Acronym SUDEVAB
Category
Aquaculture
Title Sustainable Development of European SMEs Engaged in Abalone Aquaculture Programme FP7
Instrument (FP6)
Contact Type (FP7)
Strand (Interreg)
FP7 - Research for SMEs
Theme (FP7)
Activity Area (FP6)
Regional Area (Interreg)
Action (COST)
SME – Research for the benefit of SMEs
Specific Programme (FP7)
Capacities
Funding source European Coordinator John Dallimore Coordinator email John@aqua-gold.com
Coordinator institution
NA
Institutions involved
IFREMER - French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (France) ,
NA - GCE Blue Maritime Cluster (Norway) ,
NA - Jersey Sea Farms (Ireland) ,
NUI Galway - National University of Ireland, Galway (Ireland) ,
NA - Scea France Haliotis (France) ,
NA - Servimar Norte SL (Spain) ,
SWAGA - South West Abalone Growers Association Ltd (United Kingdom) ,
IEO - Spanish Institute of Oceanography (Spain) ,
ULPGC - University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain) ,
Start year 2008 End year 2010 Funding (€) € 1,245,005 Website https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/222156 Summary SUDEVAB brings together the main producing SMEs and leading RTD Providers from the abalone aquaculture sector in Europe, for a project that will have a significant impact for developing sustainable abalone aquaculture in Europe.
Abalone species have been considered potential candidate for aquaculture for a long time, and in recent years, abalone aquaculture in other parts of the world has surged ahead. However, in Europe production has been restricted by the lack of reasonably priced juveniles, technological problems, and legislative issues.
The opportunity presented by the FP7 call “Research for the Benefit of SMEs” provides the partners in SUDEVAB with exactly the right vehicle to develop this young aquaculture sector, by harnessing some of the best shellfish aquaculture research facilities and researchers to solve the significant technological problems facing producers, increasing production and competitiveness.
The core of the research work of SUDEVAB is aimed at solving the main technical problems encountered by abalone growers in Europe in the areas of: pathology, genetics, nutrition, and sustainable culture technology.
However, abalone producers also have serious issues which need to be resolved alongside the main research work including; legislation, hygiene and food safety and marketing issues. These are blended in the research programme to maximise the results, and raise awareness of the project as a whole. To ensure that SUDEVAB maximises its impact, and for the long term benefit of the sector, the project will finally establish a producers’ organisation that will serve as a network, dissemination point and future collaboration hub for the sector, allowing trans-national development and marketing support to continue.
Results
The EU-funded 'Sustainable development of European SMEs engaged in abalone aquaculture' (SUDEVAB) project made significant inroads into developing sustainable abalone aquaculture in Europe. SUDEVAB members addressed several issues such as the lack of reasonably priced juveniles, technological problems and legislation in order to increase production and competitiveness.
Genetic analysis was carried out to catalogue abalone populations of the species Haliotis tuberculata, prevent in-breeding, and assess their growth potential and disease resistance. Besides H. tuberculata genotyping, high-resolution DNA melting analysis in combination with quantitative polymerase chain reaction proved to be useful for identifying resistant populations. This has enabled the development of a genetic marker-assisted selection programme to optimise future breeding programmes and increase productivity.
Methods were developed to identify pathogens and parasites as well as assess health status of farmed abalone stock. The bacterium Vibrio harveyi was found to be particularly deadly for H. tuberculata. The Sabellid worms increased infection and parasite risks in tank-rearing conditions with mixed shellfish populations.
To ensure optimal European abalone growth, natural seaweed resources were evaluated and suitable eco-artificial vegetable-based feed formulations were obtained. Intensive testing for contamination, hygiene and food safety confirmed that abalone consumption is accompanied by much lower risks compared to other shellfish.
Finally, after an extensive economical and technical performance assessment of abalone farming systems, SUDEVAB developed and patented an economically sustainable energy-efficient on-growing system, the so-called Abblox. Legislation relevant to abalone culture was ratified and harmonised in EU Member States, encouraging trade and increasing competitiveness. Project outcomes were widely disseminated at workshops and international conferences, on TV food shows, and through publications, presentations and meetings with media members.
Overall, SUDEVAB activities have increased the standing of European aquaculture in the global marketplace. The technologies and knowledge gained during this project will improve on economic returns for the participating SMEs as well as EU aquaculture industry.
Keywords
Gastropod;
Policy;
Technology;
Seed production;
Market;
Parasite;
Feed composition;
Aquaculture development;
Disease;
Mollusc;
Food safety;
Abalone;
Broodstocks;
Genetic;
Shellfish;
Marine Region
76
Not associated to marine areas
0
Marine Region Map
