Research that creates ripples

We know the right idea, at the right time can change the future. That’s why we’re passionate about diving deep into the science of aquaculture to unlock the answers to the industry’s most pressing challenges. 

Through our bespoke health, nutrition and laboratory services, and rich library of customizable models we act as your partners in product innovation. 

With a dedicated focus on aquaculture research and clinical trials we help you get your products to market faster, with tightly controlled and customized studies. Bench-top testing and analysis supports novel product development, and expands market potential for pharmaceutical companies, aquatic producers, and feed manufacturers.

From discovery, through deployment and batch release for market, we help you explore uncharted depths, reimagine what’s possible and create solutions that can truly change the world.

Aquaculture researcher standing among a group of large tanks, testing the health and nutrition of the aquatic animals in the tanks.

World-class aquatic experiments

Get your products to market faster, with tightly controlled and customized research, testing and batch release.

Actionable results you can claim

Novel bench-top testing and analysis to support product development and optimize aquatic health for a variety of species.

Customized commercial aquafeeds

Test novel ingredients and expand market potential, with customized research innovation and production.

Like ripples across the water, even our smallest projects can have a big impact.

Dedicated to preserving oceans for future generations, our groundbreaking research and cutting-edge technologies are creating a future where sustainable aquaculture defines market expectations, establishing a new wave of industry excellence. 

To give you peace of mind and ensure world-class precision in aquatic care, our systems and operations are built on the highest global standards.

With a collective 600+ years of experience, our integrated team of health, nutrition and laboratory specialists bring perspective and precision to your most important projects.

Myrna L. Gillis, Chief Executive Officer / ONDA Research

Myrna L. Gillis

Chief Executive Officer

  • Kings Counsel (KC), Juris Doctor Law (JD), Bachelor of Arts (BA)

    Myrna Gillis is a seasoned life science and aquaculture technology founder and CEO with a track record of success in strategic and tactical execution in research and product development, quality management, and regulatory compliance. As a collaborative and transformative leader, she is deeply committed to social inclusion, and environmental sustainability while maintaining a relentless pursuit of operational excellence and financial discipline. With three decades of experience in business, and service she is currently test facility management for Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) following international standards under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). She has a deep understanding and experience having worked in highly regulated industries, including pharmaceutical and life science industries, and has navigated licensing and certifications for the drug establishment (DEL), medical device (MDEL), cannabis, and aquaculture licenses, as well as certifications for EUGMP, cGMP, and Clean Green organic. Her commitment to sustainable aquaculture includes initiatives in fish nutrition, fish breeding, fish waste management, and bioactive and available organic nutrient generation. All these experiences align with Onda objectives and with the research goals and product development needs of international and domestic aquaculture pharmaceutical companies, producers and others pursuing innovations and product development and release in the industry. Corporate recognitions under her leadership include consumer choice and industry awards for diversity & inclusion, sustainability, products, brands, aquaculture innovation, and export. Her individual leadership has been recognized as one of the top 50 industry leaders and has been recognized by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Dalhousie University, and her excellence and integrity in law was recognized by her peers with her receipt of the Kings Counsel designation.

Karl Ove Reinsnes, VP of Business Development / ONDA Research

Karl Ove Reinsnes

Vice President of Business Development

  • BSc in Aquaculture

    With nearly 20 years in the aquaculture industry, Karl Ove Reinsnes brings a wealth of experience to Onda, having held key positions in business development and market expansion within the aquaculture industry. He began his career as a technician and site manager for Norway’s leading aquaculture farm. He moved from Operations to Business Development later in his career and held leadership roles within the pharma biotech, focusing on identifying and cultivating new business prospects, negotiating lucrative deals, and spearheading initiatives that drive revenue growth and market penetration. As the founder and CEO of Havmegler AS, Karl Ove explored new business areas within the aquaculture industry to remain at the forefront of industry trends. Karl Ove is renowned for his ability to drive growth, forge strategic partnerships, and capitalize on emerging market opportunities, which has consistently driven progress and success both personally and professionally.

