PRR Project

Summary

Description and RationaleFish ethology has been identified by EU advisory bodies as a basis to improve finfish production, and fish welfare has been acknowledged both by the European Commission and Parliament as a pillar for EU aquaculture sector. CCMAR is aware of its key position to spearhead the research in this field. The PI in Fish Ethology and Welfare will therefore coordinate a research group to 1) advance on the knowledge of fish behaviour using the 4 questions of ethology as a background (function, causation, development and evolution) and 2) use this state-of-the-art knowledge to improve the welfare of farmed and wild-caught aquatic animals. This is a growing area of interest, not only in science but also in policy and public concern. Regarding research, recent advances in neuroscience rely more and more on fish as models to illustrate basic mechanisms of vertebrate behavioural regulation. These discoveries in turn demonstrate the interlink between behavioural traits and their physiological mechanisms, some of which occur in fish in a rather unique way. This research has wide implications, both on fundamental and applied perspectives, the latter being especially relevant in food production systems. For example, fish welfare is directly connected to flesh quality, and this link resonates heavily to food security issues and competitiveness of companies producing or harvesting fish.ProfileTo tackle these implications, the PI will have an excellent record of publications in the fields of fish behaviour and welfare, especially in the last 5 years. Their focus will be on the fundamental aspects of welfare in farmed fish, in several species, life-stages and farming systems. Essential topics must be welfare at slaughter as well as during ongrowing phases, addressing strategies to improve fish welfare during life in captivity. In addition, the PI must also demonstrate proficiency in theoretical aspects of welfare science, from cognition to domestication and including climate change.He/she shall have an excellent record in successful funding acquisition and participation in scientific events as invited, keynote or plenary speaker. Experience in lecturing is highly valued. Regarding practical applications, CCMAR aims to take a prominent role in policy at national and European level. The PI must therefore demonstrate outstanding capacity in engaging dialogue with all stakeholders in the sector, from NGOs to producers and policy makers, both within Portugal and within the European landscape. He/she will have the capacity to deliver high-profile talks in non-scientific events and prepare policy briefs for national governments and EU regulators. Their CV must contain official work for EU advisory bodies and/or high-level institutions. In addition, the PI must demonstrate the capacity to coordinate large teams and organise both scientific events and advanced training, directed at researchers as well as other stakeholders. Experience in consultancy is mandatory.The non-academic host institution is aligned with these objectives. FEG is a non-profit association working towards research and improvement of fish welfare. It has been successful in acquiring funding and shows excellence in its deliverables, both in science and beyond. Since its foundation in 2019, FEG has published 33 papers, 3 books, 15 book chapters, 2 official reports for EU bodies and over 80 welfare profiles for the fair-fish database, the only open-access database on farmed fish welfare. In addition, it has performed consultancy services and training for a large number of international clients, from NGOs to industry. Since 2019, FEG and CCMAR have signed a collaboration agreement to jointly perform research in this field. CCMAR has an outstanding track record of fundamental and applied research in marine science. The hiring of the PI will boost the scientific production of CCMAR and secure this institution in the forefront of fish welfare science internationally. This position aligns with CCMAR thematic lines, namely within ‘Marine Products and Resources’ and specifically in ‘Sustainable and climate resilient aquaculture’.