Partners from Lallemand Animal Nutrition and the University of Plymouth at AQUA 2024, where the new joint initiative was announced.
University of Plymouth
Lallemand Animal Nutrition and the University of Plymouth have announced new joint initiative in support of Atlantic salmon health and welfare, marking the 15th year of an ongoing successful partnership in aquaculture research.
The announcement was made at AQUA 2024, Europe’s largest aquaculture conference, where the initiative, titled LALProMucoBath, was unveiled.
The research will focus on the health of Atlantic salmon and the role of Lallemand’s microbial solutions in strengthening and repopulating the fish's epidermal and gill mucosal microbiomes after treatments for sea lice.
These treatments can disrupt the microbiome, leaving fish vulnerable to pathogens, the researchers point out. By reassembling the microbiome, LALProMucoBath aims to fortify the fish’s immune system, potentially revolutionizing the way fish farmers worldwide protect their stocks and improve welfare standards.
"The potential to reduce opportunities for pathogen colonisation through reassembly of the microbiome after disruptive events such as bath treatments can improve fish robustness at a critical time where fish are most vulnerable," the University of Plymouth explained in a press release announcing the research.
The initiative will be led by Dr. Mark Rawling and Dr. Daniel Merrifield from the University of Plymouth’s School of Biological and Marine Sciences.
"Over the years, our research has demonstrated the benefits of multiple Lallemand products and their wide application throughout the industry. As a result, I am confident that the health and welfare of millions of fish each year are being greatly improved, and by extension, so is global food security," Merrifield said, adding, "I’m really pleased that our research has played a key role in helping to achieve this."
"Our research partnership is poised for an exciting future. By continuing to innovate and develop cutting-edge solutions, we look to tackle some of the most critical challenges in sustainable aquaculture. We remain dedicated to advancing fish health science and making a significant impact on the global aquaculture industry," added Eric Leclerq, R&D manager of aquaculture at Lallemand Animal Nutrition
Over the past 15 years, the partnership between Lallemand and the University has invested over €1 million in sustainable aquaculture research. Previous work, focusing on species like Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, and tilapia, has been widely recognized in the field, with over 20 peer-reviewed publications and numerous presentations highlighting the benefits of Lallemand’s probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and yeast-derived additives.
In addition to the research itself, the partners say they are also working to foster innovation among future generations of sustainable aquaculture professionals. In support of this, Lallemand and the University of Plymouth are launching a new student award, the €1,500 Lallemand Innovation and Impact in Aquaculture and Fisheries Award, for the "most impactful and innovative dissertation" on the University’s MSc Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries programme.