Aquaculture faces new challenges of competitiveness, profitability and sustainability. Generation of outstanding science and innovation able to promote European Bioeconomy are central objectives of LANUCE. Research will focus on optimization of sustainable practices for aquaculture using smart and precision farming and also improvement of quality, safety and welfare of aquatic animals under a market-oriented approach. Valorization of industrial by-products and inclusion of novel nutrient sources in aquafeeds will be a priority. A strong focus is placed on knowledge transfer to the end-users and industry.
Sustainable Practices for Aquaculture
Diversification of aquaculture production with focus on low-trophic level species. Precision and smart farming using predictive models; Bioenergetic modelling to support aquaculture production management; Design sustainable nutritional formulations to promote growth, minimize waste and improve flesh quality of aquatic animals; Identify sustainable/cost-effective nutrient sources through life cycle assessment under a circular economy approach; Re-use of industrial by-products in aquafeeds; Nutritional programming/epigenetics.
Welfare
Promote welfare (e.g. by swimming) and robustness of farmed species; improve digestive tube health; Prevention and mitigation of stress by using functional ingredients.
Quality and Safety of Aquatic Products
Improve productivity and aquaculture insight through better biosecurity of farmed species and offering healthy and safe seafood items to consumers; Tailoring flesh quality of farmed species by diets, rearing and slaughtering conditions; New processing and packaging solutions for seafood; Identification of biomarkers for flesh quality traits.
