The main objectives of the project are to strengthen the pre-existing collaboration with the Egyptian partner and to transfer specific skills and knowledge through the use of IRBIM CNR’s experimental aquaculture facilities in Messina. In addition, the project aims to transfer knowledge on the new frontiers of aquafeed and produce applicable results in the aquaculture sector. In detail, the project aims to study the effect of Hermetia illucens meal and rice protein meal as a partial substitute for fishmeal and to evaluate their effects on fish growth performance and fish health, with reference to the following specific objectives:
1.Evaluation of the effects of nutrition on the gut microbiota;
2.Evaluation of the effects of feeding on the body composition of fish;
3.Evaluation of the effects of feeding on the antioxidant capacity of fish;
4.Evaluation of the effects of feeding on nonspecific immune parameters (lysozyme activity, nitric oxide, serum bactericidal);
5.Evaluation of the effects of nutrition on the gene expression of intestinal cytokines (IL-1b, IL-10, TGFb and TNFa);
6.Evaluation of the effects of feeding on appetite-related gene expression (ghrelin expression).
To verify the environmental impacts on the marine environment caused by sediment delivery operations from dredging works at the Port of Numana (Ancona).
Protection, promotion and enhancement of the land-sea ecosystems of Ancona and Conero Park and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11, 14 and 15 of Agenda 2030.
The research activities of the Institute are carried out in the context of research, development and innovation projects, both national and international, based on regional funding programs (POR FEAMPA - Regional Operational Program of the European Maritime Affairs Fisheries Fund and Aquaculture and POR FESR - Regional Operational Program of the European Regional Development Fund) or ministerial (PRIN - Projects of relevant national interest, PNRA - National Research Program in Antarctica, PO FEAMPA - National Operational Program European Maritime Affairs Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund) , programs for European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg), direct funding programs of the European Commission (Horizon2020 and Horizon Europe, Life, JPI - Joint Programming Initiatives, ERA-NET Cofund) and thematic collaboration initiatives managed by international organizations such as, for example , the FAO - GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean). The Institute also develops funded projects in the context of collaborations with private companies in the sectors of the blue economy as well as technology transfer and research results. Research projects, mainly of a collaborative nature, are developed through a wide network of partners that include major Italian and foreign research institutions and universities.