A new European project BESTBROOD, (Identification of broodstock performance indicators and markers to boost the aquaculture of emerging fish species), will boost the economic feasibility of four emerging aquaculture species, lumpfish, spotted wolfish, greater amberjack and Senegalese sole, by improving broodstock reproductive performance. This will be achieved through the utilization of innovative breeding techniques and biotechnologies.

The project brings together a consortium of seven organizations from Norway, Spain, Greece and Italy. The consortium partners hold high expertise in reproductive biology and biotechnology of the emerging species in focus. The partners will develop reproductive performance markers and bioindicators and test new biotechnologies for fish breeding of the four selected emerging fish species for the European aquaculture.

All four species are in an early commercial stage, but all have shown suitability for farming, high economic value and market demand. A future increase in production is dependent on tackling the difficulties with broodstock performance that presently limit the supply of good quality gametes and fertilized eggs for the aquaculture industry.

“BESTBROOD will lead to a more stable and predictable supply of high volumes of high-quality eggs for the production of juveniles to meet market demands for sustainability, and increase Europe’s aquaculture competitiveness,” the consortium said.

The project will run for 3 years, until August 2023, has a total budget of €1,9 million and is led by Nord University.