SEA. Mapping biological hazards in marine aquaculture: a model-based study of parasite/pathogen dispersal through eDNA, morphology and oceanography.

Pleamar program

The MAReA project aims to perform a proof of concept by investigating the dispersal of parasites and plankton-associated pathogens using an integrated approach based on environmental DNA, microscopy and oceanographic data. Its purpose is to identify planktonic reservoirs of pathogens that may affect fish of aquaculture interest.

The initiative will combine morphological and molecular techniques to detect parasites, protozoa and bacteria in zooplankton around aquaculture facilities, assessing biological transport routes based on currents and extreme weather events. From this data, geospatial models and preliminary risk maps will be developed using artificial intelligence and machine learning. The study of an area not impacted by aquaculture is also incorporated.

The project will provide useful tools for sustainable marine aquaculture and contribute to the understanding of the ecological links between aquaculture and the health of wild stocks.

Acts as a collaborating entity: AVRAMAR España Acuicultura S.L.

Project

Line of action:

Marine ecosystems

Status:

En ejecución

Location

Community of Valencia

Research line

Axis 6. Environmental Research Aquaculture.

Execution date:

2026

End date:

2028

Project web page:

https://www.programapleamar.es/proyectos/marea-mapeando-riesgos-biologicos-en-acuicultura-marina-un-estudio-basado-en-modelos-de

Objectives

The general objective of the project is to improve knowledge about the parasites and pathogens that affect fish in aquaculture by studying zooplankton as an intermediate host and/or reservoir and to provide, as a proof of concept, preliminary geospatial tools that help identify areas of biological risk, by comparing them with the biodiversity of a marine protected area.

Specific objectives:

OE1. Establish effective technical coordination between the participating entities and deploy a structured communication plan to guarantee the public and scientific visibility of the project, before, during and after the development of the actions.
OE2. Carry out four sampling campaigns in the first year in a marine protected area (MPA) and in a company’s aquaculture facilities to collect samples of zooplankton, eDNA (environmental DNA) and bacteria and biofouling together with oceanographic data, guaranteeing the spatial and temporal representativeness of the established points.
OE3. Process and analyse all biological and eDNA samples collected in the sampling campaigns, using morphological, microbiological and molecular techniques, to identify parasitic taxa and their possible hosts and integrate the results into structured biological databases, including morphological, molecular and microbiological information of the organisms detected, as well as the images recorded.
OE4. Integrate and analyse the biological and oceanographic data obtained during sampling campaigns using statistical, geospatial, modelling and machine learning techniques, in order to infer pathogen dispersion patterns and develop a proof of concept for biological risk management in aquaculture.

Entity / grouped entities