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Projeto de investigação
Adaptation of finfish aquaculture to climate change challenges: eco-innovative solutions and immune responses
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Asparagopsis taxiformis as a Novel Antioxidant Ingredient for Climate-Smart Aquaculture
Publication . Pereira, Alícia; Marmelo, Isa; Dias, Marta; Silva, Ana Catarina; Grade, Ana Catarina; Barata, Marisa; Pousão-Ferreira, Pedro; Dias, Jorge; Anacleto, Patrícia; Marques, António; Diniz, Mário S.; Maulvault, Ana Luísa; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit; Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT); MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
The increasing frequency and duration of marine heatwaves (MHWs) due to climate change pose severe threats to aquaculture, causing drastic physiological and growth impairments in farmed fish, undermining their resilience against additional environmental pressures. To ensure sustainable production that meets the global seafood demand and animal welfare standards, cost-effective and eco-friendly strategies are urgently needed. This study explored the efficacy of the red macroalga Asparagopsis taxiformis on juvenile white seabream Diplodus sargus reared under optimal conditions and upon exposure to a MHW. Fish were fed with four experimental diets (0%, 1.5%, 3% or 6% of dried powdered A. taxiformis) for a prophylactic period of 30 days (T30) and subsequently exposed to a Mediterranean category II MHW for 15 days (T53). Biometric data and samples were collected at T30, T53 and T61 (8 days post-MHW recovery), to assess performance indicators, biomarker responses and histopathological alterations. Results showed that A. taxiformis supplementation improved catalase and glutathione S-transferase activities and reduced lipid peroxidation promoted by the MHW, particularly in fish biofortified with 1.5% inclusion level. No histopathological alterations were observed after 30 days. Additionally, fish biofortified with 1.5% A. taxiformis exhibited increased citrate synthase activity and fish supplemented with 1.5% and 3% showed improved digestive enzyme activities (e.g., pepsin and trypsin activities). Overall, the present findings pointed to 1.5% inclusion as the optimal dosage for aquafeeds biofortification with A. taxiformis, and confirmed that this seaweed species is a promising cost-effective ingredient with functional properties and great potential for usage in a climate-smart context.
Improving Farmed Juvenile Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Stress Response to Marine Heatwaves and Vibriosis Through Seaweed-Based Dietary Modulation
Publication . Pereira, Alícia; Marmelo, Isa; Chainho, Tomás; Bolotas, Daniel; Dias, Marta; Cereja, Rui; Barata, Marisa; Pousão-Ferreira, Pedro; Vieira, Elsa F.; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Diniz, Mário S.; Marques, António; Maulvault, Ana Luísa; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit; MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are an emerging challenge for aquaculture, increasing the frequency and severity of disease outbreaks in farmed fish, weakening immunocompetence and compromising overall health and survival. As climate change stressors intensify, there is an urgent need for cost-effective and environmentally friendly strategies to enhance fish resilience. This study investigated the efficacy of Laminaria digitata, a brown macroalga, included in aquafeeds as powder (0.3% and 1.5%) or extract (0.3%) in improving the stress response of juvenile gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) co-exposed to Vibrio harveyi infection during a category III MHW event. Under control conditions, L. digitata supplementation maintained or improved fish growth performance and overall well-being. After MHW exposure, the 1.5% powdered and 0.3% extract diets were more effective in mitigating thermal stress, reducing liver oxidative stress and lowering plasma cortisol levels. In infected fish, these diets improved resistance to V. harveyi, with reduced cortisol and alanine aminotransferase concentrations indicating hepatoprotective properties, and lower lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities reflecting an amplified capacity to counteract oxidative stress induced by inflammation. Overall, L. digitata is a promising aquafeed supplement, with the 1.5% powdered form offering a cost-effective alternative to the extract without compromising efficacy.
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Entidade financiadora
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Programa de financiamento
OE
Número da atribuição
2020.04413.BD