Farmed arctic charr. Photo: Anders Kiessling
Today, when overexploitation is a serious threat to wild fish stocks and polluted seas is a problem, there is hope that the increasing global demand for fish and seafood can be met by sustainable aquaculture. This is the topic of one of the seminars that SLU stages during the World Water Week in Stockholm, on August 26 to 31. SLU takes the opportunity to demonstrate its competence in applied water issues through several seminars and an exhibition.
The seminar on aquaculture will feature SLU researchers Anders Kiessling, Jana Pickova and Carl-Gustaf Thulin, together with international colleagues. Research at SLU has shown that a significant portion of wild-caught fish in fish feed can be replaced by feeds based on vegetables, mussels and microorganisms. Cultivation of char in nutrient poor hydropower dams in Sweden has been shown to be an environmentally friendly form of aquaculture, as well as closed system aquaculture.
– Aquaculture has a huge potential to contribute to regional development, culinary experiences and world food supply, says Anders Kiessling, at SLU's Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies.
Diffuse water pollution from agriculture in Europe is the theme of another seminar at the congress. This seminar will be introduced by SLU's Vice-Chancellor Lisa Sennerby-Forsse, and SLU researcher Karin Blombäck will talk about successful efforts to reduce nutrient leakage from Swedish agriculture to the Baltic Sea.
– The recovery of the Baltic Sea is one of the most pressing issues in our region, says Lisa Sennerby Forsse, and SLU researchers from several disciplines are involved in efforts to improve the situation.
Alongside the conference program, SLU also arranges a seminar dedicated to this year's recipient of the Stockholm Water Price.
Water – one of the most important focus areas at SLU
Water issues are natural areas of research and education for a university whose origins lie in agriculture, forestry and veterinary medicine. At the SLU of today, which also caters for fisheries, aquaculture and environmental monitoring and assessment, several hundred researchers are engaged in water related issues. Water issues are extremely broad and include water as a biological natural resource and as a habitat for the life forms in our rivers, lakes, streams and seas.
A new feature at SLU is The Coastal and Sea Areas Programme, which gathers SLU's expertise on marine environments and their assessment. The programme has a strong international dimension and includes more than sixty projects and activities. Its work is based on cooperation with authorities and bodies responsible for water management in coastal and sea areas.
– This programme will be an important addition to other water-related activities at SLU, says Lisa Sennerby Forsse.
Regarding aquatic sciences, SLU is certainly the most comprehensive university in Sweden, and this is also the message of the university's exhibition during World Water Week. Earlier this summer, SLU highlighted its water competence at Almedalen on Gotland and at the North Sea Week in Lysekil.
SLU seminars during the World Water Week
A tribute to the Stockholm Water Price Laureate 2012
Waters to be protected and utilized with care
Time: Tuesday 28 August at 08:30-11:30 followed by lunch
Location: KSLA, Stockholm, Drottninggatan 95B
Registration has closed
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Diffuse water pollution from agriculture in Europe
Experiences and research needs for managing water pollution from agriculture
Time: Thursday 30 August at 14:00-17:30
Location: Stockholmsmässan, Älvsjö, room T3
Registration: At the World Water Week web (fee per day or week)
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Sustaining Aquaculture
Knowledge Management, Communities and the Environment
Time: Thursday 30 August at 14:00-17:30
Location: Stockholmsmässan, Älvsjö, room K24
Registration: At the World Water Week web (fee per day or week)
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"Findings in brief. Theme: Water, aquaculture and fish"
Research information leaflet in English (pdf)
SLU's water competence on the web
http://www.slu.se/en/collaboration/fields-interest/aquaculture-and-fish/ http://www.slu.se/en/environment/programmes/coastal-and-sea-areas/
Contact
Carl-Gustaf Thulin (Moderator, aquaculture seminar), carl-gustaf.thulin@slu.se, 070-564 53 58
Karin Blombäck (SLU Water Hub – Catchment modelling and assessment, karin.blombäck@slu.se, 018-67 12 63