The Aquaculturists: September 2016

Thursday, September 29, 2016

30/09/2016: Phytogenic Feed Additive Market to Double Every 7 Years, says BIOMIN

Healthy demand for phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) in livestock production should cause annual global sales to grow four-fold by 2030, according to calculations by BIOMIN.

The botanicals market has grown rapidly in recent years, having already topped US$500 million in global sales in 2015.

Worldwide sales will cross the US$1 billion threshold by 2023 and could reach US$2 billion annually by 2030.

“Looking at numerous scenarios based on feed production trends, evolving consumer demands, changes in livestock production including antibiotic-free and antibiotic reduction strategies, and the growing demand for animal protein products, by 2030 we can expect the PFA market to total between US$1.7 billion and US$2 billion,” explained Michael Noonan, Global Product Manager Phytogenics at BIOMIN.

Efficiency gains
“Improving feed efficiency is a perennial concern for the livestock industry,” said Mr Noonan.

Feed costs represent anywhere from 50% to 80% of production costs, depending on the livestock species and country.

“Particularly in the context of competitive global animal-protein markets, efficiency matters. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) improvement that Digestarom® delivers makes it an indispensable tool for animal performance and profitability,” he added.

www.biomin.net

Market drivers
Though roughly 3% of the 1.2 billion tons of feed used worldwide today include these plant-based products, PFA inclusion in livestock feed should grow considerably by 2030.

This represents growth in global market demand of 8% to 10% per year on average. “Some of the largest and most sophisticated livestock operations have been early-adopters of phytogenic feed additives, and have continued to use them in light of the benefits that they have achieved,” said Mr Noonan.

Consumer preferences have shifted considerably in recent years, as efforts to phase out antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) and coccidiostats have accelerated in countries worldwide, including Brazil, China and the United States.

Antibiotic reduction and the uptake of novel growth promoters (NGPs) to optimize feed costs, improve efficiency and reduce emissions should boost demand worldwide for PFAs in the future.

Read more HERE.

The Aquaculturists
This blog is maintained by The Aquaculturists staff and is supported by the
magazine International Aquafeed which is published by Perendale Publishers Ltd

For additional daily news from aquaculture around the world: aquaculture-news

29/09/2016: Financial support for shrimp farmers, Mexico

The National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA) has supported shrimp farmers this year.

According to a report on FIS.com shrimp farmers in Mexico have been supported with resources for MXN 135 million (USD 6.9 million) for the purchase of biological inputs, which has made it possible to recover shrimp aquaculture production in the northwest of the country.

From this federal agency, it has been emphasized that, historically, the national shrimp farming had never received direct support for the development of this activity, as it has happened now.

Image: James Halliday

The component of Aquaculture Development grants support to farmers in the country to purchase hatchlings, juveniles, postlarvae and seeds of species being commercially important, including shrimp.

Since 2014, the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) has allocated more resources for the acquisition of postlarva, following the negative impact that was caused by the atypical mortality in shrimp farms, and the support was maintained in 2015 and 2016.

Last year, supports were granted for MXN 153.4 million (USD 7.8 million) for stocking 54,520 hectares that contributed to the harvest of 60,617 tonnes of shrimp with a value of MXN 4,527 million (USD 230.2 million).

Read more HERE.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

28/09/2016: The Aquaculturalists blog nears 1 million views, give-away contest

Fellow Aquaculturalists,

As some of you may have realised, after years of servicing the industry with up to date aquaculture news, our blog is nearing 1 million views.

As of today, the blog has had 978,788 views, and we expect it will not be long until we pass the one million milestone.

To celebrate this success with our readers we are running a celebratory contest!

The first ten readers of The Aquaculturalists to screenshot the page with the view counter included when it surpasses 1,000,000 views, and send their screenshots through to us will receive a complimentary 12-month subscription to International Aquafeed magazine.

Please send your emails through to peterp@perendale.co.uk, to arrange delivery.

Read International Aquafeed magazine free online HERE.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

28/09/2016: Sustainable aquaculture growth lies in new feed ingredients

For BioMar, sustainable growth of aquaculture lies in utilising new feed ingredients that match requirements for a good and healthy growth of the fish and for a stable, high quality of the final product.

Exploiting microalgae as a feed ingredient can match these requirements. BioMar is again the Gold Sponsor of the Aquaculture Europe conference.

The overall theme of the 2016-conference being “Food for Thought”, Vidar Gundersen, Global Sustainability Director of the BioMar Group, expresses his thoughts on how to proceed for developing sustainable aquaculture products.

