STUDY

Nanobubbles and Cannabidiol: The Ideal Mix for Enhancing the Wellbeing of European Sea Bass

Gran Canaria, 3 March 2025 |

Valery Ravelo - ECOAQUA

A study conducted by Valery Ravelo at the Institute for Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems Research (ECOAQUA), as part of her Master’s thesis, has revealed that the use of plant-based cannabidiol and microbubbles to enrich the aquaculture environment significantly improves the health and growth rates of European sea bass.

The findings demonstrate that environmental enrichment with microbubbles positively influences weight gain and other growth parameters in juvenile sea bass, without any adverse effects from the use of cannabidiol, which in turn enhanced health indicators and overall fish wellbeing. Both techniques, whether applied individually or combined, led to increased survival rates and a significant reduction in post-stress cortisol levels.

Under the supervision of Dr. Daniel Montero Vítores and Dr. Silvia Torrecillas Burriel, Valery Ravelo meticulously analysed various growth and wellbeing parameters, including blood and genetic assessments in brain areas associated with stress response. The study has paved new path for potential applications of these approaches in sustainable aquaculture, a field increasing important in the face of climate change and current socioeconomic challenges.

Ravelo’s research not only contributes to improving the quality of life for farmed fish but also boosts the economic profitability and environmental sustainability of the aquaculture sector. These findings were presented at the 19th Spanish’s National Congress of Aquaculture 2024 and the international congress Aqua 2024, where they were warmly received by the scientific and professional community.

Continuing her studies in the PhD programme in Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems at the ECOAQUA Institute, Ravelo is delving deeper into innovative strategies for animal welfare in aquaculture, promising future advancements and applications in the field.

This study stands out not only for its innovation and practical application but also for the momentum it adds to research focused on sustainability and wellbeing in aquaculture, aligning with the needs of professionals in the sector looking for effective, environmentally friendly solutions.

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