From 27th to 31st July 2026, I was at the University of Thessaly, Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, Aquaculture Laboratory, for 5 days, visiting their research facilities and contributing to their research. I had a meeting with the Associate Professor Dr. Ioannis T Karapanagiotidis, Head of the Aquaculture Laboratory.
Over 5 days, I visited the chemical and nutritional sections, including the feed production facility, digestibility section for apparent nutrient digestibility analysis, and the recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) facilities at the Aquaculture Laboratory for marine fish nutritional research, particularly Sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and Gilthead Sea bream (Sparus aurata). Moreover, I visited the insect culture research section belonging to the entomology department at the University of Thessaly, which collaborated in fish nutritional research. The aquaculture laboratory focuses on the circular economy, optimising feed ingredients in diet formulas for marine fish species, and sustainable aquaculture practices by focusing on sustainable and alternative protein sources, including microalgae and insect meals in aquafeed as alternative protein sources, with precision farming techniques and new feed formulations were developed by considering polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) requirements, including appropriate levels and balance of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in the feed. It addresses the incorporation of novel nutrient sources to improve the production performance, safety, immune system, and welfare of marine fish species.
Additionally, I worked in the histology laboratory on histological interpretations of liver and intestine tissues stained with the haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) method from Gilthead Sea bream (Sparus aurata) fed with insect meal as an alternative protein source. In conclusion, the 5-day training activity gave me an excellent opportunity to gain experience in marine fish experimental facilities and nutritional research trends in Greece. Finally, the visit expanded my research network, increased my experience, and provided the chance of international contributions that will have benefits for both sides. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the Erasmus+ program and RVO ÚA laboratoř for financial support.
