Week 3 - Lehanagh Pool, Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture, and Fish Health.
The Marine Institute's Lehanagh Pool research site is at the forefront of advancing Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) practices in Ireland. I spent time with the Aquaculture team learning about IMTA, its role in promoting fish health, and the ongoing research at Lehanagh Pool. Lehanagh Pool, a 23-hectare coastal marine research site in Bertraghboy Bay, Connemara. It is dedicated to investigating and progressing sustainable aquaculture technologies and is Ireland’s only licensed multi-species marine research site. Lehanagh Pool aims to foster collaboration among researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to improve aquaculture production and sustainability.
IMTA is an innovative approach to aquaculture that involves cultivating multiple complementary species from different levels of the food chain together for their mutual benefit . This method aims to mimic natural ecosystems, promoting nutrient recycling, enhancing environmental sustainability, and improving economic viability (Krol et al., 2021). Key species at Lehanagh Pool, such as Atlantic Salmon, European lobster, King scallop, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers, form a complex web of interactions that contribute to overall system health and productivity (Marine Institute, n.d.). By optimizing the balance between fed and extractive species, IMTA offers potential solutions to the environmental challenges associated with traditional aquaculture practices (Ridler et al., 2007).
Fish health is closely linked to environmental conditions, and the interplay between various species within an IMTA system can positively impact fish health and overall system performance (Bridle et al., 2021). In an IMTA setting, extractive species absorb waste products generated by fed species, helping maintain water quality and reducing the risk of harmful algal blooms and disease outbreaks (Liu et al., 2016). Lehanagh Pool serves as an ideal testing ground for novel methods and technologies aimed at improving fish health and welfare. Monitoring and assessing the performance of various species within the IMTA system enables researchers to identify best practices and inform management strategies for sustainable aquaculture development (Marine Institute, n.d.).
I recently had the opportunity to join the Marine Institute aquaculture team at Lehanagh Pool, for a day filled with the MIs Aquaculture team. My experience included various tasks that gave me a deeper understanding of the work involved in fish farming and the importance of maintaining the welfare of fish stocks. I was excited to begin the day by participating in the corralling of salmon in a cage. Working alongside the team, I quickly learned how to efficiently coordinate our movements to safely capture fish for sampling. It was a hands-on lesson in teamwork that made me appreciate the skill and effort required for this task.
The next part of my day involved conducting operational welfare indices checks of the smolt stock, an essential practice to ensure the health of the fish. Under supervision, I measured weight and length, assessed fin rot, scale damage, and inspected for eye cataracts and sea lice. As I diligently collected data, I recognized the significance of these checks in determining the overall well-being of the fish and maintaining a sustainable aquaculture environment. Preparing for work on a vessel was another exciting aspect of my day at Lehanagh Pool. The Marine Institute aquaculture team shared vital safety protocols and best practices with me, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant and organized while working on the water.
Throughout my time at the finfish farm, I also gained insight into the significance of aquaculture inspections and their role in monitoring sea lice. These inspections help protect the health of farmed fish and contribute to the sustainable management of the aquaculture industry.
My day at Lehanagh Pool with the Marine Institute aquaculture team was an enriching experience. Learning new skills, working alongside dedicated professionals, and developing a deeper appreciation for the importance of responsible aquaculture practices made it a day I'll never forget.
Lehanagh Pool's groundbreaking research on IMTA offers valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges of this innovative approach to aquaculture. By prioritizing fish health and environmental sustainability, the Marine Institute's work at Lehanagh Pool paves the way for a more sustainable future in the aquaculture industry.
For more information on the Aquaculture Team:
https://www.marine.ie/site-area/areas-activity/aquaculture/aquaculture
Citations:
Marine Institute (n.d.) Lehanagh Pool – Marine Research Site, [Online]. Available from: https://www.marine.ie/Home/site-finder/Lehanagh-Pool [Accessed 10 May 2023].
Krol, S., Neori, A., Chopin, T., Arakawa, A., Friedlander, M., Hawthorne, P., ... & Reid, G. (2021) IMTA: Integration of Seaweed with Finfish Aquaculture, In: Wells, M., Potin, P., Craigie, J.S., et al. (eds) Seaweed Farming, Springer Nature Switzerland AG, pp. 195-216, [Online]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56277-7_15 [Accessed 10 May 2023].
Ridler, N., Wowk, K., & Robinson, S. M. C. (2007) Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture: opportunities and challenges for Atlantic Canada, Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 87(6), pp. 1779-1784, [Online]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0025315407057625 [Accessed 10 May 2023].
Bridle, A. R. L., D’Lima, C., Ball, B., & Davidson, J. (2021) Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA): A flexible solution to complex environmental challenges, Marine Environmental Research, 170, p. 105643, [Online]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105643 [Accessed 10 May 2023].
Liu, Y., Wu, C., Shen, H., & Wang, J. (2016) Promoting the Development of Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture and Its Ecological Benefits, Aquaculture (Amsterdam, Netherlands), 463, pp. 330-338, [Online]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2016.07.004 [Accessed 10 May 2023].