Vidar Gundersen draws attention to the future development of global aquaculture:

Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ivanwalsh/

“Aquaculture is said to become an ever more important source of proteins for human consumption.
We must secure that it’s growth is sustainable and that the final products provided by our industry, the fish and shrimp that we eat, stay as sound and healthy as they are. For instance by providing a predictable amount of the marine fatty acids in fatty fish species like salmon. Omega-3 fatty acids are proven to have positive health impact on humans and this ads to the a good reputation of the fish as a sound source of proteins for humans.”

According to Vidar Gundersen it is high time for the aquaculture industry to focus on maintaining or even enhancing the omega-3 fatty acid content in farmed salmon and other farmed fish species:

"We need to take care of both the nutritional requirements of the fish and the reputation of farmed fish."

"The omega-3 fatty acids used to be provided to the salmon by the fish oil included in the feed. However, as the global demand for fish oil increases, fish oil suitable for the use in aquafeeds are becoming a scarce raw material."

"The fish oil that is utilised in the production of aquafeeds nowadays is sourced in a sustainable and responsible way, but the supply is limited", Vidar Gundersen added.

Marine fatty acids from microalgae
Earlier this year, the BioMar Group launched a fish feed on the Norwegian market, containing marine fatty acids from microalgae.

Working with global sustainability concerns on a daily basis, Vidar Gundersen is thrilled by the fact that today it is possible to utilize microalgae that produce omega-3:

“I have no doubt, the future growth of aquaculture lies in exploiting algae as a feed ingredient.”

“At the time being, I consider this particular product to be the most sustainable raw material available for the production of salmon feed”, he said.

Vidar Gundersen explained that BioMar does not intend to discontinue the use of fish oil in its feeds. Utilising marine fatty acids from microalgae simply gives us the possibility to increase or maintain the content of omega-3 in feeds, in a sustainable way, he said.

A crucial discussion
There is an increasing public concern regarding marine omega-3 levels in farmed salmon.

“The question is if the content will decrease even more if fish oil availability is endangered”, Vidar Gundersen said.

“I must say that taking up this discussion is crucial. We simply need to find new sources of the right omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Farmed salmon is more than just proteins, and it is highly important to secure the fatty acid content of the fish”, Vidar Gundersen concluded.

Read more HERE.

27/09/2016: Aquaculture Europe 2016 provides plenty of 'Food for Thought'

The great and the good of the Aquaculture world descended on the Scottish capital last week as the European Aquaculture Society celebrated its 40th birthday.

The EICC in Edinburgh, Scotland

The many thousands of visitors, all with a vested interest in the aquaculture industryFrom 20th - 23rd September at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), Scotland.
“Food for thought” means something to think about, something to be seriously considered and something that provides mental stimulation and nourishment.

In recent years, aquaculture in Europe has plateaued; resulting in overall output remaining more or less constant in volume since 2000. So with this in mind, it's is now more important than ever for the industry to get together and share one of the most crucial collective tool that they have at their disposal - their collective pool of knowledge.

And share they did. Set in some of the EICC's purpose built conference rooms, hundreds of academics and industry professionals orchestrated a very elaborate network of conferences that covered almost every aspect of aquaculture; whilst down in the main conference room an impressive assortment of companies and organisations plied their trade.

David Calitri of Calitri Technology talks tech
with a potential customer.

Aquaculture Europe 2016, was organised by the European Aquaculture Society with the cooperation and support of Marine Scotland, part of the Scottish Government, and The Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland.

Brought to the Aquaculture world with the very able assistance of 'Gold Sponsor" Biomar, Aquaculture Europe 2016 presented the latest science to support further development; with industry panels also discussing key opportunities and areas where further sustainable growth in aquaculture should be encouraged. The morning plenary sessions also addressed the many different aspects of the event's theme in a novel and interesting way.

Aquaculture Europe 2017 will be held in the Croatian capital Zagreb next year where the theme will be 'Cooperation for Growth' - see you there!

Read more HERE

27/09/2016: New South Australian Pacific Oyster hatcheries to ease spat shortage

A new million dollar oyster hatchery for South Australia is tipped to help ease the national shortfall in oyster spat in the aftermath of POMS.

According to a recent article published on abc.net written by Sally Dakis, biosecurity controls imposed after the discovery of Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome in Tasmania earlier this year have effectively shut off the major spat suppliers for the national industry.

