering innovative research in genomics, statistical/quantitative genetics, and applied breeding, with expertise in the application of new technologies for the genetic improvement of species.
A graduate of The University of Melbourne, Klara was the recipient of a European Union Marie Curie Early Career Fellowship. She played a pivotal role in the successful commercial implementation of genomic selection for the Tasmanian Atlantic salmon industry and was the genomics expert on the Salmon Applied Breeding team that won the prestigious CSIRO Chairman’s medal for Science Excellence in 2019.
Dr. Verbyla is passionate about the development and use of cutting-edge genetic technologies and data science to improve industry standards on productivity, secure a sustainable global food supply, and protect the earth's natural resources.
Dr. Klara Verbyla
Director of Genomics and Breeding and Associate VP of Genetics
Dr. Klara Verbyla brings over a decade of experience in designing and delivering innovative research in genomics, statistical/quantitative genetics, and applied breeding, with expertise in the application of new technologies for the genetic improvement of species.
A graduate of The University of Melbourne, Klara was the recipient of a European Union Marie Curie Early Career Fellowship. She played a pivotal role in the successful commercial implementation of genomic selection for the Tasmanian Atlantic salmon industry and was the genomics expert on the Salmon Applied Breeding team that won the prestigious CSIRO Chairman’s medal for Science Excellence in 2019.
Dr. Verbyla is passionate about the development and use of cutting-edge genetic technologies and data science to improve industry standards on productivity, secure a sustainable global food supply, and protect the earth's natural resources.
Director of Genomics & Breeding, Associate Vice President of Genetics
Dr. Xavier Lauth
Director of innovation
Dr. Xavier Lauth has expertise in the fields of immunity, host-pathogen interaction, developmental biology, and reproductive physiology. He has been with CAT since its inception and currently serves as Director of innovation developing Genome-editing technologies to improve production traits of aquaculture species. Dr. Lauth has >20+ year of R&D experience, serving in several leadership positions at AquaBounty and Kent Sea Tech following his post-doctoral fellowship at UCSD. He holds a PhD in Cellular and Molecular biology from the University of Strasbourg (France).
Dr. Xavier Lauth
Director of innovation
Dr. Xavier Lauth has expertise in the fields of immunity, host-pathogen interaction, developmental biology, and reproductive physiology. He has been with CAT since its inception and currently serves as Director of innovation developing Genome-editing technologies to improve production traits of aquaculture species. Dr. Lauth has >20+ year of R&D experience, serving in several leadership positions at AquaBounty and Kent Sea Tech following his post-doctoral fellowship at UCSD. He holds a PhD in Cellular and Molecular biology from the University of Strasbourg (France).
Director of innovation
Matt Stone
Director of Research Facility
Matt's aquaculture career began in the early 2000s when he first farmed salmon near Hobart, Tasmania. Fast forward nearly 20 years and Matt has developed a diverse skill set, farming species such as shrimp, Barramundi and Sablefish throughout Australia, Malaysia and Canada. Matt is very excited to join CAT in San Diego and to share his commercial aquaculture experience and knowledge with the team.
Dr. Xavier Lauth
Director of innovation
Dr. Xavier Lauth has expertise in the fields of immunity, host-pathogen interaction, developmental biology, and reproductive physiology. He has been with CAT since its inception and currently serves as Director of innovation developing Genome-editing technologies to improve production traits of aquaculture species. Dr. Lauth has >20+ year of R&D experience, serving in several leadership positions at AquaBounty and Kent Sea Tech following his post-doctoral fellowship at UCSD. He holds a PhD in Cellular and Molecular biology from the University of Strasbourg (France).
Director of Research Facility
Health & Nutrition Team
François Brenta
VP of Health and Nutrition
François started his career in 1993, working in the shrimp farming industry. A graduate of the University of Montpellier, his long track record includes working as a fisheries consultant on various projects in Mexico, Guatemala, Seychelles, and Peru; managing farms and hatchery operations in Ecuador, Brazil, Madagascar, and Martinique; establishing a biosecurity system in Saudi Arabia.
His key achievements include establishing quarantine system, the first introduction of Penaeus vannamei in Saudi Arabia, and sustained commercial introduction of broodstock. Since 2017 François has advised the Australian Prawn Farmers Association on biosecurity risk management relevant to the WSSV crisis, worked as an aquaculture biosecurity expert with Hendrix Genetics, Skretting, Marinasol, and most recently advised various European indoor farming projects.
François Brenta
VP of Health and Nutrition
François started his career in 1993, working in the shrimp farming industry. A graduate of the University of Montpellier, his long track record includes working as a fisheries consultant on various projects in Mexico, Guatemala, Seychelles, and Peru; managing farms and hatchery operations in Ecuador, Brazil, Madagascar, and Martinique; establishing a biosecurity system in Saudi Arabia.
His key achievements include establishing quarantine system, the first introduction of Penaeus vannamei in Saudi Arabia, and sustained commercial introduction of broodstock. Since 2017 François has advised the Australian Prawn Farmers Association on biosecurity risk management relevant to the WSSV crisis, worked as an aquaculture biosecurity expert with Hendrix Genetics, Skretting, Marinasol, and most recently advised various European indoor farming projects.
Vice President of Health & Nutrition
Dr. Mark Braceland
Director of Fish Health
Dr. Mark Braceland joined CATC in January 2016 as a senior research scientist. Previously he obtained a PhD in animal health and worked as a post doc at the University of Glasgow. His expertise are primarily in the identification and assay development of novel markers of fish health generally and of disease associated pathology through proteomic and biochemical techniques. His work has led to a number of scientific articles and patents. At CATC he is part of the fish health team designing novel in vitro and in vivo models and efficacy markers for the development of technologies to improve the sustainability and growth of aquaculture.
