The Laboratory of Applied Hydrobiology at the Department of Animal Science of the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) successfully conducted a series of in-person laboratory sessions as part of the Aquaculture course within the EU-CONEXUS Minor Programme. These practical sessions took place 24-28 November, 2025.
The coordination of these laboratory exercises was undertaken by Dr Emmanouil Malandrakis and Dr Arkadios Dimitroglou, assistant professors in the AUA Department of Animal Science.
During this course, participating students from Lithuania, Spain, France, Germany, and Greece gained hands-on experience in specialised fields of hydrobiology and aquaculture. The training aimed to help the participants achieve the following objectives:
- Acquire practical skills in fish anatomy and anaesthesia techniques, which are essential for the health and welfare of aquatic organisms.
- Learn how to assess and analyse abiotic water parameters, which are crucial for the survival and growth of aquatic species.
- Gain specialised knowledge in the methodology of hatching and culturing live feed โ a fundamental process for the early developmental stages in intensive aquaculture.
Additionally, the Minor students were introduced to the fundamentals of gene regulation in fish and developed practical skills in hatching aquaculture live prey at AUA’s Laboratory of Applied Hydrobiology. These successful courses were implemented with the support of the EU-CONEXUS Plus project, ensuring that participants acquired a thorough understanding, as well as the relevant skills and knowledge, in the field.