Cameron of Tasmania at Dunalley on the Tasman Peninsula has announced a joint venture with Australia's largest abalone spat producer SAM Abalone to establish a pacific oyster hatchery at Port Lincoln, South Australia.

Oysters: Jeremy Keith

Managing Director of Cameron of Tasmania, Ben Cameron said when operating the hatchery could produce 100 per cent of South Australia's spat requirements.

He said the investment would be in the order of 'millions' and had been a part of the company strategy for a number of years.

"When we first really thought that the POMS virus was a realistic threat in Australia, the Board at Cameron's did a thorough analysis of our company and where our markets are," Ben Cameron said.

"We made a commitment at least six years ago that if POMS came to Tasmania before it came to South Australia that we would set up a hatchery over there," he said.

Mr Cameron said Tasmania would be able to keep jobs, by utilising the Tasmanian expertise and working from time to time interstate, "The financial consequences of POMS has been devastating for a lot of people in Tasmania”.

Read more HERE.

Monday, September 26, 2016

27/09/2016: EuroTier 2016, impulse generator for the animal production industry

by Dr Reinhard Grandke, Director General of the DLG (German Agriculture Society), Frankfurt, am Main.

The world’s leading trade fair for animal production, EuroTier, will present future solutions for agriculture from 15 to 18 November at the Exhibition Centre Hanover.

This will give rise to 251 innovations which have been registered with the event organiser DLG (German Agriculture Society) by the exhibitors. Innovations will be shown that sustainably increase and secure business success.

Dr Reinhard Grandke

On the other hand, the solutions contribute to the further improvement of animal welfare and environmentally-friendly production conditions, as well as the working conditions. Additionally, international expertise from industry, farming, science and consultation is present at EuroTier.

With its unique information offer, EuroTier provides orientation for managing the current and future tasks in agricultural livestock husbandry. It is the international future forum for modern animal production and the most important impulse generator for the individual farmer as much as for the entire industry.

2,523 exhibitors from 57 countries will provide a complete offer for all areas of modern animal production. With this, EuroTier reports a new record number of registrations. The registration numbers have increased by approximately 4 percent when compared with the previous record result of four years ago.

The exhibition area has also reached a new record size with more than 280,000 m2. Therefore, the professional animal keepers from all over the world are offered even more information than ever before.

Outstanding contribution from abroad
Companies from abroad are solely responsible for the increase in exhibitor numbers. With 1,453 companies (58 percent), foreign firms are represented more strongly than never before. The majority of the exhibitors from abroad come from the Netherlands (231 companies).

Large contributions are also made by China (179), France (148), Italy (133), Denmark (86), Spain (78), Great Britain (69), Turkey (62), Belgium (55), Austria (54) and Poland (47).

DLG sees this high foreign contribution as a clear sign of the continuing global alignment of the enterprises and the agricultural economics with their international interrelations. The firms want to make targeted use of the EuroTier platform to open up new markets.

High information requirement of animal producers
The amount of information required by animal producers is still high. Farm and herd managers require the most modern and professional concepts to make their farms fit for the future.

This applies to all questions in the areas breeding, feeding, husbandry, management, logistics and especially in the areas animal health and animal welfare. Solutions required for a yield increase along the entire value added chain, from production to the end product. At EuroTier, the latest findings and approaches are discussed in many professional lectures and discussion rounds on all the exhibition days.

As the Bundesverband Praktizierender Tierärzte (bpt, Federal Association of Practising Veterinary Surgeons) will be holding its annual congress again at the same time as the EuroTier on the trade fair area in Hanover, there will be an intensive exchange of opinions between veterinarians and farmers from all over the world on questions of animal health.

Challenge nutrition
The challenge to feed ten billion people in the future - with food in sufficient amounts and quality - has not changed, neither has the increasing demand for agricultural products for energy and material supplies.

That the global demands for agricultural products, for food, fuel, and fibre will double in the coming decades is well-known and remains the challenge for the agricultural industry. This challenge can only be answered by a modern agriculture.

This will need to apply technological innovations and methods and with them efficiently utilise the scarcest factors of all, the fertile arable land and grassland areas, while at the same time minimising the load on the environment.

Spirits in European farming still dampened
German farmers still view the current economic situation cautiously. This is shown by the preliminary results of the current DLG trend monitor from autumn 2016.

Even though the prices for slaughter pigs have clearly increased, pig keepers are emerging from a one-year-long phase of low prices. Dairy farmers are still in a difficult price situation, where securing liquidity is in the foreground.

