Bilateral research cooperation between Japan and Norway on Seafood Safety

NIFES and NRIFS are currently collaborating on the RCN BILAT project 193637 "Toxicity of dietary mercury to cultured fish: Implications for fish health, seafood safety and the influence of dietary selenium" (2009-2011). NRIFS and NIFES have common areas o f research interest within the field of seafood safety, and both institutions wish to continue the ongoing research collaboration within that field. The current collaboration focuses on the toxicity of dietary mercury to cultured fish and the influence o f dietary selenium. In a series of feeding trials, using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model, we have studied the maternal transfer and toxic effects of dietary methylmercury (MeHg) in the embryo, and characterised the assimilation, depuration and toxicity of dietary MeHg in adult zebrafish. Furthermore, the ameliorative properties of different selenium compounds have been characterised. Findings from the zebrafish trials are being validated in feeding trials with Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). During the o ngoing collaboration several topics for future research projects have been identified and discussed. The two institutions plan to submit a project proposal to the RCN in 2012 (pending on available funding from the AQUACULTURE program and/or the BILAT prog ram). The project proposal and the project will be coordinated by NIFES. To discuss new research project and to draft a new research proposal, the two partners will meet on two occasions during winter and spring 2012. The meetings will be a combination of seminars and working sessions. We regard these meetings as crucial for the coordination and finalisation of a new project proposal.