Mestrado em Aquicultura

Fishery and aquaculture products constitute one of the main sources of highly digestible animal protein and highly unsaturated fatty acids (omega 3), which is why their demand has doubled over the last three decades. However, fish catches, both of marine and continental origin, have stabilized at around 90 million tons, while the production of aquaculture fish has multiplied tenfold and stands at 56 million tons -38 of continental origin and 18 of marine origin-, according to data from the FAO. In the coming years, the increase in world population and the increase in per capita consumption -currently around 18 kilograms per person/year- will cause a considerable increase in the demand for fish, which will have to be supplied by aquaculture. .

The main species produced by aquaculture in the world are the different species of carp, laminaria algae, oyster, clam and tilapia, although those that provide the most economic value are prawns or shrimp and salmon. In Europe, the most important species are mussels, salmon, trout, oysters, sea bream, carp and sea bass. In the coming years, in addition to consolidating and improving the production of these species, it will be necessary to introduce new ones, faster growing and larger in size, which will allow their transformation. In any case, the criteria of environmental, social and economic sustainability must be a priority, and, in addition, food safety must be guaranteed to consumers. Therefore, countries should recognize the strategic value of aquaculture for the supply of fish to the population.

The future of aquaculture will require an adequate legislative framework, clear support from the administrations, innovative companies with financial capacity, the promotion of R+D+i, and well-trained professionals who are capable of optimizing production systems and introducing new technologies and scientific advances.

In this sense, the Interuniversity Master in Aquaculture aims to train highly trained scientists and professionals who contribute to the development of the aquaculture sector.