Co-creation in aquaculture

Advice

ILVO can give scientific guidance about innovative as well as specialized and commercial culture in mono- and polyculture as well as recommendations about species to culture, culture conditions, water purification, waste disposal, construction of professional aquaculture systems, cost-benefit analysis, etc.

Daan Delbare

At the request of companies, organizations or NGOs, sustainability assessments can be done for aquaculture species. Buyers/clients can use these to highlight the sustainability (or not) of the culture process each target species. These sustainability assessments also serve as a reliable guideline to award additional quality marks or labels. They can be developed to meet the client’s requested profile and needs, and take into account the environmental impact, animal welfare, nutrition, fish stocks, and food safety and socio-economic aspects.

This research group can count, weigh and measure mussel seed.

This research group can test the chemical quality of seawater for third parties. This includes the determination of ammonium/ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate concentrations, pH, salinity, conductivity and carbonate hardness. Upon request, specific tests can also be carried out for boron, iodine, copper, magnesium, strontium and oxygen concentrations.

The ILVO Animal Sciences Unit has a direct connection to the sea to pump up seawater. After mechanical filtration, the seawater is stored in a tank of 40 m3 before being redistributed to the fish tanks. and can pump in fresh sea water. The sea water is transported to a tank with a capacity of 40,000 L and is kept in constant motion . Sea water is available, ranging from a few litres up to 30,000L.

Scientific Diving

ILVO has an experienced and dynamic team of divers trained in techniques for scientific diving activities. This team receives regular advanced training according to the regulations of the Belgian Working Group on Scientific Diving (BWGSD).