Research
As a Fish Reproductive Biologist I am interested in everything that falls under this area of knowledge, from gamete quality and manipulation to reproductive endocrinology. Inside this broad field I have conducted studies in the area of aquaculture, ecology, evolution and ecotoxicology.
Gametes quality
Over the years I have conducted different studies on the different parameters that can be used to define the quality of the gametes (sperm and oocytes) and how the gametes quality is affected. My ultimate goal is to contribute for the development of tools to improve gametes quality of fish reared in captivity and to facilitate the gametes usage for the improvement of the breeders reproductive performance.
Sperm storage (cryopreservation and refrigeration)
When conducing artificial fertilization, the ability to store gametes (either oocytes or sperm) is essential for the development of in vitro fertilization protocols. However, these storage techniques frequently result in a decrease of the gametes quality that could lead to a lower fertilization success. This is one of my main areas of expertise and I conduct studies to better understand the causes for quality decrease during storage and for the improvement of gametes storage protocols, both through cryopreservation and refrigeration.
Reproductive ecology
In collaboration with Professor Craig Purchase from the Memorial University in Canada, I have carried different studies focused on sperm competition and evolution in sperm phenotypic plasticity.
Embryo cryopreservation
This was indeed, the start of my research career as an undergrad student. A study testing embryo microinjection with cryoprotectants to improve embryo resistance to the cryopreservation protocols.
Species studied
Pleuronectiformes
Solea senegalensis
- Marine species found from the Gulf of Biscay to the Senegal coast and a promising species for the Mediterranean aquaculture. Currently more than 1 600 tonnes are produced annually.
Hippoglossus hippoglossus
- The largest pleuronectiform is also one of the largest bony fishes and can reach over 300 kg. With a high market price, research efforts have been made since the 80's for its production in aquaculture. However the complex life cycle have made the progress in the aquaculture production slow.
Salmoniformes
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Anadromous species native of North Pacific drainages that have been introduced for food and sport in every continent except in Antarctica, threatening several native species and giving origin to different local strains. The aquaculture production has surpass the 800 thousand tones in 2012.
Perciformes
Sparus aurata
- Marine species found in the Mediterranean and the Northeast Atlantic. Highly appreciate in the Mediterranean diet represents a history of success in the Mediterranean aquaculture and in 2012 reached a peak production of 159 000 tones.
Dicentrarchus labrax
Argyrosomus regius
- A recent success story in the Mediterranean aquaculture, with good fillet yield, relatively high growth rates (1 kg per year). Although it can spawn spontaneously in captivity reproduction protocols need to be optimized to guarantee a continuous supply of good quality juveniles.
Anarhichas minor
- Consider a potential species for the marine aquaculture diversification in Norway, Iceland and Canada. This species is known for its rich and tasty fillets and studies so far observed relatively fast growth rates in captivity.
This species unique reproductive biology make's it one of my favourite research targets.
Pilot production plants are already underway.
Gadiformes
Cypriniformes
Pseudochondrostoma duriense
- Freshwater species from the Iberian Peninsula currently threatened by habitat loss.
Danio rerio
- The famous aquarium zebrafish is also a famous vertebrate model organism, that can be used to study developmental biology.
Osmeriformes
Osmerus mordax
Mallotus villosus
- One of the most abundant fish species in the sub-artic region and a key forage species for whales, birds and top predatory fish such as Atlantic cod. Some populations are beach spawners while others spawn offshore.
Salvelinus fontinalis
Salvelinus alpinus
Scorpaeniformes
Cyclopterus lumpus
- Used as a cleanerfish for salmon, is now the second species most produced in Norway in terms of individuals. Nonetheless, high mortalities after introduction in the sea cages and the dependence of capture of wild individuals for breeding raise long term sustainability issues.
Characiformes
Prochilodus lineatus
Gadus morhua
- This large predatory fish was so abundant in the Newfoundland waters that the first sailors report that was hard to row a boat through them. Unfortunately, overfishing drove several cod populations to collapse in the 1990s and in most cases they have failed to recover since then.