Result description
CryoPlankton is already widely and successfully used as the basic live feed in several cold-water fish species in northern Europe, due to the rich nutritional quality and the simplicity of preparation compared with traditional live food items. It is also used in some fast-growing warm water species with great success. The short and long-term benefits of CryoPlankton are well documented in some species, where growth is superior compared to the larvae fed traditional live feeds while reports suggest that organogenesis is faster and more complete. However, there is a lack of scientific documentation of CryoPlankton benefits in Mediterranean species, including seabass aquaculture, especially regarding the long-lasting effects of the early-stage diet under industrial conditions. The main reason is that industrial operations of seabass aquaculture are complex and there is limited opportunity to perform long-term studies where all parameters are under control.
The trial results show significant differences in the hatchery period KPIs and long-lasting effects of the CryoPlankton-fed treatments. In the hatchery period, the weight was almost 40% higher than the control and the biomass produced was 20% more. The growth rate of the CryoPlankton-fed animals during the hatchery period was significantly higher and while it was reduced during the on-growing, it remained evident giving 12% larger fish by the end of the trial after a year. In some deformity categories, such as the operculum, a significant difference was recorded, suggesting a better shape of the CryoPlankton-fed fish. The mortalities in the on-growing period were fewer in the CryoPlankton-fed fish than in the control groups, suggesting more robust fish. The population size at the end of the trial was more homogenous as being calculated from the coefficient of variance. Although not statistically significant, it should be enough to facilitate the usually costly on-growing handling and harvesting processes. The results are in accordance with previous studies of other fish species and evidence collected from different seabass aquaculture setups.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- Expanding to more markets /finding new customers
We aim to expand into new markets and are looking to conduct additional trials at commercial facilities. These efforts will be crucial to prove our product’s effectiveness and demonstrate its benefits for the aquaculture industry.
- Other Actors who can help us fulfil our market potential
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
The study identified specific benefits in using CryoPlankton live feed in seabass aquaculture. Although end users can directly apply the procedure, the expected results may vary. The mechanisms leading to the long-term effects have not yet been directly examined in all species and require further investigation. This output is a baseline for future industry improvement.
The production season is reviewed each year to improve the process and enhance the scalability.
The result can be replicated consistently and reliably in the majority of seabass aquaculture cases, provided a level of similarity in infrastructure setup is maintained. However, as this is the case of a natural food item, verification and validation is needed for the different fish species.
CryoPlankton will provide the fish larvae with the right nutrition to develop optimally, thus reducing farmers’ costs, enabling them to achieve a steady, higher output. CryoPlankton will also help farmers reduce their reliance on antibiotics, thereby mitigating a major public health concern in the future. Barnacles have traditionally been seen as a fouling organism, with negative value. Planktonic has turned this into a positive, a high value feed product.
Result submitted to Horizon Results Platform by INSTITUT FRANCAIS DE RECHERCHE POUR L’EXPLOITATION DE LA MER
