Why did you choose the service/institution you chose?

We chose the JU Intensive Freshwater Aquaculture Units (JU–IFA) because they provide the specialized facilities, controlled freshwater systems, and technical expertise required for reliable pike perch larval trials. Their experience with early-stage larval rearing, live feeding, and biosecure husbandry is essential for generating robust and comparable data when evaluating CryoPlankton as a replacement for rotifers and Artemia.

How did this access experience support your research?

Through my work together with the JU-IFA team, we achieved the goals proposed in the project. We successfully produced pike perch larvae using CryoPlankton, leading to higher survival and reduced deformities.

How does your project benefit society, industry, or policy?

By replacing commonly used imported live feeds (such as rotifers and Artemia) with a European-produced alternative (CryoPlankton), it reduces dependence on external supply chains and strengthens local production capacity. This improves strategic resilience for the aquaculture sector, especially in the context of global supply uncertainties.

For industry, the approach increases larval survival and robustness while reducing deformities, leading to more stable and predictable production cycles. This improves overall efficiency and profitability in juvenile fish production.

From an environmental and societal perspective, the project lowers the ecological footprint of fish farming by reducing the need for energy- and resource-intensive live feed cultivation. It also contributes to better biosecurity, reduced waste, and more efficient use of freshwater resources, supporting a cleaner and more sustainable aquaculture system.

How did this experience mark your scientific career?

This experience gave me the opportunity to work with a freshwater species for the first time, allowing me to learn more about it's biology and the challenges that the industry currently faces to produce pike perch.

Please share some words of encouragement to future users.

I encourage anyone with a solid plan and project to find a suitable hosting institution and submit the application. It’s a valuable experience where you get to exchange knowledge, make new experiences and gain new perspectives.