* By Fishlab
In the changing landscape of aquaculture, the demand for sustainable and scientifically grounded practices has never been more pressing. The Danish company Fishlab is facilitating this evolution.
Introduction
In the changing landscape of aquaculture, the demand for sustainable and scientifically grounded practices has never been more pressing. Fishlab, a Danish company established in 2004, is facilitating this evolution by merging state-of-the-art research with practical solutions in fish fry cultivation and live feed production. With over two decades of experience, Fishlab has become a vital link between academic research and industry application, creating collaborations that drive innovation in aquaculture.
Advancing Fish Fry Production
Fishlab specializes in semi-extensive and intensive fish larvae production, offering comprehensive guidance on production planning, live feed cultivation, health monitoring, and disease prevention. Their expertise ensures high survival rates and robust growth in commercially cultured fish species. By integrating knowledge of water quality management, hatching strategies, and feed composition, Fishlab delivers tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of aquaculture operations.
Innovations in Live Feed: The Enchytraeus Initiative
Recognizing the challenges associated with traditional live feeds like Artemia, Fishlab, in collaboration with partners, is pioneering the use of Enchytraeus albidus (white worms) as a sustainable alternative. These terrestrial worms can be mass-produced using organic by-products from industries such as brewing and coffee production, aligning with circular bioeconomy principles. Notably, feeding juvenile fish with white worms has demonstrated up to a 200% increase in growth rates and reduced mortality, marking a significant advancement in aquaculture nutrition.
Collaborative Research Projects: DELIFEED and LiveFishHealth
Fishlab’s commitment to innovation is exemplified through its active participation in groundbreaking research projects:
» DELIFEED: This project aims to develop sustainable, nutritious, and immune-stimulating live feeds for juvenile farmed fish. By focusing on invertebrates like nematodes and white worms, DELIFEED seeks to replace suboptimal feeds, enhance fish health, and reduce antibiotic reliance in aquaculture. The consortium includes esteemed institutions such as Aarhus University, DTU, and Aalborg University, alongside Aquaculture partners in Denmark and Norway and live feed producers in Germany.
» LiveFishHealth: Addressing the absence of commercial vaccines for Rainbow Trout Fry Syndrome (RTFS), this project explores the innovative use of white worms as vectors for oral vaccination. By feeding trout fry with worms containing inactivated RTFS bacteria, the approach aims to naturally stimulate the immune system, reducing disease-related losses and antibiotic treatments.
Strategic Partnerships and Industry Impact
Fishlab’s extensive network includes collaborations with universities, consulting firms, and aquaculture companies.
Their role as a facilitator between research and industry ensures the practical application of scientific findings, creating advancements in live feed production and aquaculture practices. Accredited by DANAK in ISO 17025:2017, Fishlab upholds the highest standards in its services, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner in the aquaculture sector.
Conclusion
Through its dedication to scientific excellence and collaborative innovation, Fishlab is redefining sustainable practices in aquaculture. Their work in live feed development and fish fry production not only addresses current industry challenges but also sets a precedent for future advancements in aquaculture sustainability.
