Microbiome

A microbiome is a community of microorganisms (“microbiota”) found within a particular environment. The environment could be a living organism itself – for example the human body, or the gut of a fish – or a particular area or system. In the context of aquaculture, the microbiome in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) is hugely important. Benign microorganisms help to keep down the spread of pathogens and can even be used to help purify water in a recirculating system.

The gut microbiome of aquatic animals is important for digestion, nutrient absorption, and defence against pathogens. The composition of the gut microbiome can be influenced by the aquaculture system, the surrounding environment, and the growth traits of the animal. For example, a study found that fast-growing shrimp in indoor ponds had greater gut bacterial diversity than shrimp in outdoor ponds. 

Some potential ways to harness the power of the microbiome for sustainable aquaculture include:

• Identifying key genes and microbial species that contribute to changes in the gut.
•  Studying the response of the gut microbiota to different rearing conditions and feed additives.
• Using oral vaccines to target pathogens without causing large disturbances in the microbiota .