Pathogens and parasites in Mediterranean aquaculture

Research on pathogens and parasites in Mediterranean finfish aquaculture is less well advanced than in Atlantic waters. A shorter tradition of industrial aquaculture and usually weaker R&D structures in Mediterranean countries are factors probably account ing for this unbalance. Efforts to diversify Mediterranean aquaculture involve the use of new finfish species whose pathogens and parasites are still poorly known. In order to improve the knowledge of these organisms, this Transfer of Knowledge (ToK) Fell owship will develop a research programme on diagnosis and fish immune response to pathogens and parasites in Mediterranean finfish aquaculture. The objective of this ToK Fellowship is to improve the research capability of the host organization in two aspe cts: diagnosis and typing techniques of pathogens, particularly molecular-based, and techniques to evaluate the immune response to pathogens and parasites of finfish species of interests to Mediterranean aquaculture. Research at the host organization will focus on developing molecular diagnosis techniques of emergent pathogens, optimizing diagnosis protocols for designated pathogens and parasites, molecular typing of fish bacteria, and immunostimulation and assessment of immune responses of Mediterranean fish species against selected pathogen and parasites. The ToK Fellowship will endeavour to promote synergies with the local aquaculture sector and to ensure that the results of the project reach potential end users: fish farmers, managers of natural resou rces, NGOs, and consumers.