Catherine Albert, Quality Director / ONDA Research

Catherine Albert

Quality Director

  • BSc in Marine Biology, Diploma of Aquaculture Technology

    Catherine Albert leads our Quality Assurance Program and Quality Control Testing Laboratory providing direction and strategy for quality and compliance. She focuses Onda’s robust Quality Management System on the prevention of problems before they occur, continual improvement and providing confidence a product or service will meet the quality requirements. She held various Quality roles over the last three decades with an extensive background implementing and leading quality programs 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 was the driving force in receiving both GMP and GLP certifications at Onda. She has been involved with both the research and development and manufacturing stages of veterinary products for many regions around the world. Her experience provides a path to ensure compliance for regulated veterinary studies and provide ‘Quality Beyond Compliance’ for R&D studies.

Shaun MacLeod, Director of Operations / ONDA Research

Shaun MacLeod

Director of Operations

  • Bachelor of Arts, President of the PEI Aquaculture Alliance, Treasurer of the PEI Finfish Association

    With a proven track record of optimizing operations and exceeding client expectations, Shaun MacLeod is dedicated to driving organizational excellence. With over 30 years of experience in aquaculture, Shaun MacLeod has navigated diverse roles within the industry, honing expertise in project management, resource optimization and quality assurance, bringing this experience as Director of Operations to Onda. An expert in the field of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) construction and operations, Shaun has taken part in the construction, commissioning and operations for some of the largest RAS projects in North America over his career. Shaun has overseen a spectrum of aquaculture projects, fostering collaborative partnerships and driving innovation in sustainable seafood production. Shaun is best known for his boots on the ground approach to delivering projects on time and ensuring the overall feasibility of the projects.

Ivan Tankovski, Director of Nutrition / ONDA Research

Ivan Tankovski

Director of Nutrition

  • Masters of Aquaculture

    As Director of Nutrition at Onda, Ivan Tankovski merges his passion for aquatic health with extensive experience in nutritional sciences. With a career spanning over 15 years, he is dedicated to advancing the field of aquaculture nutrition through innovative research and strategic leadership and has spent the entirety of his career in contract research. Ivan’s breadth of experience expands beyond nutrition, having started his career in vaccine development, he brings a varied background and experience to Onda. He leads Onda’s Nutrition & FeedTech units, focusing on evaluating various feed ingredients and compound feeds, as well as the production of customized diets for various aquatic species, translating scientific findings into actionable insights. To date, he has led over 50 projects involving various novel microbial, plant, insect and animal protein sources and concentrates, enzymes and oils. Ivan is poised to lead Onda in pioneering research initiatives that drive sustainable growth, foster industry collaboration, and elevate standards of nutrition in aquaculture practices worldwide.

Meaghan McCormack, Director of Finance / ONDA Research

Meaghan McCormack

Director of Finance

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Chartered Professional Accountant

    Meaghan McCormack is responsible for Onda’s long term financial health & growth. She brings over 10 years of experience to the role from a wide range of industries with a proven track record of financial leadership and strategic acumen. During her time in health care, she united 20 stores spread over 4 provinces under a unified human capital management solution to bring clarity and accuracy to the business. While working in the pharma biotech industry, Meaghan built from the ground up a financial reporting solution, fixed asset management program and streamlined processes that improved workflow by 96%. She is known for her strategic thinking, attention to detail, and ability to communicate complex financial concepts to non-finance stakeholders. Meaghan brings the team together to develop a clear picture for Onda’s financial future.

Dr. Fabio Zanuzzo, Manager of Aquatic Health / ONDA Research

Dr. Fabio Zanuzzo

Director of Aquatic Animal Health

  • Masters of Aquaculture, PhD in Aquaculture, Post-Doctoral in Fish Behaviour & Impact of Climate Change on Atlantic Salmon

    From childhood, Fabio was hooked on fishing and fascinated by fish biology. He turned this passion into a career path and currently heads Aquatic Animal Health at Onda. Fabio brings over 20 years of experience from both academic and industry sectors, focusing on fish health, and conducting and supervising strategic research tailored to market demands. A keen eye for detail and a wealth of expertise, he is noted for his hands-on, meticulous, multi-level approach to research. Committed to staying at the forefront of emerging trends and methodologies, in previous roles, Fabio studied feed additives, immune and stress responses, and climate change impacts in aquaculture. His ground-breaking work led to the development of two novel feed additives and functional assays for assessing fish health, an impact felt across the industry. He has also worked as a publication editor for recognized scientific journals such as Frontiers in Aquaculture, has over 45 scientific publications, and 5 book chapters to his name. Outside of work, Fabio enjoys camping and outdoor activities, and he is a passionate Formula 1 and football fan.

