This Working Group will study the interaction between external (environmental, nutritional) and internal (molecular/ physiological/ behavioral/genetics) factors defining the phenotype and quality of fish larvae and juveniles. This will require a critical collation of fundamental and comparative knowledge on the importance of e.g. broodstock genetics and selection, broodstock husbandry and nutrition, water quality (chemical and microbiological), larval nutrition and feeding, growth physiology, health and immunology, metamorphosis, underlying molecular mechanisms for development and homeostasis, larval behaviour, and environmental conditions.

Objectives

1. To review the current state of knowledge related to fish larvae in the following key areas: 1) Effects of broodstock nutrition and egg quality on larval production; 2) Ontogeny and its impact on larval and juvenile viability and quality; 3) Environmental causes of mortality in fish larvae: water quality, microbiology and larval health; 4) Ontogeny of the digestive function and resulting constraints in diet composition; 5) Regulation and dietary requirements in relation to skeletal and other abnormalities; 6) key aspects of metamorphosis:  timing, and underlying molecular mechanisms for development, and importance for larval quality 7) ontogeny of the immune system (both cellular and molecular aspects) focusing on early defense mechanisms against pathogens and improving larval survival through immuno-modulation.
2. The focus will be on the major farmed species in Europe (seabream, seabass, cod, turbot, sole, halibut, carp), but knowledge on other species will also be used.
3. To identify critical success factors, limiting larval survival and predictable mass supply of quality juveniles for the European aquaculture industry.
4. To identify gaps in the scientific knowledge concerning the above information.
5. To identify short-term scientific missions within the research network to address the identified gaps using available resources.
6. To promote the organization of training schools for young researchers on mass rearing of quality juveniles for aquaculture.
7. To propose research projects to address gaps, which require additional funding.

Deliverables

• 7 Literature reviews on fundamental biological knowledge relevant to larval research and determining larval phenotype and quality.
• Report on critical success factors limiting predictable mass supply of quality juveniles for the European aquaculture industry.
• Report identifying gaps in the scientific knowledge and the further research needs in each area.
• 20 Short scientific missions.
• Joint research proposals.
• 5 Technical/scientific workshops.
• 2 Training schools for young researchers

This Working Group will identify parameters, based on individual and collated experiences from industry and research members, which can be used as predictors of fish larvae and juvenile quality and integrate them into prediction matrices.

Objectives

1. To identify biological parameters which can be applied (in vivo or post hoc) as predictors of fish larvae and juvenile quality.
2. To integrate the preceding information, involving researchers but also fish farmers and other stakeholders, to develop matrices predicting phenotype and larval quality.
3. To test the developed phenotype and larval quality predicting matrices, through: (a) collaborative action within the framework of the COST, if necessary using short term scientific missions; and (b) preparation of joint research projects proposals where additional funding is required.
4. Layout the principles of a database of fingerlings quality available from different sources in Europe as a tool for farmers to select to the best fingerlings for their set constraints and environmental conditions.

Deliverables

• Report on biological parameters and suitable matrices to be used as predictors of phenotype and larval quality in production of juvenile fish for aquaculture.
• Report on the testing of the developed phenotype and larval quality predicting matrices.
• Report identifying the further research needs on predictors of phenotype and larval quality in production of juvenile fish for aquaculture.
• Prototype of database of fingerling quality available from different sources in Europe
• 5 Technical/scientific workshops

This Working Group will synthesize the information arising from WG1 and WG2 of primary interest to the main stakeholder groups: hatchery producers and their client – ongrowing farmers. It should formulate recommendations, and support tools for improved production protocols and hatchery management in European aquaculture.

Objectives

1. To interact with WG1 and WG2 in defining what kind of information is of practical importance for the industry.
2. To synthesize the information arising from WG1 and WG2 of main interest to the main stakeholder groups.
3. To validate the developed phenotype and larval quality predicting matrices (WG2).
4. To propose monitoring systems and protocols to assess larval quality and, predict juvenile phenotype in practical conditions (commercial hatcheries), while promoting best management practices, and assessing the possibilities for developing ISO standards for the European larviculture industry.
5. To discuss strategies and implement dissemination of the network findings and outcomes, and promote dissemination activities.

 

Deliverables

• Summary report on operational predictors of phenotype and larval quality in production of juvenile fish for aquaculture.
• Report on data collecting systems and protocols to facilitate assessment of larval phenotype and larval quality in commercial hatcheries.
• Technical workshops