Cash crop producers must be prepared for a phase of low prices, as the globally large grain harvest, especially in the Black Sea region, is leading to price pressure. Against this background, German, French and Polish farmers still view the current economic situation cautiously.

However, British farmers are happier with the economic situation than they were even in spring 2016.

British farmers more confident again
As the DLG trend monitor further points out, the German and Polish farmers continue to have cautious expectations for the business development in the next twelve months.

The business prospects of farmers in France have also deteriorated considerably. The by far below average harvest there, is causing incomes to drop, especially those from grain exports. Furthermore, the situation of the dairy and pig farmers continues to be tense.

In Great Britain, the farmers are clearly more confident about future business development. The Brexit decision is coupled to hopes for farming with fewer stipulations, even if it is unclear, how well a renationalised agricultural policy will be financed.

Regressive willingness to invest in Germany, France, and Poland
Farmers in Germany, France, and Poland are planning to invest less in the coming twelve months. A different picture in Great Britain: The willingness to invest increased by 8 percent to the current 32 percent.

In Germany, compared with the spring survey, the pig farmers reduced investments (minus seven per cent) as did cash crop farmers (minus seven per cent) and the dairy farmers (minus three per cent). While dairy farmers in Britain are willing to invest more (plus ten per cent), the dairy farmers in France are further reducing their investments (minus seven per cent).

The willingness to invest of the Polish dairy farmers is about stable when compared to the spring survey. All in all, the willingness of dairy farmers to invest remains below average in comparison with the last few years, as the current market situation does not allow much space for investment.

Even though it seems that milk payouts have bottomed out, dairy farmers still have to be prepared for further months with low price levels until cost neutral prices are reached.

The willingness to invest also differs among the pig farmers: While the willingness to invest has risen by plus 19 per cent to now 40 per cent in Great Britain, the pig farmers have reduced their investment plans now by two per cent to now 37 per cent.

German pig farmers reduced investments by minus three per cent to 38 per cent and only 15 per cent of the French pig farmers (minus ten per cent) are willing to invest. Following the low in prices in 2015/2016, the pig prices have now risen considerably.

However, at the moment, securing liquidity and building up liquidity reserves is the focus of the farm managers.

Furthermore, there is huge insecurity regarding the current controversial discussion about further development of the standards for animal welfare and the still not concluded discussion about the fertiliser ordinance.

Farmers in Britain are hoping for better conditions on the national markets through Brexit.

Cash crop producers reduce their investments
In all the countries, the cash crop producers reduced their investments. As demonstrated by the DLG trend monitor, the willingness to invest drops in Germany by seven per cent to 30 per cent, in Great Britain by three per cent to 28 per cent, in France by six per cent to eight per cent and in Poland by three per cent to 36 per cent.

Following the comfortable price levels for grains and oil seeds in the last years, the prices for wheat have dropped for the first time since 2011, to constantly below the price mark of 180 €/t.

Although the price level is low in general, the cash crop producers hope to receive price premiums for quality cereals, as quality cereals overall are scarce. In the present price situation, the cash crop producers are also preparing themselves to secure the farm liquidity.

Furthermore, the cash crop producers have in parts made extensive investments and renewed the machine park, so that the requirement for investments is currently assessed as being low.

The social environment plays an increasingly important role
Besides the market framework conditions, which orient themselves on supply and demand, the social environment of animal production is beginning to play an increasingly important role in the development and implementation of operational strategies of the animal producers.

According to current figures from the DLG trend monitor Europe autumn 2016, the farm managers particularly in Germany are concentrating on improving the level of animal welfare of the animal holding systems.

Furthermore, innovations in technology for requirement-oriented slurry application and procedures for determining the nutrient contents of slurry are of particular importance for them.

The aim is to apply nutrients from farm-own fertilisers more efficiently and with fewer losses and at the same time improve the economic efficiency of the use of farm’s own fertilisers as well as the environmental effects.

Energy Decentral 2016
Approximately 330 specialist exhibitors will take part in the EnergyDecentral 2016, the international specialist trade fair for innovative energy supply.

This is a slight drop compared with 2014. The number of agricultural biogas plants is only growing very slightly under the current political framework conditions.

However, in Germany alone, there is an enormous number of producing plants, which will contribute its constant share to regenerative energy production in the years to come.

Optimisation, repowering and operation of the plants are clearly in the foreground. Besides this, internationally the interest in biogas is unbroken.

