Facility and Biosafety - Band "A" - Modernization of aquaculture facility according to Normative Resolution CONCEA nº 61/2023: innovation, biosafety and experimental precision

• Grant number: 25/07965-9
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Improvement of the Operational Infrastructure of Small-Animal Facilities and Biosafety
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Fishery Resources and Fishery Engineering - Aquaculture
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Susumu Takahashi
• Grantee: Leonardo Susumu Takahashi
• Host Institution: Centro de Aquicultura (CAUNESP). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Jaboticabal
• Associated researchers: Diogo Teruo Hashimoto ; Fabiana Pilarski ; Fausto Foresti ; Maria José Tavares Ranzani de Paiva ; Rafael Vilhena Reis Neto ; Ricardo Utsunomia ; Sergio Ricardo Batlouni ; Susanne Rath

Abstract

This proposal aims to modernize the aquaculture animal facility at UNESP's Aquaculture Center (CAUNESP), ensuring compliance with Brazil's Normative Resolution CONCEA No. 61/2023 and MCTI Ordinance No. 9.037/2025. The initiative will improve four experimental units-Tilapia Culture, Fish Reproduction, Fish Genetics and Breeding, and Aquatic Microbiology and Parasitology-each with a strong multi-user and interinstitutional profile. The project includes the acquisition and installation of modern recirculating aquaculture systems (SKID), multi-parameter sensors, underwater cameras, and refrigerated containers for feed and supply storage. The proposed upgrades aim to ensure animal welfare, biosafety, and experimental precision while expanding the capacity to support concurrent national and international research projects. The new systems will allow better environmental control, water reuse, reduced sanitary risks, and improved data quality. More than ten active FAPESP-funded research projects will benefit directly, covering areas such as fish nutrition, reproduction, genetics, physiology, health, and selective breeding. The infrastructure improvements will also enable advanced studies involving genetically modified organisms, large-scale genomic analysis, pathogen challenge trials, and conservation-focused research. The initiative will enhance training for undergraduate and graduate students, foster international collaboration, and promote sustainable aquaculture practices aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (AU)