Pedro L. Castro and Rafael Ginés, researchers from the Aquaculture Research Group (GIA) at the University Institute of the ULPGC, are presenting the latest scientific advances aimed at improving the health of farmed sea bass in Iceland
The ECOAQUA University Institute at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), through researchers from the Aquaculture Research Group (GIA), has recently played an active role in the 2nd annual meeting of the European Microbiomes4Soy consortium, held in Reykjavík (Iceland). At this international gathering, the scientific team from Gran Canaria presented its strategic contributions focused on optimising the health of farmed sea bass through the use of enhanced soya ingredients and solutions based on the animal microbiome.
Image of one of the sessions held as part of the 2nd annual meeting of the European ‘Microbiomes4Soy’ consortium.
The ULPGC’s key role in the project
As part of this consortium of excellence funded by the Horizon Europe programme, the ULPGC contributes its proven expertise in marine sciences. The Canary Islands-based institution’s work focuses specifically on:
-Digestive health assessment: Analysing how new soya ingredients impact the gut microbiota and the welfare of sea bass.
-Clinical indicators: Monitoring the histological structure of the intestines, immune system responses and early detection of inflammatory processes.
-Aquaculture of the future: Co-designing efficient, second-generation soya-based diets and ingredients with a smaller environmental footprint.
Group photo of some of the researchers who took part in the meeting held in Reykjavík.
The project’s technical team includes several leading principal investigators. The Reykjavík meeting was attended by Pedro L. Castro, the lead researcher for the consortium on behalf of the ULPGC and a specialist in tissue analysis and histological examination of fish, and Rafael Ginés, a specialist in animal and aquaculture production. He is also head of the AQUAEXCEL service and director of the ECOAQUA Aquaculture Research Group.
A photograph of one of the scientific sessions held during the meeting in Iceland.
“Our participation in the event in Iceland consolidates the position of the ULPGC and the ECOAQUA institute as leaders in the transition towards sustainable aquaculture in Europe. By studying the microbiome, we ensure that plant-based protein alternatives, such as soya, are not only economically viable but also fully respectful of animal health and welfare on marine farms,” says Pedro L. Castro.
Another group photo featuring the researchers taking part in the 2nd annual meeting of the European ‘Microbiome4Soy’ consortium, attended by ECOAQUA’s GIA scientists Pedro L. Castro and Rafael Ginés.
'Microbiomes4Soy' ('Healthier diets and sustainable food and feed systems through the use of microbiomes for soya production and further use') is coordinated by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology. It comprises 18 international partners from 10 countries and aims to harness the potential of microorganisms found in soil, plants and animals to revolutionise food production and farming systems in the European Union.