Identification of broodstock performance indicators and markers to boost the aquaculture of emerging fish species
BESTBROOD
Appropriate broodstock management is essential for supporting reproductive function and reliable and consistent production of gametes and high-quality eggs, critical for the rapid increase in juveniles supply and turn aquaculture into a profitable industry. In all species commercialized to date, this has been the first significant challenge to overcome and it is still so for many emerging species.
The BESTBROOD project aims to build upon state-of-the-art from previous EU and National projects and, evolve biotechnologies that significantly improve broodstock management methods and enhance reproductive performance of selected emerging species (Senegalese sole, greater amberjack, spotted wolfish and lumpfish). All these species are in an early commercial stage, but all have showed suitability for farming, high economic value and market demand. To create the BEST BROODstocks the project plans to: 1) develop genetic markers and bio indicators; 2) create knowledge on the best rearing conditions; 3) improve the control of the maturation cycles; 4) test hormonal therapies and artificial fertilization methods and; 5) reduce dependence on wild fish for egg production. As a result, the BESTBROOD will lead to a more stable and predictable supply of high volumes of high-quality eggs for the production of juveniles to meet market demands for sustainability, and increase Europe’s aquaculture competitiveness.
The BESTBROOD brings together a multi-disciplinary consortium of partners with established expertise in fish breeding and reproductive biology to develop, validate and up-scale to the industry new tools and technologies and ensure research efforts are targeted to overcome the main reproductive bottlenecks affecting the project’s focus species. The BESTBROOD Multi-Actor Approach (MAA) is oriented to the needs and demands of the aquaculture industry, improving knowledge exchange, innovation, communication and dissemination and thus increasing the final impact of the projects.