Proteomics as state-of-the-art methodology to assess fish health.

One of the key elements in successful aquaculture production is the health and quality of farmed fish. Determining the health of cultured fish currently employs measurement techniques, which are often both time-consuming and costly. In addition, the major ity of these techniques are destructive and can lead to increased stress for the remaining fish stock. The science of proteomics is a rapidly evolving discipline originally developed for use in human health to detect protein profile changes associated wit h disease. The principle behind this technique has potential for use in a number of applications including aquaculture, and successful development would provide a non-destructive, rapid and cost effective means of determining health status changes in fish stocks. The aim of the proposed project is to build on preliminary research findings and optimise methodology to fully evaluate the potential of the method. The utility of the technique will be assessed by analysing serum and skin mucous samples taken fr om fish subjected to various treatments including diet manipulation and introduction of nutraceuticals and comparing protein profiles with samples from control fish.