August 15, 2006

EU launches project to study fish malformation in aquaculture

A new EU-funded collective research project has been launched to share knowledge that would reduce malformations in major fish species reared in European aquaculture.

Results from the project, named "FineFish", would be applied to the professional hatchery sector.

Scientific knowledge has identified the following areas as factors of malformation-  rearing temperatures (especially in the early stages of life), nutrition and tank environment.

The project would investigate Atlantic salmon, cod, rainbow trout, sea bass and sea bream, the most common species in European aquaculture.

Coordinated by the FEAP (Federation of European Aquaculture Producers), this 3-year project would involve the ten top European fish hatcheries with scientists specialising in fish development. The project is slated to be a long-range study of the health of young fish.

"FineFish" was established as a response to industry concerns reflecting high levels of skeletal, backbone and gill malformations in fingerlings during industry meetings organised by the FEAP. 

Such malformations are a major financial loss for both SME hatcheries and producers and thus a project to look into such developments was deemed necessary.

Knowledge gleaned from the project would be summarised as guidelines for use in 'Best Practice' hatchery operating manuals and a classification handbook for deformity identification.

Meanwhile, the FEAP would ensure that the new strategies are transferred to small and medium enterprises through workshops and training programmes.