World-wide, there is also a high potential for this area in the waste management area and many innovative developments advanced in the use of alternative substrates. Examples of this are straw, bagasse or residues from the food industry.

Many visitors expected
EuroTier is the world’s leading trade fair for animal production. With its excellent and compact unique information offer, it will provide orientation for animal producers from all over the globe. The DLG expects a similar visitor volume to that of 2014, where around 156,000 experts visited EuroTier.

Read more HERE.

Sunday, September 25, 2016

26/09/2016: Ohio State aquaculture research centre seeks recruits for aquaculture bootcamp

The Ohio Centre for Aquaculture Research and Development at Ohio State University is looking for 30 new fish farmers to take part in a yearlong program to learn the ins and outs of aquaculture and aquaponics.

Aquaculture Boot Camp, launched in 2013, offers free hands-on classes for those selected to participate in the program, which includes homework in addition to monthly eight-hour courses.

Image: Luna Sin Estrellas

Students spend some time in the classroom exploring the business side of aquaculture, and the rest of the time in hands-on examinations of the equipment and procedures to farm fish successfully.

There are about 200 fish farmers statewide raising aquatic animals in ponds and indoor tank systems for food, sport, bait and ornamental use.

Applications are due November 4^th, to apply click HERE

26/09/2016: Vietnam's aquaculture takes the spotlight at Aquaculture 2016

UBM Asia formally announces the launch of Aquaculture Vietnam 2016 Conference, an international aquaculture conference which will be held in conjunction with VIETSTOCK 2016 Expo & Forum.

With the theme "Sustainable Aquaculture in Practice", AquacultureVietnam 2016 Conference is hosted by Directorate of Fisheries of Vietnam (DFish), supported by, Vietnam Fisheries Society (VINAFIS), InternationalCollaborating Centre for Aquaculture and Fisheries Sustainability (ICAFIS), and the UK-based Aquaculture without Frontiers.

Aquaculture Vietnam 2016 is slated on October 20, 2016 at the Conference Hall Level 2 of Saigon Exhibition Convention Centre (SECC) where a series of pertinent and timely discussions will be led by top industry individuals such as Mr Cliff Spencer, chairman of Aquaculture without Frontiers, VINAFIS president Dr Nguyen Viet Thang and Roger Gilbert, chairman of International Aquafeed.

Aquaculture Vietnam 2016 press conference

Vietnam ranks fourth in global aquaculture production and among the powerhouse in Asia where the region raked 88.91 percent of the world aquaculture output in 2014.

According to Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, the country's annual aquaculture exports are valued at US$7 billion to US$8 billion.

But diseases, lack of technology and other issues have somewhat weakened Vietnam's competitive edge in the global aquaculture trade. Thus, the broad scope of Aquaculture Vietnam 2016 is expected to address this challenge, says Ms Rungphech (Rose) Chitanuwat, Business Director of UBM Asia Manager:

"If we look at Vietnam's long coast and good river systems, Vietnam can achieve more in aquaculture if we know how to take advantage of that strength and to do that, we should update our production technologies as well as our knowledge and Aquaculture Vietnam 2016 conference should be able to provide all of that."

The economic significance of Vietnam's aquaculture industry plus its merging with VIETSTOCK 2016 Expo & Forum, which will take place on October 19-21, 2016 at SECC makes Aquaculture Vietnam 2016 Conference truly a worthwhile event.

The conference and exhibition are free of charge for all livestock members, for re-registration, click HERE.

Read more HERE.

26/09/2016: SPACE 2016, A world-class thirtieth expo focused on the future

SPACE 2016 was held at the RENNES Exhibition Centre from September 13 to 16.

Inaugurated by the Minister of Animal Resources of Côte d'Ivoire, the professional associations who accompanied him, officials from Togo and Guinea and the Minister of Livestock of Cameroon, and closed by Phil Hogan, European Commissioner for Agriculture, this 30th SPACE reflects the event's strong international dimension.

This year's expo brought together 1,445 exhibitors including 484 international exhibitors from 42 countries, and 101,963 visitors, including 12,022 international visitors from 120 countries. The participation of exhibitors remained at the same level as last year (1,441 in 2015), which was a record year in this respect.

The participation of visitors declined slightly (in 2015: 106,226 visitors, including 15,042 international visitors). This slight decrease is due to the difficult situation in some sectors and the fact that the event coincided with silage harvesting.

