Fish, Shellfish and Aquaculture

We study basic ecology and genetics of commercial species and their habitats in order to support management of a sustainable fishery and development of a sustainable aquaculture industry. 

For example, how are “essential fish habitats” such as eelgrass beds distributed along the coast? What role plays various habitats for the different life stages of fish species? Where do the invasive Japanese oysters come from and are they a threat to our native oyster and mussels? Can mussel farming be used as a tool to improve the environment in shallow bays affected by nutrient runoff?

Examples of the research we are conducting include the effects of environmental stressors such as macroalgal blooms and oxygen depletion for setting the limits for fish production. We are also evaluating the effects of introducing marine protected areas on the population densities of lobsters, a species of great value to both recreational and commercial fishing. A strong field of expertise within our department is the scientific and analytical competence in population genetics and stock assessments of commercial fish and shellfish such as cod, herring, shrimps, lobsters etc. Research concerning different aspects of aquaculture and small-scale fisheries of marine shellfish such as mussels, oysters and crabs is also conducted. This research has a strong “applied” character, driven by industrial needs for scientific results, including several joint-projects together with local fishermen and mussel farmers.