Dr. Jordan Poley, Manager of LabTech Services / ONDA Research

Dr. Jordan Poley

Director of LabTech Services

  • Bachelor of Science, PhD in Aquaculture As Manager of LabTech Services

    Jordan Poley brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the forefront of scientific exploration and innovation to the aquaculture industry. With a background in Pathology & Microbiology, Jordan leads with a steadfast commitment to advancing research and driving practical solutions. In his role, Jordan oversees the day-to-day operations of the laboratory, orchestrating a diverse array of projects. His hands-on approach and attention to detail ensures that trials are conducted with precision and integrity, producing reliable data and actionable insights to move the industry forward. He cultivates a culture of curiosity, innovation, and scientific rigor while remaining an advocate and advisor for Onda’s clients. Born and bred of the red soil, Jordan Poley has maintained his roots in Prince Edward Island while sharing the innovation and technological advancement that comes out of the island with the world. He collaborates closely with industry partners, academic institutions, regulatory agencies to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration, and shape best practices for the industry.

Nayara Lima, Human Resource Manager / ONDA Research

Nayara Lima

Human Resource Manager

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Masters of Business Administration Specializing in Human Resource

    Since joining Onda as Human Resource Manager, Nayara Lima has been instrumental in enhancing HR functions, focusing on policy development, process optimization and Team Member engagement & development. Dedicated to creating a robust corporate culture that promotes continuous growth, Nayara’s career in Human Resources started when she finished her education in the US. During her tenure in the retail industry, Nayara implemented new leadership structures which streamlined positions and responsibilities and spearheaded the Voice of Employee Committee, creating a feedback loop to increase employee satisfaction. Nayara is originally from Brazil, moving to the USA in 2011 to complete her education before adopting the title “Come from Away” when she moved to Charlottetown, PEI. Nayara is a valued member of the board of directors for BGC Charlottetown & Montague, contributing her expertise in human resources and leadership to support the organization's goals.

Robyn Atamanchuk, Sales & Marketing Manager / ONDA Research

Robyn Atamanchuk

Sales & Marketing Manager

  • Bachelor of Arts in History, Masters of Business Administration

    As a seasoned Sales & Marketing Manager, Robyn Atamanchuk brings over 15 years of experience in driving revenue growth and cultivating brand presence across diverse industries. Known for a strategic mindset and exceptional sales, Robyn has consistently exceeded targets, which was recognized in 2021 when she was awarded the Presidential Sales Award in her previous role with an architectural coating manufacturer. With a keen understanding of market dynamic, Robyn develops innovative sales and marketing strategies tailored to the needs of Onda and the aquaculture industry. Leveraging a data-driven approach, she harnesses market insight to identify opportunities and optimize campaigns. She excels in building strong client relationships and delivering exceptional client experiences that drive loyalty and retention.

World-class aquaculture facilities

Located on Prince Edward Island, within the heart of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, our state-of-the-art facilities foster an innovative approach to problem solving, creating the environment for breakthrough ideas. 

Victoria

This 46,000 sq. ft. Flow Through aquaculture research facility includes purpose-built, wet and dry labs. Housing 8 aquarium lab spaces and 1 dry lab with 20 discrete rooms, this facility is primarily dedicated to Health trials conducted within AQC3.

  • HVAC

    Fridges, Freezers

    Oxygen and Temperature

    Effluent Decontamination

    Mechanical & Electrical System

  • UPS

    Oxygen

    Redundant emergency generators with auto transfer

  • Ozone + UV Treatment

ONDA Aquaculture research facility, located in Souris PEI, Canada.

Souris

This 21,000 sq. ft. RAS aquaculture research facility includes a quarantine unit for isolating and testing animals for common disease-causing organisms before they are introduced to our systems.

  • HVAC

    Salinity

    RAS Water Levels

    Oxygen and Temperature

    Effluent Decontamination

  • Redundant emergency generators with auto transfer

  • Sodium Hypochlorite + UV

Salt Water

Groundwater wells, supplementation available

Fresh Water

Groundwater wells, supplementation available

Oxygen Supply

Main supply from an oxygen generator

Temperature

4-30 Degrees Celsius

Airflow

Inward airflow, monitored daily. HEPA filtered supply and exhaust, interlocked in AQC3/AQC2 laboratories.

Controlled Access

Access to all facility areas is tightly controlled through interlocked doors.