Regarding international visitors, far fewer visitors from Northern Africa came this year because the SPACE began the day after an important religious holiday, Eid Al Adha. However, large delegations from West Africa, Europe and Iran were present.

Exhibitors at SPACE 2016 unanimously praised the quality of contacts they had with visitors during the four day event. This professionalism, in a globalised world, clearly reflected the constructive and fluid tone of this year's expo.

SPACE 2016 developed the political dimension of discussions with livestock sector stakeholders. The Minister of Agriculture, Stéphane Le Foll, as well as various presidential primary candidates, were able to speak and convey their messages to exhibitors and livestock farmers during SPACE.

These visits reinforce SPACE as a platform of expression and discussion to advance the major issues regarding the future of the livestock sectors.

This year's event was again marked by innovations that benefit animal production. The 50 Innov'Space award-winners presented at the stands, including 5 special commendations, enhanced the quality of the presentations at SPACE.

The theme of the Research and Development Village was "Producing for the Future – Climate – Energy – Land Use".

We succeeded in getting farmers to embrace the issue of greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon market, by showing them that solutions already exist and can be put to use immediately. It also demonstrates their ability to plan ahead.

The SPACE was again a springboard for employment and international trade thanks to 300 job vacancies at the job-dating events organised by APECITA, and more than 300 BtoB meetings organised by Entreprise Europe Network between exhibitors and international investors.

The animal presentations also boosted the appeal and quality of our event. 550 cattle of different breeds provided a continuous spectacle in the main ring.

150 sheep and goats of 10 different breeds were also shown. The Montbeliarde breed and the Rouge des Prés breed were the two breeds in the spotlight this year. Their involvement and the quality of their presentations were highly praised.

The 70 conferences, debates and seminars that took place during the four days gave this year's event a new dimension, as livestock farmers were able to express their needs and expectations, in line with the ambition of the creators of SPACE.

The thirtieth SPACE concluded with an excellent record in terms of discussions and contacts, based on trust, in a spirit of construction and progress. The organisers look forward to seeing you at SPACE 2017, from 12 to 15 September at the Rennes Exhibition Centre.

Read more HERE.

The Aquaculturists

This blog is maintained by The Aquaculturists staff and is supported by the
magazine International Aquafeed which is published by Perendale Publishers Ltd

For additional daily news from aquaculture around the world: aquaculture-news

Thursday, September 22, 2016

23/09/2016: Successful salmon trucking

Could spring Chinook salmon offspring survive the passage over the dam and subsequent ocean migration to eventually return as adults some 3-5 years after technicians transported them by truck?

According to a written article written by Mark Floyd onPhys.org, for the past several years, technicians have been trucking spring Chinook salmon above Foster Dam in Sweet Home to see if they would spawn, and then eventually migrate to the ocean.

A new study examining the genetic origin of adult spring Chinook returning to Foster Dam offers definitive proof that the offspring survived, potentially opening up miles of spawning habitat on the upper South Santiam and other river systems.

Results of the study have been published in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences.

Image: Richard Fraley

"With a little human assistance, it is now clear that we can restore natural production to areas above some dams and there is prime habitat on some river systems, such as the North Santiam above Detroit Dam," said Kathleen O'Malley, an Oregon State University geneticist and principal investigator on the project.

"This could really contribute to the long-term population viability in some river systems."

Some past studies have explored whether salmon that spawned above dams could survive as juveniles going back through the dams, but this new study is one of the first to assess whether those fish successfully would return years later as adults.

Beginning in 2007, technicians from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the US Army Corps of Engineers took genetic samples of adult salmon trucked above the dam.

During the first two years, most of those adult salmon were reared in hatcheries and released as juveniles, but in 2009 they began using only wild-born fish, hoping to give a boost to that population. Since then, researchers have taken genetic samples from returning adult salmon to see if their parents were among those released above the dam.

The key is the "cohort replacement rate," Ms O'Malley said.

If you release 100 female salmon above the dam, will you get at least 100 females from that population returning as adults to the dam for a rate of 1.0? The researchers have to sample for several years to determine the success rate of one cohort, since spring Chinook can return as 3-, 4- or 5-year olds.

23/09/2016: Small revolution for marine fry and fingerlings

BioMar launches a new generation of starter and transfer diets for marine species containing B-WYSE, promising new yeast based functional ingredient, developed by BioMar’s cooperation partner Lallemand Animal Nutrition.

The aim of the new feed range is to boost the performance parameters and keep the health status of the fish at the highest standard, even after the difficult period of transfer from hatchery to the cages.

