Lallemand partners University of Plymouth to advance fish health, sustainable aquaculture

UK – Lallemand Animal Nutrition and the University of Plymouth have taken their long-standing partnership to new heights by launching an ambitious research initiative to improve fish health and welfare in sustainable aquaculture. 

Announced at AQUA 2024, the LALProMucoBath project represents a significant step forward in the 15-year collaboration between the two institutions, which has already seen an investment of over €1 million in aquaculture research.

The LALProMucoBath initiative will focus on enhancing the resilience and well-being of Atlantic salmon by investigating the role of Lallemand’s microbial solutions in fortifying and repopulating the mucosal microbiomes of the fish’s epidermis and gills after ectoparasite treatments. 

While necessary for managing parasites, these treatments can disrupt the natural microbiome, leaving fish vulnerable to pathogen colonization. 

This research aims to improve fish robustness at critical moments by reassembling the microbiome post-treatment, potentially transforming fish health management in aquaculture.

Led by Mark Rawling and Daniel Merrifield from the University of Plymouth’s School of Biological and Marine Sciences, the project promises to be a game-changer for fish farmers worldwide. 

The research could significantly enhance animal welfare while contributing to global food security, notably as aquaculture is increasingly recognised as a vital means of feeding the world’s growing population.

Over the years, the partnership between Lallemand Animal Nutrition and the University of Plymouth has yielded numerous innovations that have benefited major farmed species like Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, and tilapia. 

The findings from their collaborative research have been widely recognized, resulting in over 20 peer-reviewed publications, multiple book chapters, and numerous conference presentations. 

These contributions have demonstrated the efficacy of Lallemand’s probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and yeast-derived additives in promoting fish health and welfare.

Daniel Merrifield, an associate professor of Fish Health and Nutrition, highlighted the impact of their research, stating, “Our research has played a key role in improving the health and welfare of millions of fish each year, thereby contributing to global food security. We are excited about the future of our partnership as we continue to innovate and address the critical challenges in sustainable aquaculture.”

Eric Leclerq, R&D manager of aquaculture at Lallemand Animal Nutrition, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of ongoing innovation in advancing fish health science and significantly impacting the global aquaculture industry.

In addition to their research endeavours, the partnership is committed to supporting the academic community and fostering innovation among future generations of aquaculture professionals. 

To this end, they have introduced the €1,500 (approximately US$1656) Lallemand Innovation and Impact in Aquaculture and Fisheries Award, which will be awarded to the most impactful and innovative dissertation in the University of Plymouth’s MSc Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries program.

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