FishBEE Projects

Rivers rank among the most threatened ecosystems in the world, but also among the most valuable to society. Conflict over water is not only one of the most widespread global stressors, but also the one most likely to impact on nature and people. To catch fish, divert water, transport goods, or generate power, people have dammed rivers for centuries, and a trend to build more dams is increasing worldwide.

Aquaculture - the production of aquatic organisms - is the world's fastest growing food industry, but it is also highly competitive. In comparison, the non-food aquaculture industry (e.g. production of cleaner fish and nutraceuticals from algae) is a niche market, driven by science, where Wales can take the lead.

Marine aquaculture (fish, shellfish, algaculture) is a leading sector of the Atlantic Area Blue Economy that counts on an important tradition in many EU countries and that is relevant in many of its coasts. As only 10% of Atlantic shore seafood is aquaculture-sourced there is great opportunity for raising Atlantic Area aquaculture production in a sustainable way which is the main goal of Access2Sea.

There is a need for a better understanding of the impact of climate change, for lowering the cost of marine observation and for accelerating the process of data provision.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are on the rise due to the synergistic effects of climate change and habitat destruction. The impacts of AIS on Biodiversity, human health, and loss of ecosystem services are well known, but their control and management has now become a worldwide priority.

Develop knowledge and understanding of the marine resources of the Irish Sea and Celtic Seas by addressing knowledge gaps regarding the effects on and potential vulnerability of selected commercial fish and shellfish from predicted climate change.

Expand Wales' aquaculture potentiel and increase its food security through innovation and collaboration, targeting circular economy.

Aquaculture has become increasingly important for sustainably meeting global food demands. As extensive aquaculture is constrained by space and costs, the intensification of aquaculture will be required to meet this demand. Intensification of aquaculture means that farmed fish will have to thrive on less food, less space and less water and in a setting of increasing temperatures due to climate change. Research is needed, to find solutions for the industry to minimise the effects of intensive aquaculture in the face of climate change.

Parasitic sea-lice are the biggest threat facing sustainable salmon production in the world with an annual cost to industry of GBP 500 mill. Using lumpfish as cleaner fish offers an attractive alternative to the use of chemicals or medicines.