Functional Feeds from Halophytes Enhance Fish Immune Response

CIIMAR leads research in the AQUACOMBINE project on functional feeds using halophyte bioactives to enhance immune responses in farmed fish and shrimp. A two-month trial with European seabass fed 10% Salicornia ramosissima showed increased leucocyte recruitment, indicating immunomodulatory potential. The work focuses on reducing antimicrobial use through sustainable, bio-based solutions, including a biorefinery model that repurposes waste and utilizes saline soils for halophyte farming. This approach supports environmental goals such as bioremediation, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. CIIMAR, a multidisciplinary marine research institute, contributes expertise in aquaculture, seafood quality, and marine biotechnology, hosting 200 PhD researchers and publishing 600+ ISI-indexed papers annually. The institute’s facilities support advanced omics, histology, and aquatic animal experimentation. Benjamin Costas leads the Animal Health and Aquaculture team, specializing in nutritional immunology.