Sustainable Science: Our Shared Responsibility

By Myrna Gillis, CEO, Onda

At Onda, sustainability isn’t just a value, it is foundational to how we think, operate, and innovate. We are proud to be part of a portfolio of purpose-driven companies working to develop and support an economically viable aquaculture industry that is both environmentally and socially responsible. As global pressure on aquatic ecosystems continues to grow, the need for responsible, science-driven solutions in aquaculture has never been more urgent. 

We view our work as part of a larger mission to support sustainable food systems and safeguard ocean health. As a solutions-focused research organization, we have both the opportunity and the obligation to ensure the science we conduct and how we conduct it reflects a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.  Our work must also be consistent with and support the values of our global clients and partners who expect us as a service provider to perform our work following responsible and ethical practices.  

That’s why we’re making strategic investments across our operations to improve our use of resources. We have recently begun converting some of our flow-through systems at our Victoria facility to recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), reducing water use by up to 90% per system or approximately 200,000 litres per day per system. As we expand our work with more warm-water species, this conversion also reduces the energy required to maintain controlled environmental temperatures. 

Our procurement practices now emphasize local sourcing wherever possible, helping to cut shipping-related emissions and support regional economies.  

Sustainability also extends to how we work with animals in research. Guided by the principles of the 3Rs, Reduce, Refine, Replace, we continue to design smarter trials, seek alternatives to working with live animals where available, and continually improve our protocols to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare. 

We believe good science and sustainability go hand in hand. As we mark Earth Day this year, we reaffirm our commitment to being thoughtful stewards of the environments we depend on and to helping our clients do the same. Thank you for partnering with us in this shared responsibility. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient future for aquaculture.