Aquaculture Research Group (Aquagroup)

Get to know the work being carried out by Gokulakrishnan Marisami during his Transnational Access visit to Centro de Ciencias do Mar (CCMAR), supported by EMBRC - European Marine Biological Resource Centre and AQUASERV, and developed in collaboration with Aquaculture Research Group (Aquagroup).

This week’s CCMAR seminar is being held within a Transnational Access (TNA) visit to CCMAR supported by EMBRC - European Marine Biological Resource Centre and AQUASERV, and developed in collaboration with Aquaculture Research Group (Aquagroup). It highlights research exploring brewer’s spent grain proteins as a sustainable ingredient for aquafeeds.

We have completed the final sampling of a zootechnical trial evaluating a novel ingredient in diets for gilthead seabream. The PhD candidate from IRTA (Spain), Gokulakrishnan Marisami, has concluded the zootechnical phase of the study, which assessed the performance and potential of this innovative dietary ingredient under controlled rearing conditions. The work now advances to the laboratory phase, where in-depth analyses will be conducted to further characterise physiological and nutritional responses. This research is being carried out during Gokulakrishnan Marisami’s research stay at Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), within the framework of the AQUASERV, reinforcing collaborative efforts in sustainable aquaculture nutrition. Further updates will follow as results emerge.

Disease outbreaks remain a major challenge in aquaculture — can feeding strategies help fish respond better? In a new study published in Frontiers in Immunology, researchers from CIIMAR (Aquatic Animal Health), CCMAR (Aquaculture Research Group (Aquagroup)) and Phileo by Lesaffre (Phileo by Lesaffre FRANCE) showed that dietary supplementation with purified yeast β-glucans improved the immune response and disease resilience of European seabass challenged with Tenacibaculum maritimum. Fish receiving the supplemented diets showed a stronger early immune response and a more balanced recovery afterwards, without compromising growth performance or feed efficiency. This work also highlights the value of academia–industry partnerships in translating research into practical solutions for more sustainable aquaculture. Congratulations to Miguel Cabano and all co-authors (Nadège Richard, Julie Schulthess, Lourenço Ramos Pinto, Francisco Pinto-Cunha, Maria João Peixoto, Cláudia Aragão and Benjamin Costas) on this excellent contribution. 🔗 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/e_aZWucT

📣 Shape the Future of Fish Microbiome Research – MSCA-PF 2026 at Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) (Portugal) The Aquaculture Research Group (Aquagroup) at CCMAR is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to co-develop a competitive MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 proposal. This is a chance to establish your own research line in fish microbiome and host–microbe–nutrition interactions. 🔬 Research topics include: • Nutritional modulation of gut microbiota • Microbiome-driven resilience under stress • Microbial signalling and host metabolism 🌍 Why join AquaGroup & CCMAR? • Strong expertise in physiology, nutrition, and omics • Access to advanced aquaculture and omics platforms • Support to build your independent research career • International network and excellent research environment in the Algarve 📌 Eligibility: • PhD in relevant fields (e.g., Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Aquaculture) • Strong publication record • Max. 8 years post-PhD experience • Must comply with MSCA mobility rule 📅 Deadline (EOI): 15 May 2026 📩 Send: CV (3–5 pages), motivation statement, and 1-page concept note to Dr. Sofia Engrola (sengrola@ualg.pt) 🔗 More info: https://lnkd.in/eh9CFCRG If you have a strong idea and the ambition to lead, we encourage you to apply.

Update – PhD Fellowship in Aquaculture Nutrition (CCMAR & SPAROS) is now closed! We would like to thank all candidates who expressed their interest in the PhD fellowship opportunity in aquaculture nutrition, jointly offered by the CCMAR – Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve and SPAROS Lda.. We received a high number of strong applications, and we truly appreciate the time and effort invested in each submission. The expression of interest period is now closed, and one candidate has been selected to move forward with the preparation of the fellowship application to the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT). We thank all applicants for their interest in our work and encourage you to follow our activities for future opportunities. #PhD #Aquaculture #FishNutrition #MarineScience #ResearchCareers