Transfer feeds are already commonly used in salmon farming. We are proud that BioMar now is ready to offer the first transfer feed for Mediterranean species, said Michel Autin, Technical Director for BioMar’s EMEA Division, when the new feed was presented at the Aquaculture Europe 2016 conference, of which BioMar again was the Gold Sponsor.

BioMar launches a new generation of starter and transfer diets for marine species containing B‑WYSE, promising new yeast based functional ingredient. From left to right: Stéphane Ralite, Aquaculture Product Manager at Lallemand Animal Nutrition, John Thinsley, Senior Researcher, BioMar R&D and Michel Autin, Technical Director for BioMar’s EMEA Division.

In Mediterranean fish farming, the transfer of sea bass, sea bream and meagre from the protected hatchery environment to the harsh environment in the sea cages has always had the risk of losses.

According to Michel Autin, “Improving the health status of the fragile fry and improving their resistance against diseases prior to transfer to cages is of great concern, and we now are ready to offer a transfer feed range that brings a small revolution to Mediterranean fish farming”.

The new generation of BioMar marine starter and transfer feed types, named INICIO Plus M and INTRO Plus MT, are formulated with the inclusion of the two functional ingredients B-WYSE™ and Bactocell®, for reduced deformities, an improved gut health, a better resistance to bacterial attacks (Vibrio spp.) via synergetic immune stimulation and increased mucous production.

Furthermore, the new feeds present a higher Digestible Energy/Digestible Protein ratio without compromising performance parameters while lipid deposits are decreased and the health status of the liver is enhanced, Michel Autin announced.

Stéphane Ralite, Aquaculture Product Manager at Lallemand Animal Nutrition, introduced B-WYSE™, the promising new biologically active product that is being extracted from selected marine yeast by utilising an innovative production process.

BioMar has partnered with Lallemand for the development of this innovative product and various trials have shown its positive effects on the health status of both shrimp and fish, including sea bass and sea bream.

The inclusion of B-WYSE™ in the new transfer diets is combined with the inclusion of Bactocell®, a prebiotic ingredient that BioMar has applied in its feeds since 2010. This functional ingredient is well-documented for reducing deformities and improving gut health across fish species.

Bactocell® was also developed in a cooperation between BioMar and Lallemand and it is still the only probiotic ingredient approved by the EU authorities for the use in fish feed.

Various test show that the combination of B-WYSE™ and Bactocell® have clear positive impacts on health parameters and by this is perfectly suited to strengthen the fragile marine fry and prepare it for transfer to the harsh environment in sea cages, Michel Autin added.

John Thinsley, Senior Researcher, BioMar R&D, explained how the new combination of functional ingredients impact on the fish:

“The first barrier of the fish against external pathogens is the mucus. Strengthening the mucosal barriers in intestines, skin and gills by functional ingredients has a strong influence on its resistance to diseases and parasites.”

“The B-WYSE™ formulation provides not only mucus boosting in terms of quantity and quality but also in terms of enhanced immunomodulating and pathogen binding activities. By this, the external barriers of the fish are boosted against environmental threats.”

“We are confident that our customers soon will experience the positive effects of this revolutionary new concept as we expect that our new marine fry and transfer feeds considerably will improve survival rates and the health status the fragile young fish and protect them against some of the very common diseases in Mediterranean fish farming”, Michel Autin concluded.

Read more HERE.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

21/09/2016: Marine Harvest’s cleanerfish manager developing new eco-friendly ways to boost fish health

Marine Harvest’s cleanerfish manager, Ronnie Hawkins, is playing an essential role by developing new eco-friendly ways to boost fish health.

In recent articlepublished on ScottishSalmon it was reported that Ronnie has overseen the introduction of cleanerfish (wrasse and lumpfish) to seawater farm sites across Scotland.

These fish live happily alongside salmon, feeding on any sea lice, adding a sustainable option to salmon husbandry.

Some impressive results are already evident, which Ronnie credits to increased understanding of cleanerfish which helps farmers use them more effectively.

Image: Mack Male

Ronnie, who is based in the Marine Harvest office at Stob Ban, Fort William, said: “It’s fascinating to see cleanerfish living alongside our salmon. We’ve had to learn how to care for a completely different species of fish which means understanding how they live, how they rest and how they feed. We’ve had to think on our feet, and use some tried and tested techniques to help us find the most appropriate husbandry practices to encourage cleanerfish to thrive in the farmed environment”.

