University of Debrecen, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation,
Department of Animal Husbandry
Laboratory of Fish Biology and Aquaculture
Due to our geography, freshwater fish production has a high potential in the region. As a result of decades of development work at the University of Debrecen, a modern teaching and research base has been established, which enables us to participate in research and development, vocational training, and consultancy activities in the field of fisheries and aquaculture at both national and international level. The infrastructure of the Fish Biology Laboratory facilitates the implementation of research in the fields of fish husbandry and feed technology, genetics, reproduction biology, animal health, ethology, and technological development of aquaculture systems. The unit has also been awarded the status of "Excellent Research Site" (TOP 50 KI).
Continuous improvements have resulted in a 415 m2 two-story building with larval, fry, and broodstock-rearing experimental units on the ground floor, which are modular in design. The units operate in a recirculation system, thus minimising water and energy consumption and the impact on the environment. On the upper floor, 4 research rooms, a 35-seat classroom, and a 12-seat meeting room were also established to provide the infrastructure for education, training, and technical advice activities. Adjacent to the building is a 220 m2 and a 485 m2 double-skin covered fish house, which provide space for a semi-commercial fish production unit and an integrated aquaculture - hydroponics (aquaponics) system respectively. At the end of 2020, a fish pond with a water volume of nearly 300 m3 was constructed, which handles and passivates the run-off water from the aquaponic and fish farming systems, in addition to keeping mother fish.
The state-of-the-art fish and plant-rearing infrastructure has been used for the implementation of several research and development projects in recent years, as well as broodstock production and scientific services required by our corporate partners (Aranyponty Zrt., Bocskai Halászati Kft., Biharugrai Halgazdaság Kft., Clari Kft.).