LARVAplus is a research network funded by the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (CYTED, Spanish Government). The network aims to generate a place for the exchange of knowledge and experience for the development of the Ibero-American aquaculture industry. In particular, the production of fish larvae and fingerlings and improving the scientific and technological competitiveness of the aquaculture sector.
A work group was established in fish reproduction to address problems of obtaining good quality eggs and larvae. The work group consisted of 24 researchers and industry managers from 12 countries and 14 institutions / companies. The skills set amongst the participants covered all aspects of fish reproduction required to ensure the production of good quality eggs such as knowledge and tools in genomics, physiology, reproductive development, behaviour and general broodstock management for a wide range of species. Activities of the work group have focused on a sequence of activities that have determined, the skills available in the work gro up, the species under study, the state-of-the-art of reproductive control for different species, reproductive dysfunctions limiting reproductive out and interchanges of information and bio-technologies to address reproductive dysfunctions and improve reproductive success.
In the Iberian peninsular work in IRTA has focused on reproductive control of new and emerging aquaculture species. Examples of this work will be used to demonstrate the possible out comes of applying different bio-technologies to overcome reproductive dysfunctions that limit the progress of the aquaculture industry.
Acknowledgements: This work was funded by La Red de CYTED LARVAplus (Estrategias de desarrollo y mejora de la producción de larvas de peces en Iberoamérica, CYTED 117RT0521).