Towards a Self Sustained Aquaculture
The PRO-EEL project aims at reproduct European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in captivity. Reproduction of eel in culture has become a focus research area due to a severe decline of natural stocks and an increasing interest to breed European eel for establishing a self-sustained aquaculture. PRO-EEL is an intercollaborative research project financially supported by the European Commission.
Photo: Larvae of European eel 12 days old and ready to feed. Photo: Christian Graver/DTU Aqua.
The objective of the project is to expand current knowledge on reproduction and develop standardized protocols for production of high quality gametes (eggs and sperm), viable embryos and feeding larvae of European eel. Methodology and technology will be established using small scale tests and validated in full scale experimental facilities.
Focus is on the primary bottlenecks in the controlled reproduction of eels, by improving our knowledge on their reproductive physiology, develop and apply methods to induce and complete gamete development. New tools are needed for the production of viable eggs and larvae from broodstock in a regular and predictable way. Further challenges include identification of suitable larval rearing conditions and initial feed in order to establish reliable rearing protocols/procedures of European eel larvae.
The approach of the project is highly integrative and multidisciplinary. The consortium brings together leading experts in eel reproduction complemented by excellence in disciplines filling gaps in knowledge and technology. The consortium includes 15 partners comprising European research institutes and industry partners as well as an international collaboration partner country (ICPC).