fish & shellfish larviculture Blue Biotech at UGent
Global aquatic production Blue Biotech at UGent
Aquaculture is probably the fastest growing foodproducing sector, and currently accounts for almost 50% of the world s food fish and is perceived as having the greatest potential to meet the growing demand for aquatic food. environmental problems? human health risks? sustainable? more responsible farming! Given the projected population growth over the next two decades, it is estimated that by 2030 at least an additional 40 million tons/year of aquatic food will be required to maintain the current per caput consumption.
UGent Aquaculture R&D Center Faculty of Bioscience Engineering Animal Production - P. Sorgeloos, P. Bossier Biochemical and Microbial Technology W. Verstraete, N. Boon Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology C. Janssen Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Virology, Parasitology and Immunology H. Nauwynck, E. Cox Morphology W. Van den Broeck Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases F. Pasmans Faculty of Sciences Biochemistry, Physiology and Microbiology P. Vandamme and P. De Vos Biology M. Vincx, A. Huysseune, D. Adriaens and W. Vyverman Molecular Genetics D. Inzé, M. Vuylsteke, F. Van Breusegem Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Microbiology T. Coeney
innovative microbial management systems
Environmental Toxicology & Aquatic Ecology Blue Biotech at UGent
Marine Biology Section of the Biology Department Blue Biotech at UGent
Renard Center for Marine Geology Blue Biotech at UGent
Laboratory of Aquaculture & Artemia Reference Center
# SCI papers by top 50 Belgian marine researchers Blue Biotech at UGent UGent
Aquatic biosciences, also called blue biotechnology, has been identified by EU-DG Research as research priority for the 2nd phase of FP7 under theme 2 Food, Agriculture & Fisheries and Biotechnology using the power that modern biological (-omics) research provides, the economic and scientific potentials of aquatic environments remain insufficiently explored, moreover, their resources remain largely untapped by European industry. Successful research in this new field of aquatic biosciences will require the involvement of a wide range of research disciplines, such as molecular physiology and biochemistry, genomics and proteomics, bioinformatics, nanotechnology, aquaculture, environmental bioremediation and biotechnology, etc.
Opportunity for new Blue-Biotech tt ttttttttttttttttttttttt Inter-University Consortium?
Blue-Biotech Inter-University Consortium UGent NTNU WU possible topics of complimentary research interest ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- use of gnotobiotic systems + gene expression technology for identification of key functions in aquatic in/vertebrates: digestion, reproduction, sex control, immunology, pathology, toxicology, function of selected antimicrobials als alternatives for antibiotics: quorum-sensing molecules, organic acids, heat-shock enzymes,... molecular breeding platform based on the use of gene marker techniques for the genetic selection of improved species seaweed & micro algae biotechnology and strain improvement for added-value products: biopolymers, biofuels, anti oxidants, lipids, immunostimulants, pigments, biofloc technology for more sustainable aquaculture virus-bacteria interactions / infections...
China AquaFishNet China Society of Fisheries ViFINET NACA ASEM Aquaculture platform Asian Fisheries Society
thank you
Major bottleneck for further expansion of aquaculture = predictable availability of fry, fingerlings, postlarvae, seed,...
Priorities for future aquaculture: from an empiricial towards a knowledge-based bio-industry better targeted selection of species for either mass production or for niche markets complete independence from natural stocks through domestication development of more efficient stocks through selective breeding more attention for integration of restocking activities with fisheries management better understanding of immune systems in vertebrates and invertebrates to develop appropriate measures for disease prevention and/or control more microbial management for more sustainable production more polyculture systems especially in coastal and off-shore farms, integrating different niches of the ecosystem (fish, shellfish and seaweeds) and maximizing nutrient recycling full independence from fisheries stocks for lipid and protein ingredients in aquatic feeds