The collaborative research project will help farmers protect fish health and adapt to a changing climate.

New study helps farmers identify early signs of gill disease

Editorial team Editorial team
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New research has shed light on complex gill disease (CGD) in farmed Atlantic salmon, helping farmers to better manage the condition.

In a partnership between Scottish Sea Farms, the University of Aberdeen, and BioMar, supported by the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC), scientists studied salmon in Scotland and Tasmania, using advanced methods to identify genetic and microbial markers that signal early signs of gill disease.

The £860,000 project found that as gill disease worsens, the diversity of helpful microbes in the gills drops.

Genetic markers

Researchers developed a set of more than 90 genetic markers that might help farmers detect disease earlier and respond more effectively.

While special diets alone did not significantly improve gill health, the research showed that a combination of monitoring, targeted interventions, and adapting to environmental changes is key.

By providing new tools for early detection and management, this research helps the aquaculture sector protect fish health and adapt to the challenges of a changing climate, said SAIC.

complex gill disease atlantic salmon news sustainable aquaculture innovation centre scottish sea farms university of aberdeen