ParaFishControl is a new €8.1 million EU Horizon 2020-funded research project that aims to improve understanding of fish-parasite interactions and develop innovative solutions and tools to prevent, control and mitigate harmful parasites which affect the main fish species farmed in Europe.
These species are Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, common carp, turbot, European sea bass, and gilthead sea bream.
Fish disease prevention and management are essential for the sustainability of the aquaculture industry, and ParaFishControl aims to improve the productivity, economic performance and image of European aquaculture through improved biosecurity, health and welfare of farmed fish.
ParaFishControl will increase knowledge of parasite biology, their life-cycles and interactions with fish hosts of commercial interest. The project will develop prophylactic measures, diagnostic tools and methods to detect parasites in fish and the environment. It aims to improve current treatments, and develop new products and advanced strategies for parasite treatments. An innovative Food Safety Programme will be established to decrease and avoid risks of transfer of parasites from farmed fish to humans, and to strengthen the competitiveness and public image of European aquaculture. The outcomes of the project will benefit the whole aquaculture chain, from fish farmers to the consumer.
Dr Ariadna Sitjà-Bobadilla, ParaFishControl project coordinator, said, “This project is very timely, as parasitic diseases constitute a key constraint for sustainable finfish aquaculture in Europe. Parasites and related infections are increasingly responsible for severe damages in farmed fish, which significantly reduces aquaculture production and economy.”
