Fighting fish diseases to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources!
Research background
The global demand for seafood is growing, and natural resources alone can no longer meet this demand. As a result, the importance of aquaculture, which involves artificially increasing seafood production, is increasing.
However, as with livestock and agriculture, aquaculture also suffers serious damage from infectious diseases, and measures to prevent such diseases are essential for stable production.
In addition, there are concerns that infectious diseases will have a serious impact on the natural resources and ecosystems.
Research content
The number of types of fish and shellfish consumed by humans is overwhelmingly greater than that of livestock, and as a result, there are many infectious diseases whose true nature is yet unclear.
In addition, new diseases are constantly being discovered due to the development of distribution networks and the expansion of the aquaculture industry.
Under these circumstances, we are conducting a wide range of research, from basic studies such as investigating the actual conditions of the diseases and the ecology of pathogens to applied research such as devising production methods to reduce the damage as well as implementing quarantine measures to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Future prospects
Although it is nearly impossible to completely eradicate pathogens that have spread underwater, we believe that by thoroughly understanding each infectious disease, it is possible to take various approaches to mitigate the damage.
We are committed to ensuring that humanity can continue to enjoy the bounty of the sea.
Educational approach
Let's acquire problem-solving skills by focusing on infectious diseases in the aquatic environment.
Educational Activities
The undergraduate level education offers lectures and practical training on aquatic animal biology, which covers the physiology and ecology of useful aquatic animals; aquaculture, which provides information on the current state of the aquaculture industry; and fish pathology, which deals with fish diseases that cause production losses.
At graduate level, I teach courses that impart specialized knowledge and skills related to fish pathology, as well as courses in which students work together to consider issues related to infectious diseases.
Human resource development goals
Fish diseases that are the subject of research vary greatly in terms of their causes, target fish species, and breeding methods. For this reason, it is necessary to understand the pathogens, fish species, breeding methods, and industrial structure before considering solutions for each disease.
Therefore, we aim to develop human resources who, in addition to specialized knowledge, possess logical and critical thinking skills, the ability to work effectively at production sites, and the ability to explain their work in order to disseminate results.
In addition, due to the large number of new diseases, we place importance on the formulation and implementation of independent research plans that are not bound by past knowledge and experience.
Track record of producing talented personnel
Those who have completed the doctoral program are active as researchers at universities and public research institutions in Japan and overseas.
Those who complete the Master's program are active in companies and government agencies, including those related to fisheries.
Vision for industry-academia collaboration
Protecting the bounty of the sea from infectious diseases
Social issues we are working on
Shellfish are not only important as eco-friendly food but also play an important role in aquatic ecosystems.
However, there are many infectious diseases in Japan that are thought to be related to the decline in the production and resource quantities of various shellfish, and serious impacts on the fishing industry and aquatic ecosystems are a concern.
Thus, we aim to understand each infectious disease based on the characteristics of shellfish and pathogens, and then propose improvements to production methods in order to support sustainable production of shellfish and a rich aquatic ecosystem.
Deliverables and progress on current issues
We conduct basic research on protozoan infections in oysters and clams, bacterial infections in oyster seedlings and scallops, and viral infections in abalone, including field surveys of actual conditions at production sites and evaluations of pathogen characteristics, with the aim of exploring practical improvement measures.
Our achievements to date have been published not only in scientific papers but also in commercial magazines such as ‟Aquaculture Business” for the general public.
Technologies, research, and prospects applicable to future developments
There is no single approach to combat infectious diseases. It is necessary to change the approach depending on the pathogen, the target organism, and even the industrial background.
We believe that accumulating knowledge about pathogens and shellfish physiology, as well as developing all kinds of production technologies, such as land-based aquaculture, seed production, breeding, and feed development, will provide clues to solving these issues.
Research Overview Poster (PDF)
Related Links
Keywords
Keywords1 : Shellfish, pathogens, viruses, bacteria, parasites, protozoa, fish, aquaculture, marine resources, fish diseases, host specificity, biological defense, aquatic ecosystems Keywords2 : Fish disease problems, infectious disease damage, disease control, destruction of aquatic ecosystems, decline in seafood production, decline of the fishing industry
