Copepods currently offer great potential for the development of aquaculture and various biotechnological applications. They are the natural prey of fish and possess essential nutritional qualities for the normal development of fish larvae. Interest in copepods for aquaculture has increased in recent years.

The project proposes to improve the breeding and development protocol of these cultures. The mass production of copepods will be based on simplified protocols which can be easily transposed to large scales. The production of copepod nauplii will be used to prolong the survival of the larvae of tropical species, which has not yet been mastered. It is essential to elaborate a pilot for the development and large-scale production of copepods in order to optimise the larval breeding of tropical fish.
This project reinforces this research and development path and will enable active participation in the regional dynamics for the development of sustainable aquaculture in the Nord Pas de Calais.

This project was labellised by the AQUIMER Pole of Competitiveness on the 22nd April, 2011.