Marine Harvest has been so impressed with the results so far, it intends to stock the majority of its sites with cleanerfish by the end of 2017.

21/09/2016: Only around 60 vaquitas left, totaba swim bladder trade threatens species

In a recent article written by Kata Karáth on New Scientist, it was reported that there are now only around 60 vaquitas left, and it is now up to China whether the world’s smallest porpoise will escape extinction.

That’s according to a report by campaign organisation the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA).

The critically endangered porpoise is only found in the Gulf of California, where it often gets tangled in gill nets targeting the totoaba, a similarly sized fish that is also endangered and whose fishing and international trade are banned.

Image: Lauren Packard

The totoaba’s swim bladders, known as “aquatic cocaine”, are sought for their putative medical effects, and can fetch tens of thousands of dollars in China. This trade still thrives there, despite a fall in prices and the ban, according to an investigation by the EIA.

“The totoaba trade is just not high priority for the Chinese authorities,” says Clare Perry, head of the agency’s Oceans Campaign.

“Open illegal trade in Chinese markets clearly shows the lack of enforcement.”

EIA has monitored the market, including online trading, since April 2015, and conducted undercover investigations in Hong Kong and other parts of southern China.

Posing as investors, the agency’s investigators identified the coastal town of Shantou, in Guangdong province, as the centre of the trade.

Monday, September 19, 2016

20/09/2016: EAS celebrates its 40th anniversary

To celebrate the Europeans Aquaculture Society (EAS) 40^th year anniversary, they have produced a timeline on their webpage detailing important events in the history of the society.

In a statement from Sadasivam Kaushik, the EAS President 2014 – 2016, he had the following to say regarding the EAS 40 year timeline:

“Since EAS was founded in 1976, much has happened in European aquaculture. We have put together a series of milestones to give you an overview of what EAS has achieved during the last 40 years. Some you will know and others (I hope) will be a surprise for you. In any case, I hope you enjoy this summary of the life of our Society”.

From several delegates at the 10^th European Symposium on Marine Biology in Oostende getting together to plan a European society for the development of marine aquaculture in 1975, through to a record-breaking 1000 attendees at Aquaculture Europe 2010 in Portugal, the history of the society can be found at the link below.

View the 40th year anniversary timeline HERE.

FAMSUN company profile

Muyang Co, Ltd recently announced changing its brand name from Muyang to FAMSUN starting May 2014. This move is prompted by the idea of better illustrating the company’s business and the farm-to-table industry chain it serves. It is consistent with Muyang’s global strategy and its aim of becoming an integrated solution provider in the agro-industry.

FAMSUN originates from “famous, farm, family, sun and union”; it implies Muyang Co, Ltd’s development concept and vision, which is to build a green and healthy supply chain from farm to table together with its customers and to convert traditional agriculture into a modern, profitable and sustainable business with its integrated solutions in feed manufacturing, grain milling, grain handling and storage, food processing, as well as industrial automation.

The creative design of the FAMSUN logo features a beveled letter “F”, a curvy letter “A”, a stretching letter “S” and a friendly letter “U”. It will be the only signage representing Muyang’s business, products, service and solutions. Meanwhile, the company will continue to operate in its current structure, provide follow-up service based on relevant agreement, and its business contacts will remain unchanged.

Visit the website HERE.

19/09/2016: Biorigin participates for the first time in Aquaculture Europe

One of the most important aquaculture fairs of in Europe, Aquaculture Europe, is held on September 20 to 23 in Edinburgh, Scotland, and this is the first year Biorigin participates as an exhibitor.

Biorigin will be present at stand 30, and will be represented by its technical and sales teams will be available to the visitors to present solutions on natural ingredients for industries and producers who seek better health, performance, and profitability.

The highlight will be the product MacroGard, a purified beta-glucan that acts according to the immune status of each animal, contributing to increase disease resistance and to enhance vaccine responses.

http://www.roughtcomunicacao.com.br/biorigin/index.php/en/component/content/article?id=123:inovation

Biorigin will also present other solutions in 100 percent natural ingredient, such as ActiveMOS, a prebiotic additive that modulates the intestinal microbiota, promoting better nutrient absorption and intestinal health; HiCell, a highly digestible protein source, ideal for starter and growing stages; Selemax, an organic selenium source; and Protemyc, mycotoxin adsorbent.

They aim at prospecting the salmon market in the UK to expand our presence in this segment and seek partners and distributors for this region.

Read more HERE.

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