Training for aquaculture farms on carp farming at the TOME Aquaculture Centre ©Aivars Bērziņš

Driving Innovation in Latvian Aquaculture

LATVIA
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 11:40 (GMT + 9)

A new aquaculture hub is revolutionising Latvia's aquaculture sector by promoting innovation and sustainable practices.

Supported by EU funding, the TOME Aquaculture Centre provides expert training, skill development, and advisory services to entrepreneurs, encouraging knowledge transfer and cross-sectoral collaboration. 

As a regional hub of excellence, the centre bridges the gap between research and industry to implement environmentally sustainable solutions. It has garnered significant attention across the Baltic region.

Training for aquaculture at the Centre ©Aivars Bērziņš

Leading the way in aquaculture innovation

The TOME Aquaculture Centre was launched by the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment (BIOR), which has been at the forefront of aquaculture research and development in Latvia.

The construction of the centre was completed at the end of 2023 and the first farming works started in May 2024. With a proven track record in enhancement and restocking programmes – particularly in rearing Baltic salmon, sea trout smolts, pike perch, and other juvenile species – BIOR brings invaluable expertise to the TOME Innovation Centre.

Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) facility of TOME Aquaculture Centre ©Aivars Bērziņš

A vision for sustainable aquaculture

The long-term objective of the TOME Aquaculture Centre is to develop a professional and innovative aquaculture sector. 

The Centre organises international training seminars and industry working groups, involving over 100 participants from 40 aquaculture farms across several EU Member States, facilitating knowledge exchange and joint learning opportunities. 

Additionally, biannual lectures and excursions are organised at the TOME Aquaculture Centre for around 50 students from the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies and the University of Latvia.

Training on carp farming at the TOME Aquaculture Centre ©Aivars Bērziņš

Bridging research and industry

Aivars Bērziņš, Chair of the BIOR Scientific Board introduces the Centre: 'The innovation infrastructure and expert team at Tome provide excellent facilities, expertise, and consultations for the aquaculture sector to promote knowledge transfer and cooperation for all partners and stakeholders. This is an important place to develop and promote cooperation between the aquaculture sector and the scientific community, delivering the best available advice for sector development and innovations.'

A hub for cross-sectoral cooperation

The TOME Aquaculture Centre provides a comprehensive range of technologies in fish farming, health, and feed for species such as carp, burbot, and pikeperch. 

Tanks at Tome. Photo: institūta ”BIOR”

The Centre also specialises in European catfish breeding research, the implementation of saltwater Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), and aquaculture sustainability.

TOME’s approach is expected to yield innovative solutions applicable across various aquaculture sectors, enabling many Latvian companies to refine their farming practices, enhance production, and diversify product offerings. Notably, companies including Eko Ģilde, Skrunda, and Nagļi have participated in industry seminars organised by TOME, focusing on best practices and critical issues such as fish health, biosecurity, and welfare.

Additionally, representatives from companies like Oskars, W-4, and Ūdensrozes recently completed an intensive three-day training in advanced carp breeding techniques, with expertise from leading Czech aquaculture professionals. BlueCircle and other Latvian aquaculture leaders have also benefited from specialised workshops on recirculating aquaculture systems and salmonid fish farming, facilitated by Finnish experts.

The establishment of the TOME Aquaculture Centre marks a milestone in Latvia’s aquaculture sector, supporting the broader Baltic region with an integrated and innovative approach to sustainable fish farming.

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