Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MedAID (Mediterranean Aquaculture Integrated Development)

Teaser

MedAID addresses the H2020 call SFP-23-2016 “Improving the technical performance of the Mediterranean aquaculture specific challenge“, motivated by the long term stagnation of the seabass and seabream sectors. Thus, it pursues two main objectives: (i) to provide innovative...

Summary

MedAID addresses the H2020 call SFP-23-2016 “Improving the technical performance of the Mediterranean aquaculture specific challenge“, motivated by the long term stagnation of the seabass and seabream sectors. Thus, it pursues two main objectives: (i) to provide innovative knowledge and tools for improving the performance and sustainability of the production systems, as well as developing added value products and business plans; and (ii) to develop practical approaches and recommendations to help integration, harmonization and governance of the sector throughout the Mediterranean Sea.
MedAID is structured in 10 work packages:

• WP1: Holistic sustainability assessment of the Mediterranean marine fish farming sector
• WP2: Improving zootechnical performance
• WP3: Genetics and breeding
• WP4: Health management and diseases and fish welfare
• WP5: Product development, market and consumer assessment
• WP6: Improving business performance and development of marketing strategic plans
• WP7: Governance and social acceptability
• WP8: Integrated proposals for an innovative and competitive sector
• WP9: Participatory consultation, dissemination, communication and training
• WP10: Project coordination and management

Work performed

WP1: An assessment of the sector, covering the whole value chain, has been performed. The technical, economic and environmental, as well as social and governance components, have been analysed. A database has been created and was followed by a survey carried out across farms in 10 Mediterranean countries. Significant relationships between KPIs and predictor variables have been identified. Furthermore, an integrative analysis of all components and a data mining exercise have been undertaken to establish the basis for the development of a management tool for farms and to adjust the work of the other WP’s.

WP2: The focus has been on dealing with existing knowledge gaps to establish best management regimes and to obtain optimal growth with minimal adiposity, which consider both a correct welfare status and unfavourable farm handling conditions. Thus, preliminary results have been obtained from ongoing trials studying the main variables involved, such as hormonal differences between lean and fat fish, the holding temperature both in on growing and larval phases, and fish densities. Functional diets have been tested and analysis is ongoing. Moreover, an ongoing trial under commercial farming conditions will test the improvements proposed by the project from the outcomes of WP1, WP2 and WP8. The final goal is to propose improved practices and protocols for the sector.

WP3: Representative farmed populations from seven countries are being sequenced in order to obtain an SNP set that can be applied to genomic selection and an estimation of effective population sizes. G x E interactions are also being studied. A seabass phenotyping test is ongoing, and is designed to measure production and health characteristics.

WP4: The prevalence of diseases and their main risk factors has been mapped in collaboration with WP1. To strengthen diagnostic capacities, a directorate of experts and diagnostic laboratories has been completed. A diagnostic manual is being developed and the MedAID Health Online Forum was established. An interlaboratory proficiency test for diagnosis of VNN was carried out. In addition, a prototype VNN vaccine is now ready for testing in experimental trials. A preliminary list of fish operational welfare indicators has also been created.

WP5: Exploring the potential for different alternative products in the sector has identified the product and market requirements of the aquaculture chain, together with a report on market segmentation and niches in three European countries. The development of new products has commenced with a characterization of their technological properties.

WP6: Analyses of the economic efficiency and performance of the whole sector has been undertaken in order to propose business and marketing strategies. The results of an assessment of the economic performance of the industry, linked to WP1, has been presented. For the assessment of market efficiency, a market framework has been stated.

WP7: Analyses of the institutional and social constraints of the sector with an exploration of their social acceptability are being carried out. The methodological choices have been made and the research activities have started with some results presented in a regional stakeholder workshop. The local case studies have increased from one to three and are ongoing in Greece, Spain and Tunisia. The construction of a global strategy to enhance social acceptability, in collaboration with stakeholders, has started.

WP8: Integration outcomes from all WP’s to achieve innovative management practices are being carried out, and liaison with WP1 for the integration exercise has started.

WP9: A Stakeholders Advisory Panel has been established and consulted for the WP1 assessment. The Dissemination and Exploitation of Results Plan (DERP), as well as development of project communication tools and visual identity, are ongoing. Finally, the 1st MedAID Regional Workshop is being organised in order to present the results from

Final results

WP1 and WP8 will define industry typologies and KPIs, in order to provide alternatives and solutions for a more competitive sector.

The zootechnical work, tackling key sectorial bottlenecks, will improve production protocols.

The SNP chip will fill a large technology gap, enabling genomic selection and genetic gain for key economic traits and improved breeding programs.

The updated picture of the health situation in the sector will be a sound basis for recommendations concerning the implementation of biosecurity programs.

Mapping capacities on diagnostics and the health forum will facilitate networking and communication among stakeholders.

A prototype vaccine for VNN should play a crucial role in the control of this disease.

The information for new product development, as well as market structure and its dynamics, will set the foundation for improvements in the sector along the value chain.

The local ongoing case studies will serve to develop the “Guidelines in support of social acceptability of sustainable aquaculture development” document.

Website & more info

More info: http://www.medaid-h2020.eu/.