The Aquaculture Research Station of Olhão (EPPO), located on the southeastern coast of Portugal, has been operational since 1984, focusing on the breeding and rearing of several marine fish species. Over the years, EPPO has established a diverse collection of broostock, including species such as gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), white seabream (Diplodus sargus), zebra seabream (D. cervinus), and senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis), which is commercially highly valued; In 2004 we began working with groupers and nowadays we maintain around 20 adult groupers, some of which were bred in captivity. In 2009, EPPO expanded its broodstock by introducing the meagre (Argyrosomus regius). A few years later, in 2015, sardine (Sardinia pilchardus) was reintroduced, and today EPPO manages 900 second- generation (G2) breeders that spawn naturally. From 2108 we also reproduce sea urchins, Paracentrotus lividus and maintain a lot of captive born breeders. Most recently, in 2020, longfin yellowtail (Seriola rivoliana) was added to the facility, with three broodstocks now spawning naturally, continuing the station’s tradition of innovation in marine aquaculture.
The primary focus of EPPO’s work is to support several research projects funded through European grants, with significant emphasis on optimizing rearing protocols for gilthead seabream and sea bass. Coordinating multiple simultaneous trials requires careful management of space (tank systems) and precise scheduling to meet project milestones. Key to this is ensuring the availability of broodstock at the appropriate age and stage, as well as synchronizing spawning cycles to align with experimental timelines. The maternity houses 8 trial systems of different sizes and shapes, with over 100 fiberglass tanks designed to accommodate different species and life stages. Spawning reliability and egg quality are crucial to the success of these trials To support welfare, stocking densities are maintained at low levels (5-8 kg/m³), with tank sizes adjusted to match the fish’s growth. Water temperature is a critical factor for both reproduction and water quality. The facility, located within the Ria Formosa lagoon system, experiences greater thermal fluctuations than the open sea, posing challenges for temperature control. Rearing temperature are adjusted based on species-specific physiological requirements to either prolong or anticipate the spawning period. All the larvae of the described species, experience a critical and sensitive developmental stage lasting at least 30 days, and are reared in specialized tanks fitted with equipment tailored to their needs. The larvae are fed live feed, also produced at the facility, with standardized protocols to ensure consistency across trials, allowing reliable comparisons.
This work outlines the methodologies used at EPPO to ensure the health and welfare of the species, while maintaining the quality of the spawns, eggs, larvae, and juveniles throughout the production process.
Acknowledgments: The present work was financed by the project ALGAFEEDS PACTO DE INOVAÇÃO BIOECONOMIA AZUL (Project No. C644915664-00000026), SAUDE&AQUA II (MAR-021.1.3-FEAMPA-00018) and INOVAQUA (MAR-021.1.3-FEAMPA-00004).