"A week-long international visit to Luke’s Laukaa fish research facility brought together expertise from across Europe, as technician Arthur Kaufling from INRAE (France) joined Luke’s staff from 16th to 20th March 2026.

Laukaa was selected as the host site due to its internationally known, recently upgraded recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facilities. These include both large-scale units and smaller, independent modules designed for research and training, as well as strong expertise in fish behaviour, genetics, and fish welfare. The visit provided valuable insights for both Kaufling and Luke staff, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in advancing aquaculture innovation.

Kaufling was first introduced to the Laukaa facility and its infrastructure by Research Technician Sakari Kukkamaa and colleagues. The programme began with a comprehensive tour covering RAS technologies, automation systems, and methods for monitoring fish biomass and water quality.

Midweek activities, led by Principal Scientist Jouni Vielma and team, focused on RAS research, fish behaviour and nutrition. Discussions addressed key aspects of experimental design, including tank allocation, automated feeding, replication, and the use of sensors and monitoring tools to ensure reliable and unbiased results. The group also explored behavioural testing approaches using video and tracking technologies, alongside methods for monitoring fish health and welfare.

New ideas and a deeper understanding about RAS systems

This is how Arthur Kaufling reflected on the experience:

“As we are planning to install new RAS systems at our facility in France, this visit provided many ideas to improve our designs and guide future projects. I gained a better understanding of aspects I had not previously considered. I also had the opportunity to present our construction plan to Luke’s RAS experts, who helped identify both strengths and areas for improvement – particularly regarding operational reliability of the RAS facility. This was an extremely valuable visit.”

“It was particularly important for me to gain a deeper understanding of filtration systems and the monitoring and control of physicochemical parameters in these setups,” Kaufling says.

Finding synergies between Luke and INRAE

The final part of the visit, led by Principal Scientist Antti Kause and colleagues, focused on breeding, genetics, and aquaculture end-products. Presentations and demonstrations emphasized the role of selective breeding in supporting sustainable aquaculture, as well as the full production chain from primary production to seafood products.

Kaufling and his colleagues also presented the work of INRAE’s Numéa unit (Nutrition, Metabolism, Aquaculture) via online conference, enabling further exchange of methodologies and perspectives. The session highlighted clear synergies between ongoing work at Luke and research at INRAE, strengthening opportunities for future collaboration.

“Personal connections facilitate to develop joint projects, for example when applying for EU research funding,” emphasized Antti Kause.

The visit was part of the AQUASERV Staff Mobility Programme

“The programme is open to all Luke staff – not only researchers, but especially technicians and laboratory assistants,” noted Kause. “It offers a unique opportunity to develop expertise and expand international networks in aquaculture, fisheries, marine sciences, and the blue bioeconomy.”

Learn more about AQUASERV's Staff Mobility Programme here!