The Aquatic Microbiome
The invisible world of microscopic life that directly influences water quality, nutrient cycling and livestock health.
The Microbial Communities Shaping Aquaculture
Every farm has its own microbial fingerprint. The collection of microbes that form the microbiome can be found living in the water, biofilms, tank surfaces and fish mucus. When a microbiome is thriving and healthy, waste nutrients are recycled, pathogens are suppressed and disease is kept at bay. But when the microbiome is disrupted and weak, the community is unable to defend itself, pathogens proliferate, waste accumulates and unexpected disease outbreaks appear.
Why the Microbiome Matters
Microbes interact with aquatic livestock at each stage of production. Some are pathogenic while others are beneficial.
Water Quality
The microbiome plays a critical role in chemical process, including nitrogen cycling and organic matter degradation. If the microbiome is disrupted, ammonia will accumulate and oxygen is depleted.
Livestock Health
Livestock are in constant contact with the microbes in their environment. Beneficial microbial communities support mucosal health, stress tolerance, and overall disease resilience.
Disease Risk
Disease emerges when microbial balance is disrupted. Shifts in the microbiome can reduce natural suppression of pathogens, increasing the likelihood of disease emergence before clinical signs are visible.
Detecting Microbes of Interest
Each stage of production has its own microbes of interest (MOIs). Hatchery, freshwater, and marine environments each present distinct microbial communities that directly influence livestock health, water quality and disease risk. By identifying and monitoring these microbes of interest at each stage, it becomes possible to build a comprehensive picture of the microbiome's role. Go beyond revealing which pathogens are present, and discover how the balance between harmful and beneficial microbes is shifting over time.
