EASYTRAIN Innovative Training Network will develop 6 projects.
Project 1
Optimizing feed intake with organic diets.
Project 2
Synchronisation of fish and plant rhythms in aquaponics: matching rhythms of excretion and nutrient uptake.
Project 3
Engineering biorefineries of RAS effluents to combine fish and microalgae production.
Project 4
Improving microalgae production through optimized LED lighting and biotechnology applications.
Project 5
Assessment of welfare of fish produced in aquaponics with organic diets.
Project 6
Improving feeding protocols of fish in aquaponics.
Project 1
Optimizing feed intake with organic diets.
To design and evaluate new organic diets based on sustainable plant sources (e.g. Spirulina and quinoa). Fish feeding behaviour and feed preferences using multiple self-feeders will be used. To investigate dietary selection of new plant sources which fish will select according to their nutritional needs. Modelling feed intake and its regulation by feed composition.
Host institution: Sparos LDA
Supervisor: Luis Conceição
PhD enrolment: Universidad de Murcia
Supervisory Committee: Luis Conceição | F.J. Sánchez-Vázquez | Mariano Vidal
ESR 1: Rodrigo Mendes
Project 2
Synchronisation of fish and plant rhythms in aquaponics: matching rhythms of excretion and nutrient uptake.
To investigate the existence of daily rhythms of fish and plant metabolism. The timing of fish excretion (nitrogen compounds) and mineral uptake of plants will be assessed. The role of the mealtime and light/dark cycles will be evaluated, as well as the phase-shifting effects of photoperiod manipulation.
Engineering biorefineries of RAS effluents to combine fish and microalgae production.
To investigate and develop new engineering designs that implement the use of environmental cycles (light and temperature) to improve both fish and plant production. Daily thermocycles with higher temperatures during the day and lower during the night will be tested at different developmental stages. Environmental control devices will be developed and tested.
Host institution: Landing Aquaculture BV
Supervisor: Carlos Espinal
PhD enrolment: Universidad de Murcia
Supervisory Committee: Carlos Espinal | F.J. Sánchez-Vázquez | Mariano Vidal
ESR 3: Sarah Perché
Project 4
Improving microalgae production through optimized LED lighting and biotechnology applications.
To investigate the effects of LED lights with different wavelengths (blue, green and white) on microalgae growth and composition. The impact of continuous light versus light/dark cycles on plant growth performance and metabolism will be assessed.
Host institution: Alga&Zyme Factory SRL
Supervisor: Simonetta Pancaldi
PhD enrolment: Universidad de Murcia
Supervisory Committee: Simonetta Pancaldi | F.J. Sánchez-Vázquez | Carlos Espinal
ESR 4: Essi Ruohisto
Project 5
Assessment of welfare of fish produced in aquaponics with organic diets.
To research on welfare issues of fish fed organic diets in an aquaponic system. Behavioural and physiological stress indicators will be evaluated to help safe-guarding fish welfare under production conditions. Normal growth without malformations, as well as fish health and diseases free conditions will be monitored.
Host institution: Universita degli Studi di Ferrara
Supervisor: Cristiano Bertolucci
PhD enrolment: Universidad de Murcia | Universita degli Studi di Ferrara
Improving feeding protocols of fish in aquaponics.
To research fish feeding behaviour using a self-feeding system in which fish can choose freely their preferred feeding time and meal size. The underlying mechanisms involved in food intake control will be also investigated.
Host institution: Universidad de Murcia
Supervisor: F.J. Sánchez-Vázquez
PhD enrolment: Universita degli Studi di Ferrara | Universidad de Murcia
Supervisory Committee: F.J. Sánchez-Vázquez | Cristiano Bertolucci | Luis Conceição