Project objectives
Development of selective breeding programs
SelectOrganic aims to develop selective breeding programs tailored to organic aquaculture for European seabass, gilthead seabream, rainbow trout, and Atlantic salmon. These programs will comply with high animal welfare standards while enhancing species resilience, disease resistance, and product quality.
Maintain biodiversity
The project promotes the sustainable use of aquatic genetic resources and the increased use of alternative feed materials, contributing to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and environmentally responsible organic aquaculture systems.
Improve fish health and resource efficiency
Fish health and welfare are important traits to consider in defining breeding goals for organic farming in SelectOrganic, evaluating both economic and non-market values of key traits. SelectOrganic will further develop selective breeding tools, as for example, phenotyping methods to make salmonids more resistant to bacteria diseases and seabass more resilient to heat waves. Finally, we will plan species specific breeding programs implementing breeding strategies and assuming realistic feeding approaches that enhance robustness, reduce disease pressure, and optimize the efficient use of natural and feed resources in organic production systems.
