Our team has expertise in freshwater biodiversity, aquatic ecosystem functioning and sustainable aquaculture, with particular expertise in sturgeon artificial reproduction and early life-stage development. We have more than 11 years of hands-on experience in sturgeon reproductive technologies and have successfully conducted artificial reproduction of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus), Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) and paddlefish (Polyodon spathula). Our broader research focuses on fish–environment interactions, trophic processes, fish nutrition, health, microbiota and ecosystem functioning in human-influenced freshwater systems. We investigate functional and alternative feed resources, including Spirulina, insect-derived ingredients, plant-based resources and essential oils, and their effects on fish performance, health and resilience. Recent and ongoing research includes Algae4FishRo-Md, focused on environmentally friendly algal biomass production for fish nutrition, and AquaChain – Connecting the trophic levels of a freshwater aquaculture food chain. We are interested in interdisciplinary European consortia addressing freshwater biodiversity, species conservation, ecosystem functioning, trophic interactions and environmental pressures. We can contribute specialised expertise in sturgeon reproduction, experimental facilities, biological material and controlled experiments.
Fisheries Science and Technology
Our team is particularly interested in joining projects addressing freshwater biodiversity and the conservation, management and sustainable use of sturgeon species. We can contribute more than 11 years of specialized experience in the artificial reproduction and early development of sturgeons, including sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus), Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) and paddlefish (Polyodon spathula). We are particularly interested in projects investigating sturgeon reproduction, population conservation, species resilience, environmental pressures and the development of conservation-oriented breeding and management strategies. We are also strongly interested in projects involving fish nutrition and the role of nutrition in fish health, growth, physiological condition, microbiota and resilience to environmental stressors. Our team has extensive research experience with functional and alternative feed ingredients, including microalgae, plant-based resources, insect-derived products and essential oils. We are open to joining interdisciplinary projects where our expertise can complement research on freshwater biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, trophic interactions, species conservation and environmental change. We can contribute specialized experimental expertise, aquaculture facilities, biological material, controlled experimental systems and experience in both sturgeon reproduction and fish nutrition.
Our team will actively seek networking and collaboration opportunities through participation in Aquaculture Europe and EIFAAC (European Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Advisory Commission) symposium. These events will provide opportunities to identify potential European partners, establish interdisciplinary collaborations and discuss joint research proposals related to freshwater biodiversity, sturgeon conservation, fish nutrition, aquatic ecosystem functioning and sustainable aquaculture.