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Using genetic methods for analysis of fish meals and feeds employed in Greek mariculture
Author(s) -
Vlachavas Antonis,
Karaiskou Nikoleta,
Kokokiris Lambros,
Zampeta FoteiniIzampela,
Drosopoulou Elena,
Triantafyllidis Alexander
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
aquaculture research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.646
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-2109
pISSN - 1355-557X
DOI - 10.1111/are.13900
Subject(s) - mariculture , biology , aquaculture , fishery , commercial fish feed , pelagic zone , taxon , fish meal , trophic level , fish farming , range (aeronautics) , diversity of fish , marine ecosystem , ecology , ecosystem , fish <actinopterygii> , materials science , composite material
Large quantities of high protein fish meals are needed to sustain cultured species and thus the impact to marine ecosystem has been highly discussed. The aim of this study was to apply a PCR‐cloning methodology for a robust insight into the composition of commercial fish meals and feeds for farmed species of the Greek mariculture, assessing the risk posed by aquaculture to marine ecosystems but also the risk posed by commercial fish feeds to the increase in trophic level of species farmed in Greece. 89% of the sequences were identified to species level and only 11% to genus/family level. Overall, a total of 49 taxa were identified (44 fish species/taxon, five non‐fish species/taxon). Even though small pelagic fish like Engraulis sp. were the main portion, a wide range of species constituted the fish meals and feeds. Plant and animal species were also detected as an alternative protein source. Feed products employed in Greek mariculture still contain large portions of fish meals which increase the mean trophic level of farmed species causing a farming up trend. The results emphasize that such molecular methodologies are needed to certify aquafeeds allowing fish feed producers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable aquaculture.