The Problem
Fish larviculture is vital for aquaculture, producing juvenile fish for commercial use. However, early stages face high mortality rates (50–90%), driven by physiological changes, immature immune systems, feeding issues, and disease susceptibility. Larvae are especially vulnerable to colonization by fast-growing opportunistic (r-strategist) bacteria, which can disrupt the microbiome and lead to dysbiosis. These harmful fish-microbe interactions significantly contribute to the high mortality observed in larviculture systems.
Objectives
Unlike the commonly advocated “beat them” strategy for microbial management in aquaculture practices, this project aims to investigate a holistic “join them” approach to develop an innovative approach to improve larviculture production. We will combine state-of-the-art microbiome analyses, material sciences, ecotoxicological and zootechnical methods to develop and investigate a new technological framework to suppress the development of pathogens, improve larval survival and promote larviculture production.
Methodology
The project builds on technology originally developed in the AquaHeal (MAR-02.01.01-FEAMP-0031, MAR2020) and BlueComposite (CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-181223, Portugal 2020) projects, now protected under patent applications EP23188811.6 and US-2025031676-A1. It aims to develop and test innovative materials to improve the health and stability of fish larvae in larviculture systems. First, various prototypes will be created and evaluated in small-scale experimental setups for live feed production. The most promising solutions will then be optimized and tested under longer-term production conditions. Finally, the best-performing approach will be applied in pilot-scale fish larviculture trials to assess its impact on fish survival and growth. This step-by-step process aims to ensure the development of practical, effective solutions ready for real-world application in the aquaculture sector.
Expected Results
This project pioneers a novel strategy to improve fish larviculture by modulating microbial communities in live feed and larvae systems to enhance health and reduce mortality. Building on patented technology, we will apply an innovative manufacturing framework for producing functional materials capable of releasing microbiome modulators in a controlled manner. These materials will be tailored to suppress opportunistic pathogens and support beneficial microbial dynamics. If successful, the project will promote aquaculture sustainability, address climate-driven disease risks, and support food security, while also advancing microbiome-based innovation within the sector.
Financial Support
Next-Gen Larvae is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), through the COMPETE 2030 program, and by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), supporting advanced research in microbiome modulation to promote innovation and sustainability in the aquaculture sector.
