Sustainable growth of the aquaculture industry requires high numbers of healthy fish larvae. Despite considerable progress in aquaculture in the past 20 years, high mortalities during larval production and variable fry quality still plague the industry. This is exacerbated by an increasing need for diversification into new species, where these problems are even more acute. The lack of a predictable supply of high quality fish juveniles is largely attributed to uncontrolled environmental and nutritional factors during the larval rearing as well as the lack of tools for early prediction of larval phenotype, performance and quality. There is thus a clear need for an improvement of the scientific knowledge basis that will support sustainable development of aquaculture. It is clear that the application of an integrated-multidisciplinary approach will improve larval performance and juvenile quality.
LARVANET will facilitate international cooperation, exchange of scientists and students, and efficient use of resources at all levels, as well as exercising a lobby to influence long-term policy. There are over 200 universities and research institutions in Europe involved in aquaculture. Currently the European aquaculture industry produces about 1.3 million tonnes of finfish, equal to one third of the EU fishery market value, although representing only 20% of its volume. A forum for constructive dialogue between stakeholders and researchers will directly build the know-how necessary to promote sustainable development and competitiveness at a basic level - ability to produce cost-effectively quality juveniles