Project details

Supported by: European Commission 6th Framework programme, Policy 8 Task 7

Co-ordinator: Institute of Marine Research, Department of Aquaculture (IMR), Norway

Start date: 1/03/2004

End date: 28/02/2007

Further information

Cefas contacts:

Assessment and mitigation of the influence of husbandry and environmental conditions on the health of farmed fish (WEALTH)

Background

Photo: Fish Farm Despite past improvements in diagnoses, sanitary controls and the widespread use of vaccination, the health and welfare of farmed fish remains a problem for the European aquaculture industry. The causes are known to exist in the genetic make-up of stocks, and the environmental conditions and husbandry practices affecting the fish. Although some important components of this complex matrix have been identified and studied, current knowledge is incomplete and fragmented, and a holistic view of how the well-being of farmed fish can be maximised is still lacking.

Objectives

The WEALTH project aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the factors affecting the health of farmed fish. It will:

Identify the key development stages – and husbandry practices – in which fish are most vulnerable to stress-induced infections
Prepare good practice guidelines to help improve health and welfare throughout the European aquaculture industry
Focus on salmon and sea bass, although the results will probably be relevant across a broad range of cultivated species

Policy development

WEALTH will help to develop EU aquaculture policy by providing quantitative information on factors affecting the health and welfare of farmed fish
Guidelines for a code of practice on good husbandry will help the Union set the highest possible ethical standards to meet the growing concerns for the welfare of all farmed animals, including fish

Cefas contribution

Assess the impact of early history of husbandry and environmental practices on acute handling responses at the morphological, physiological, endocrine and behavioural level.
Assess the impact of stress responses, acquired through husbandry and environmental practices as well as through endocrine and immunological manipulation, on primary barrier functions and susceptibility to infections.
Assist with the dissemination of knowledge generated in this project to further improve husbandry protocols. Suggesting minimum environmental requirements and best practises for improved fish health and welfare.

Partners

This project involves 11 partners from 8 different countries