Research topics of the department Ecophysiology and Aquaculture

As stressors we investigate materials of natural and anthropogenic origin like endocrine disruptors and pharmatheutics, but also environmental factors like artificial lighting. Which effect do these have on the development or the reproduction of aquatic organisms?

We examine the active mechanisms by means of molecular-biological, biochemical and histologic methods. In addition we investigate the behaviour of individuals.

Our research projects are about:

• the research on ecological-toxicological damage potential of potash sewage on fish reproduction (Meinelt)

• endocrine dirsruptors with effects on reproduction or sign gland system (Lutz, Kloas)

• scientific bases for risk assessment of PhACs (Kloas, Nützmann)

The essential subjects in sustainable aquaculture for aquaculture-investment are resource protection or better processing of water as well as the decrease of emissions and nutrient exploitation in combined aquaponic facilities. Research subjects to the fish keeping and fish breeding enclose functional fish genetics, aspects of the reproductive physiology, immunology, fish health and food (fish meal substitute) for the purpose of an appropriate keeping. The methods used are similar to those used in the ecophysiology.

• Fish food: Use of alternative resources as substitute of fish meal (Rennert, Kloas)
• ASTAF-PRO: An aquaponic system for  emission free tomato and fish production in greenhouses (Rennert, Kloas)

• Fish health: Prophylaxix, therapy and management for protection of the fish health (endocrine system, immune system)(Meinelt, Knopf)

• Functional fish genetics: Genomics and Proteomics of both growth hormone genes of the carp (Kohlmann)

• Development of technologies for a sustainable aquaculture of the pikeperch (Rennert)

• Fish health: Eco-friendly procedures to the prophylaxis and therapy of fish illnesses (Meinelt)

• Fish immunlogy: not invasive vacanation of fish by ultrasound (Knopf)