The aquaculture sector needs better tools to protect fish welfare and improve the management of marine resources. The MARINNONET Project, led by the University of Vigo and supported by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme, is helping two pilot projects develop practical solutions for more sustainable fish farming and fisheries management.
The first pilot, COLORHYNCHUS, brings together the University of Vigo, Plentzia Marine Station and the Portuguese company Bio1OneHealth. The project focuses on improving fish welfare in rainbow trout farms using simple, non-invasive methods. Researchers are testing three indicators of fish stress: skin darkening, mucus quality and fish behaviour. Different stress situations, such as crowding and repeated handling, are studied in controlled experiments. Each indicator reacts at a different speed, helping farmers detect problems earlier. These methods do not require expensive equipment, making them easier for farms of all sizes to use. The project will also create practical tools such as photographic guides and waterproof scoring cards for fish farmers.
The second pilot, TO-MOSTFISH, is working on better ways to study fish reproduction and manage tuna populations sustainably. The project joins Plentzia Marine Station, University of Vigo and AZTI Foundation. Scientists are studying special molecules found in fish eggs that can show how mature the fish are. This could improve how tuna stocks in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans are monitored and protected. The project also studies environmental pollution effects using the marine species Cyprinodon variegatus.
