Improving aquaculture research with specialized structures

CONTEXT

Aquaculture helps meet the growing demand for fish around the world. However, the aquaculture sector in Europe has evolved little in recent years and the aquaculture research community within the European Research Area (ERA) is currently still very fragmented and uncoordinated both in the thematic communities (nutrition, genetics, adaptation and reproductive physiology, pathology, behaviour and welfare, technology and engineering) and in the regional groupings (species and related systems).

OBJECTIVE

Coordinating and supporting European aquaculture research infrastructures.

About the <br><strong>project </strong>

A one-stop-shop will be set up, allowing all European aquaculture stakeholders easy access to research and development services, notably through 39 facilities covering old and new aquaculture species.

Ultimately, AquaExcel2020 aims to become a key tool for improving aquaculture research practices, both scientifically and methodologically, through innovative and sustainable methods, such as the use of cleaner fish to control parasites, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, the establishment of virtual laboratories, experimental fish lines, and nano-sensors.