Aquaculture for all

Technical manual released for grey mullet aquaculture

mullet Hatcheries +3 more

The Sustainable Aquaculture Research Area of the Fondazione IMC – International Marine Centre and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations have released a comprehensive technical manual on the farming of flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus).

A close-up of a fish in a petri dish under a microscope.
A flathead grey mullet larvae under a microscope

© Fondazione IMC

This achievement is the result of more than a decade of research activities in the fields of reproductive physiology, nutrition and production technologies applied to the sustainable development of aquaculture. 

Dr Vallainc, senior researcher at the IMC Foundation and first author of the manual, stated in a press release: “This technical manual provides the first practical guidelines for the hatchery production of the flathead grey mullet, a marine species of high socio-economic value and low environmental impact, with strong potential for the sustainable development of aquaculture. The document compiles current knowledge and validated methodologies covering the entire production cycle, from broodstock management and captive reproduction to larval rearing, fry production, and grow-out.” 

Dr Carboni, research director at the IMC Foundation, praised the team and emphasised how collaboration with institutions such as IRTA and FAO makes it possible to achieve such significant milestones.

The director general of the IMC Foundation, Dr Paolo Mossone, added that he hopes the information – based on experimental research validated through laboratory and pilot- scale trials – will soon be adopted by commercial hatcheries. This would support reliable seed production and the improvement of farming practices. 

This publication contributes to the sustainable expansion of aquaculture in line with the FAO Blue Transformation Roadmap and the principles of the Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture.

Access the full technical manual on the FAO website