IMPRESS project deliverables
The page lists 6 deliverables related to the research project "IMPRESS".
List of Deliverables
| title and desprition | type | last update |
|---|---|---|
Improved Gamete Quality and ManagementEuropean eel and sturgeons are included in the IUCN as Critically Endangered species. To reduce fishing pressure, and the dependency of this industry on wild populations, and also for stocking purposes, it is important to successfully close the life-cycle of the eel in captivity. Improved gamete quality and management will also benefit production of wildtype conditioned sturgeon and salmon. At present, it is possible to obtain eel eggs or sperm for in vitro fertilization, but only after and very expensive hormonal treatments. Using environmental treatments or gonadotropin implants we plan to reduce or partially replace the standard hormonal treatments currently used to achieve sexual maturation, as well as obtaining a better gamete quality. Furthermore, there is a need to keep good quality sperm reserves in order to fertilize all the eggs when a good batch is obtained. Thus, short-term preservation and cryopreservation methods are required. Utilization of innovative transplantation techniques can help the development of gametes extracted from endangered species using more common species (shorter age of maturation) as the surrogate host. Furthermore, the use of germ cells for the creation of germline chimera is an expansion of this technique for application in cryopreservation platforms aimed at conservation of threatened genetic resources. Programme: H2020-EU.1.3.1. - Topic(s): MSCA-ITN-2014-ETN |
Documents, reports | 2019-06-19 |
Improved Broodstock ManagementBroodstock management involves all the appropriate measures taken by the farmer to enable a captive group of fish to undergo reproductive maturation and spawning. Currently, hormonal manipulation is commonly used as a management tool in the cultivation of the targeted species (eel, salmon and sturgeons), either to enhance the efficiency of egg production or to increase spermiation, both facilitating hatchery operations. We will set up new protocols for both gamete development and spawning induction of broodstock, through development of alternative treatments (including environmental changes like photoperiod or temperature, or gonadotropin usage (homologous pituitary hormones, recombinant hormones, neuropeptides) for inducing gamete production. Programme: H2020-EU.1.3.1. - Topic(s): MSCA-ITN-2014-ETN |
Documents, reports | 2019-06-19 |
Innovative production strategies for fish conservation and managementIn response to the dramatic decline in wild stocks of many of the world´s fish species, many attempts have been made to bolster declining stocks by releasing hatchery-reared juveniles back into the wild. However, current intensive hatchery procedures result in behaviourally naive juveniles which display physiological adaptations towards hatchery rearing conditions. These production deficiencies results in reduced survival and reproduction in the wild, and adapted rearing practices are required to increase the overall fitness under natural conditions instead of a focus on performance in a near constant commercial rearing environment. New production protocols will be designed that will increase the cognitive ability and physiological capabilities of fish as compared to those raised under traditional intensive hatchery conditions. This calls for a paradigm shift in hatchery management, moving away from traditional husbandry practices to new hatchery procedures (optimal stocking density, adapted fertilization strategies, environmental enrichment, variable feeding, variable physical parameters such as flow rate, direction of flow, temperature) aimed at increasing the physiological fitness and cognitive ability of raised fish, which in turn leads to increased post-release survival (stock enhancement), as well as improved release strategies. Programme: H2020-EU.1.3.1. - Topic(s): MSCA-ITN-2014-ETN |
Documents, reports | 2019-06-19 |
Socio-economic dimensionsA key requisite to implement important project findings into real life fishery management and conservation is to gain knowledge and understanding on how key stakeholders assess the overall findings and recommendations from the project, especially the recommended “paradigm shift†in fish cultivation practices compared to current practices and established historic traditions. Further, it is necessary to evaluate the potential economic benefits of successful restoration and conservation of these iconic species to design economically efficient and socially acceptable programs. We will study how key stakeholders in fishery management, conservation, stocking and angling activities assess and make trade-offs between pros and cons of existing and new production techniques. Further, we will map and quantify the potential economic and social benefits (individual, social/cultural, and economic) of successful restoration and conservation of iconic species Atlantic salmon, European eel, and sturgeon at the level of local communities in Germany, France and Norway. Programme: H2020-EU.1.3.1. - Topic(s): MSCA-ITN-2014-ETN |
Documents, reports | 2019-06-19 |
New in vitro and –omics technologiesThe complete genome sequence of Acipenser sturio will be mapped using an established de novo assembly pipeline and multiple tissue samples will be used to generate reference transcriptome profiles. Subsequently, these genomic resources will be used to develop new applications: (1) blood and fin clip samples obtained during artificial maturation trials will be used to generate minimally invasive maturation markers, the predictive value of which will be determined in a dedicated validation trial; (2) modified gonadotropins and neuronal signaling molecules will be designed for optimized artificial maturation of A. sturio; (3) molecular information about hormones and their receptors will allow the development of in vitro model systems for regulatory mechanism investigations, for alternatives to in vivo experiments and for reduction of number of animals used. Programme: H2020-EU.1.3.1. - Topic(s): MSCA-ITN-2014-ETN |
Documents, reports | 2019-06-19 |
Website developmentAn Impress website will be set up for efficient communication of results and activities to the public, to the scientific community, and between the consortium members. Programme: H2020-EU.1.3.1. - Topic(s): MSCA-ITN-2014-ETN |
Websites, patent fillings, videos etc. | 2019-06-19 |