Research Focus and Directions

A key area of research is the development and evaluation of alternative protein sources in accordance with the principles of the circular bioeconomy. The laboratory formulates and assesses feeds based on insect meals, single-cell proteins (SCP), mycoproteins, yeasts, and animal by-products. It focuses on their nutritional value, digestibility, fish growth performance, as well as metabolic and physiological adaptations. The research contributes to reducing aquaculture’s reliance on fishmeal and fish oil and promotes the use of locally available raw materials.

The research also includes the evaluation of the palatability of novel ingredients and the testing of attractants that enhance feed intake in fish and shrimp, particularly under stressful or intensive farming conditions. These studies are conducted using specialized infrastructure (observation tanks) and methods based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. The laboratory applies stable isotope analysis (SIA) to determine nutrient bioavailability and distribution in fish tissues and to better understand their metabolic utilization. These approaches enable more precise assessment of the effectiveness of individual feed components and support the optimization of feed formulations in terms of nutritional value and environmental efficiency.

The laboratory focuses on the assessment of physical condition, fitness, and aerobic capacity of fish in relation to their origin, nutritional interventions, and environmental factors such as hypoxia, temperature, and water quality. The findings contribute to a better understanding of adaptive mechanisms and to the development of farming strategies that promote resilience, growth, and fish welfare.

A key area of activity is the research of the microbiome of fish and aquaculture systems—particularly recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and biofloc technology (BFT). The laboratory monitors the microbial composition of water, biofilters, and the fish gut, identifies beneficial bacteria, and develops microbial consortia to stabilize the rearing environment, improve nitrification, and enhance fish health and resilience. This research provides new insights into the ecology of microbial communities and their functional links with host physiology.

The laboratory focuses on the functional immunology of fish in relation to nutritional, environmental, and technological factors. Using molecular, histological, and biochemical methods, as well as flow cytometry, it evaluates immune responses, inflammatory processes, antioxidant defense, and gene expression in connection with the use of alternative ingredients, functional additives, and stress conditions. This research provides valuable insights for the development of immunonutritional feeds and preventive strategies in aquaculture.

Fish ethology, including the study of personality differences (“bold–shy” traits) and their relationship to stress resilience, aggression, and social dominance, represents another important research area. These insights help in designing technologies and management practices that enhance welfare and reduce stress in intensive aquaculture systems. We also develop and apply artificial intelligence and machine learning methods in this field.

The laboratory maintains long-term cooperation with a range of national and international feed and additive manufacturers, providing research support in feed formulation design, raw material testing, and evaluation of their efficacy under controlled conditions. These activities bridge science and practice and enable the direct transfer of research results into industrial aquaculture feed production.