Aquaculture

In an EU-funded project coordinated by our group, we further examine how antibiotic use in aquaculture shapes the resistome of different fish species, considering the influence of age-related factors. Additionally, we investigate how climate change alters the effects of antibiotics in freshwater and marine ecosystems, impacting both target and non-target organisms. In particular, we focus on the microbiome of mussels and other non-target species, which may serve as hidden reservoirs for bacteria harboring novel antimicrobial resistances.      view project

To address these challenges, we collaborate with colleagues from Israel through GIF-funded research, developing biodiversity-driven mitigation strategies. We successfully designed multitrophic aquaculture (MTA) systems, which significantly reduced the need for antibiotic application by leveraging the protective effects of a highly diverse environment for cultivated fish species. These findings highlight the crucial role of biodiversity-health relationships in reducing antibiotic dependence and mitigating antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture.

back