In a pioneering study conducted by the Nutrigenomics and Fish Growth Endocrinology Group at the Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal (IATS-CSIC), located in Castellón, Spain, scientists have demonstrated how technology and biology can work together to reshape modern aquaculture practices.
The research team, led by Principal Investigator, Dr. Jaume Pérez-Sánchez, has developed an innovative approach using the latest version of the AEFishBIT triaxial accelerometer. Originally designed under the European AQUAEXCEL2000 Project, this device has been employed to study the welfare of farmed fish, paving the way for more ethical and efficient management in intensive aquaculture environments.
The study was carried out as part of the European H2020 AQUAEXCEL 3.0 programme and the ThinkinAzul Comunidad Valenciana initiative, which focusses on sustainable aquaculture practices.
The experiment, conducted at the facilities of the IATS-CSIC, compared two fish density conditions: a control group (10–15 kg/m³) and a high-density experimental group (18–24 kg/m³). To simulate crowding, a confinement test was applied, reducing tank space by 75%.
Key Findings
Published in the scientific magazine Biology, the study revealed that gilthead seabream exhibited notable habituation to stress under high-density conditions, recovering more quickly after repeated stress events. In contrast, European sea bass were more reactive and less suited to such environments.
From a physiological perspective, fish in high-density conditions displayed reduced growth, lower muscle fat, and decreased levels of haemoglobin and haematocrit. However, their capacity to adapt mitigated these adverse effects. At the molecular level, gene expression changes linked to growth and muscle regeneration indicated a shift in priority towards tissue repair rather than overall muscle development, ensuring critical functions under challenging conditions.
Technological advancements
The integration of tools like triaxial accelerometers has transformed the assessment of fish behavior and physiology. Real-time monitoring and precise correlations with key welfare indicators provide practical solutions for defining optimal densities, minimizing losses from chronic stress, and establishing ethical production standards.
Beyond its immediate implications, this approach lays the groundwork for future research into the impact of other environmental factors, such as temperature and oxygen, in conjunction with density in intensive aquaculture. It could also be adapted to better understand the behavior of species in both natural and farmed settings.
These findings not only prepare the sector for future challenges but also set a benchmark for more ethical, efficient, and sustainable aquaculture practices.
Reference
Holhorea, P.G.; Naya-Català, F.; Domingo-Bretón, R.; Moroni, F.; Belenguer, Á.; Calduch-Giner, J.À.; Pérez-Sánchez, J. Behavioural Monitoring Underlines Habituation to Repeated Stressor Stimuli in Farmed Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) Reared at a High Stocking Density. Biology 2024, 13, 879.
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