Organized by the PhystoFish group at CIM, the event included a masterclass, a talk by the company Stolt Sea Farm on turbot production, and a showcooking session
On the occasion of World Aquaculture Day, celebrated on November 30, the PhystoFish research group of the Marine Research Center (CIM) at the University of Vigo organized an outreach day yesterday focused on one of the most emblematic species of Galician aquaculture: turbot (Scophthalmus maximus). The event aimed to introduce university students to the world of marine research and attract new talent to a sector that is strategic for Galicia.
The event combined science, knowledge transfer, and gastronomy to show students the many professional and specialization opportunities offered by aquaculture, one of CIM’s priority research areas and a key driver for the future of the blue economy.
Promoting scientific vocations
The session, inaugurated by PhystoFish CIM researcher Jesús Míguez, featured Joaquín Macías Sancho, head of the Animal Health R&D unit at Stolt Sea Farm, who explained the realities of turbot production in Galicia and the key role of collaboration between research centers and companies in driving innovation and qualified employment. Macías Sancho emphasized the crucial role of research and university-industry collaboration, especially in a strategic sector like turbot, of which 90% of European production comes from Galicia. The company highlighted that in recent years it has strengthened its commitment to animal welfare and underlined the need to invest in R&D, as well as the importance of promoting initiatives such as industrial doctorates.
In this context, Carlos Andrés Ramírez Rodríguez, an industrial PhD researcher between CIM and Stolt Sea Farm, gave a masterclass focused on animal welfare and turbot physiology, demonstrating how applied research can advance more sustainable and efficient aquaculture. His work focuses on improving the welfare of flatfish in farming through advanced techniques such as electroencephalography and the development of non-invasive tools to assess stress.
On the other hand, the Spanish Aquaculture Society (SEA) was represented at the opening of the event by PhystoFish CIM researcher Cristina Velasco, who introduced the organization to the students in attendance, emphasizing the importance of promoting new professional profiles and training specialists capable of meeting the current challenges of the sector.
A showcooking to connect science, culture, and talent
As a finale, the day included a showcooking by Omichi Ramen & Bar, where attendees could taste a dish prepared on the spot with fresh turbot. This activity aimed to bring younger audiences closer to the gastronomic, economic, and scientific value of the species, highlighting the importance of aquaculture as a cross-disciplinary field that combines research, innovation, industry, and marine culture.
A sector with a future that demands professionals
For CIM, aquaculture is set to play a key role in the future of sustainable food, marine conservation, and the blue economy, making outreach activities essential to inspire new scientific vocations and attract talent among university students.
CIM holds the CIGUS recognition from the Regional Government of Galicia, which certifies the quality and impact of its research, and its activities are co-financed by the European Union through the FEDER 21-27 Program.
