In collaboration with the company Stolt Sea Farm, which is providing an investment of 115,000 euros. It seeks to improve production processes and the health of the specimens and strengthen consumer confidence
The PhystoFish group of the Marine Research Center (CIM) of the University of Vigo has just launched the WelFlatFish+ project, focused on the evaluation and improvement of animal welfare in the industrial production of flatfish such as turbot and sole. Funded with 115,000 euros by the company Stolt Sea Farm SL, it will be developed until 2027 and responds to a need in modern aquaculture, which has an impact on better product quality and the sustainability of production, since the results will directly affect the optimization of the actual cultivation processes in the company’s farms.
In addition to the main researcher, Jesús Manuel Míguez Miramontes, the project includes the participation of Marcos Antonio López Patiño, Marta Conde Sieira, Mauro Chivite Alcalde and Mercedes Gallardo Medina. Also involved in this study is Carlos Andrés Ramírez Rodriguez, a doctoral student in the DoMar program, who is developing his thesis under the Industrial Doctorate program of the Xunta de Galicia; as well as Antía Verde Rodríguez, a researcher hired with the project budget. According to Jesús Míguez, “although in other previous projects we had already focused on the final phase of production, in this new one we will continue those studies but applying very sensitive electrophysiology techniques that will allow us to measure neurological activity and define the state of consciousness of the fish, ensuring complete sensory disconnection”.
Animal welfare in other phases of industrial production
WelFlatFish will also assess animal welfare in other phases of industrial production, where it may be compromised, such as handling involving exposure to air, accumulation in tanks or occasional fasting situations. In these phases, different hormonal, metabolic and molecular parameters will be monitored to identify possible sources of physiological stress, a response that can have negative consequences in production. The aim is to optimize all processes, minimizing risks and improving fish health.
Another of the project’s key axes will be the search for non-invasive indicators of well-being. “Initially, we will focus on measuring cortisol levels in the water in the tanks and in the mucus that covers the skin. We believe that this is an important avenue for future technological applications that allow the company to routinely monitor well-being, avoiding chronic effects that negatively impact production,” adds Míguez.
Collaborate to solve the challenges of current aquaculture
The collaboration with Stolt Sea Farm will be key to guaranteeing the applicability of the results, since, according to Jesús Míguez, “all experimental activity will be carried out in the company’s facilities, transferring our measurement techniques, in particular electrophysiological ones, to the farm itself. The results will directly impact the optimization of the actual cultivation processes in the company and in Galician aquaculture in general.”
In this sense, the researcher underlines the importance of these projects for the PhysToFish group and for the CIM, because “it represents a great scientific and technical challenge, applying basic knowledge acquired in the laboratory to real situations in the productive sector. Furthermore, it directly links with the CIM’s objectives of transferring knowledge to the business fabric and contributing to the sustainability and competitiveness of Galician aquaculture.”
Improve the social image of aquaculture products
One of the main challenges of current fish aquaculture is to improve consumers’ perception of the final products. The project adopts a comprehensive approach that seeks to promote a production model that respects animal welfare and reinforces consumer confidence. “We want to demonstrate that a more respectful production model is possible, thus contributing to a better social image of aquaculture products,” says Míguez.
The WelFlatFish+ project also aligns with the priorities of the Galician Specialization Strategy (RIS3 Galicia), highlighting the relevance of seafood and aquaculture as a strategic sector for the present and future of the region.
The CIM holds the CIGUS certification from the Regional Government of Galicia, which attests to the quality and impact of its research, and its activities are co-financed by the European Union through the 2021–2027 FEDER Program.
Source: DUVI
