WE DELIVER INNOVATIVE, TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR ORGANIZATIONS IN THE INDUSTRY.
The Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT) is a global, full-service, contract and internal R&D organization that is focused on the application of technologies to improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the aquaculture industry. CAT is home to a unique combination of world-class scientists bringing together complementary expertise in fish health, nutrition, and genetics working in state-of-the-art facilities to deliver innovative, tailor-made solutions for organizations in the sector.
Contact our team to learn how we can help to bring your project to success.
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
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
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
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
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. 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
Dr. André Dumas
Director of Fish Nutrition
Dr. André Dumas earned his PhD in animal nutrition at the University of Guelph in 2008. Dr. Dumas served as Research scientist for a multinational feed company and Director of aquaculture at a research institute before joining CATC in June 2015. His area of scientific expertise relates to ingredient development, testing of specialty feed ingredients, feed formulation and processing, shadow pricing, mathematical modelling and nutrigenomics. His expertise encompasses warm and cold water species farmed in fresh or salt water. Dr. Dumas publishes articles for peer reviewed scientific journals and trade magazines. Dr. Dumas is committed to the success of CATC’s customers and strive to create value through innovation. He has deep aquaculture nutrition business acumen, disciplined managerial and leadership abilities, and well established network of trusting relationships with industry and academia.
Dr. André Dumas
Director of Fish Nutrition
Dr. André Dumas earned his PhD in animal nutrition at the University of Guelph in 2008. Dr. Dumas served as Research scientist for a multinational feed company and Director of aquaculture at a research institute before joining CATC in June 2015. His area of scientific expertise relates to ingredient development, testing of specialty feed ingredients, feed formulation and processing, shadow pricing, mathematical modelling and nutrigenomics. His expertise encompasses warm and cold water species farmed in fresh or salt water. Dr. Dumas publishes articles for peer reviewed scientific journals and trade magazines. Dr. Dumas is committed to the success of CATC’s customers and strive to create value through innovation. He has deep aquaculture nutrition business acumen, disciplined managerial and leadership abilities, and well established network of trusting relationships with industry and academia.
Director of Fish 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
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
Shaun MacLeod
Facility Manager
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
Facility Manager
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
Robin Muzzerall
FACILITY MANAGER, VICTORIA
Robin began her aquaculture journey on the East Coast after completing her BSc. Biology at St. Mary’s University in Halifax. She has spent more than 25 years as a hands-on manager in the freshwater production of salmon and arctic char, working on both coasts and in the north. Robin returned to PEI to join the CAT in May 2020 - almost a full circle to where she began her interest and career in aquaculture
Robin Muzzerall
FACILITY MANAGER, VICTORIA
Robin began her aquaculture journey on the East Coast after completing her BSc. Biology at St. Mary’s University in Halifax. She has spent more than 25 years as a hands-on manager in the freshwater production of salmon and arctic char, working on both coasts and in the north. Robin returned to PEI to join the CAT in May 2020 - almost a full circle to where she began her interest and career in aquaculture