Arrancou no passado dia 13 de março o projeto WELFAQUA — um novo projeto de colaboração transfronteiriça entre o Algarve e a Andaluzia dedicado à aquacultura sustentável. Ao longo dos próximos 3 anos, o WELFAQUA irá reunir investigação, inovação e transferência de conhecimento para desenvolver soluções que reforcem a saúde e a resiliência das espécies aquícolas, promovendo sistemas de produção mais eficientes e sustentáveis. Liderado pelo IFAPA Centro Agua del Pino, o consórcio integra o CTAQUA (Centro Tecnológico de Acuicultura de Andaluzia), o CCMAR (Centro de Ciências do Mar) e o IPMA (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera), refletindo uma forte articulação entre ciência e setor. Um projeto alinhado com os desafios atuais da aquacultura e com o futuro que queremos construir. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""The WELFAQUA project officially kicked off on March 13 — a new cross-border project between the Algarve and Andalusia focused on sustainable aquaculture. Over the next 3 years, WELFAQUA will bring together research, innovation, and knowledge transfer to develop solutions that enhance the health and resilience of aquaculture species, supporting more efficient and sustainable production systems. Led by IFAPA Centro Agua del Pino, the consortium includes CTAQUA (Centro Tecnológico de Acuicultura de Andalusia), CCMAR (Centre of Marine Sciences), and IPMA (Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere), reflecting strong alignment between science and the sector. A project fully aligned with current aquaculture challenges and with the future we aim to build.

Arrancou no passado dia 13 de março o projeto WELFAQUA — um novo projeto de colaboração transfronteiriça entre o Algarve e a Andaluzia dedicado à aquacultura sustentável. Ao longo dos próximos 3 anos, o WELFAQUA irá reunir investigação, inovação e transferência de conhecimento para desenvolver soluções que reforcem a saúde e a resiliência das espécies aquícolas, promovendo sistemas de produção mais eficientes e sustentáveis. Liderado pelo IFAPA Centro Agua del Pino, o consórcio integra o CTAQUA (Centro Tecnológico de Acuicultura de Andaluzia), o CCMAR (Centro de Ciências do Mar) e o IPMA (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera), refletindo uma forte articulação entre ciência e setor. Um projeto alinhado com os desafios atuais da aquacultura e com o futuro que queremos construir. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""The WELFAQUA project officially kicked off on March 13 — a new cross-border project between the Algarve and Andalusia focused on sustainable aquaculture. Over the next 3 years, WELFAQUA will bring together research, innovation, and knowledge transfer to develop solutions that enhance the health and resilience of aquaculture species, supporting more efficient and sustainable production systems. Led by IFAPA Centro Agua del Pino, the consortium includes CTAQUA (Centro Tecnológico de Acuicultura de Andalusia), CCMAR (Centre of Marine Sciences), and IPMA (Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere), reflecting strong alignment between science and the sector. A project fully aligned with current aquaculture challenges and with the future we aim to build.

PhD Fellowship in Aquaculture Nutrition – Early Development of Flatfish (CCMAR & SPAROS, Portugal) This is a unique opportunity to combine fundamental research in fish nutrition with industrial application at a leading fish nutrition company. The Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) and SPAROS, Lda are seeking a highly motivated candidate to prepare a PhD fellowship application within the 2026 Doctoral Fellowship Call of the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) – Specific Line in a Non‑Academic Environment. The project will be jointly developed at CCMAR and SPAROS, under the supervision of Sofia Engrola (CCMAR) and Luís Conceição (SPAROS). The research will focus on nutrition during the early developmental stages of flatfish, with particular emphasis on Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) and turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), combining experimental research with industrial application. 📅 FCT call open: 2 – 31 March 2026 Following evaluation of expressions of interest, one candidate will be selected to prepare and submit the official fellowship application. Main eligibility requirements Applicants must: - Hold a Master’s degree or meet the conditions to enrol in a PhD programme - Not hold already a doctoral degree - Not have previously benefited from an FCT‑funded PhD fellowship - Have at least one peer-reviewed publication as co-author in aquaculture nutrition or a closely related field - Be fluent in English, both spoken and written - Be willing to have permanent residence in Algarve, Portugal (Faro/Olhão area) - Ensure that any degrees obtained abroad (Bachelor’s or Master’s) are formally recognised in Portugal for fellowship eligibility 📩 Expression of interest Please send your CV and motivation letter by 19 March 2026 to: sengrola@ualg.pt More information about the call: https://lnkd.in/enVvMJgp More information about the host Institutions: https://lnkd.in/eqCQHZZH; www.sparos.pt #PhD #PhDFellowship #Aquaculture #FishNutrition #MarineScience #ResearchCareers #Flatfish

🎄 Boas Festas do Aquagroup 🎄 O Aquagroup deseja a todos os colegas, parceiros científicos e institucionais e amigos umas Boas Festas. Agradecemos a colaboração, a partilha de conhecimento e o trabalho conjunto ao longo do ano, fundamentais para o avanço da investigação em aquacultura. Votos de um excelente Ano Novo, com novos desafios científicos e oportunidades de cooperação. 🎄 Season’s Greetings from Aquagroup 🎄 Aquagroup wishes all colleagues, friends, and scientific and institutional partners a joyful festive season. We thank you for the collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint efforts throughout the year, which are essential for advancing aquaculture research. We wish you a successful New Year, filled with new scientific challenges and opportunities for collaboration.