Dr. Mark Braceland
Director of Fish Health
Dr. Mark Braceland joined CATC in January 2016 as a senior research scientist. Previously he obtained a PhD in animal health and worked as a post doc at the University of Glasgow. His expertise are primarily in the identification and assay development of novel markers of fish health generally and of disease associated pathology through proteomic and biochemical techniques. His work has led to a number of scientific articles and patents. At CATC he is part of the fish health team designing novel in vitro and in vivo models and efficacy markers for the development of technologies to improve the sustainability and growth of aquaculture.
Director of Fish Health
Ivan Tankovski
Director of Nutrition
After graduating with MSc in Aquaculture from Wageningen University, Ivan has spent the last decade in applied research & development for the aquaculture industry. His research journey began in aquatic animal health studies with a focus on vaccine development, followed by an extension into the design and execution of nutrition projects. Ivan joins CAT from his previous position at Pontus Research, where he was Research Director. Over the past five years, Ivan has overseen a vast number of projects focusing on an array of novel and existing nutrition products. A seasoned aquaculture professional, Ivan has strong industry background and experience in trial design and execution, analysis and data management, leadership, and he has broad experience working with RAS systems.
Ivan Tankovski
Director of Nutrition
After graduating with MSc in Aquaculture from Wageningen University, Ivan has spent the last decade in applied research & development for the aquaculture industry. His research journey began in aquatic animal health studies with a focus on vaccine development, followed by an extension into the design and execution of nutrition projects. Ivan joins CAT from his previous position at Pontus Research, where he was Research Director. Over the past five years, Ivan has overseen a vast number of projects focusing on an array of novel and existing nutrition products. A seasoned aquaculture professional, Ivan has strong industry background and experience in trial design and execution, analysis and data management, leadership, and he has broad experience working with RAS systems.
Director of Nutrition
Shaun MacLeod
Director of Research Facilities
Shaun MacLeod joined the CATC team in early 2019 as Aquatic Facility Manager. He has been working in the aquaculture industry since graduating from St. Francis Xavier University in 1992. Shaun’s expertise is in the field of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) construction and operations. He has taken part in the construction, commissioning and operations for some of the largest RAS projects in North America over the past 27 years. Shaun is best know for his hands on approach to delivering projects on time and ensuring the overall feasibility of the projects and he is bringing this philosophy to CATC as the Aquatic Facility Manager.
Shaun MacLeod
Director of Research Facilities
Shaun MacLeod joined the CATC team in early 2019 as Aquatic Facility Manager. He has been working in the aquaculture industry since graduating from St. Francis Xavier University in 1992. Shaun’s expertise is in the field of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) construction and operations. He has taken part in the construction, commissioning and operations for some of the largest RAS projects in North America over the past 27 years. Shaun is best know for his hands on approach to delivering projects on time and ensuring the overall feasibility of the projects and he is bringing this philosophy to CATC as the Aquatic Facility Manager.
Director of Research Facilities
Meaghan McCormack
Director of Finance
Meaghan McCormack joined CAT in April 2021 as the Director of Finance. She received her business degree from the University of New Brunswick and obtained her Chartered Professional Accountant designation from CPA PEI. Meaghan joins CAT with 10 years' experience working in Finance. Her previous roles focused on process efficiency, budgeting, and financial reporting improvement.
Meaghan McCormack
Director of Finance
Meaghan McCormack joined CAT in April 2021 as the Director of Finance. She received her business degree from the University of New Brunswick and obtained her Chartered Professional Accountant designation from CPA PEI. Meaghan joins CAT with 10 years' experience working in Finance. Her previous roles focused on process efficiency, budgeting, and financial reporting improvement.
Director of Finance
Catherine Albert
Director of Quality
Catherine Albert joined CATC full time in July 2021 after working as a consultant for the previous 18 months. She held various Quality roles over a 25 year career with an extensive background implementing and leading Quality Management Systems for global companies. Catherine is proficient in all aspects of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Clinical Practices (GCP), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for the veterinary industry. She has been involved with both the R&D and manufacturing stages of veterinary products for many regions around the world. This experience provides a path to ensure compliance for regulated veterinary studies and provide Quality Beyond Compliance for R&D studies. Catherine holds a BSc in Marine Biology and a Diploma in Aquaculture Technology.
Catherine Albert
Director of Quality
Catherine Albert joined CATC full time in July 2021 after working as a consultant for the previous 18 months. She held various Quality roles over a 25 year career with an extensive background implementing and leading Quality Management Systems for global companies. Catherine is proficient in all aspects of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Clinical Practices (GCP), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for the veterinary industry. She has been involved with both the R&D and manufacturing stages of veterinary products for many regions around the world. This experience provides a path to ensure compliance for regulated veterinary studies and provide Quality Beyond Compliance for R&D studies. Catherine holds a BSc in Marine Biology and a Diploma in Aquaculture Technology.
Director of Quality
Why work with us:
CAT brings decades of expertise working with aquatic animals. We provide you with continuous guidance and support throughout the project.
Our in-house quality system and world-class certification allow us to conduct in vivo and in vitro studies with imported as well as domestic aquatic animal pathogens.
Our state-of-the-art facilities are equipped to support a diverse range of projects from discovery through final product development and testing.
We help measure Return on Investment and customize services to maximize project value.
We offer client-focused solutions and specialize in developing custom tools to deliver results you can use.
CAT is committed to providing a high-quality product and customer support - consulting is one of our adjacent services. Contact us for a free initial consultation today!