DTU Aqua’s research into Individual Biology deals with the biology of aquatic organisms and their interaction with other organisms and with the surrounding environment.
Studying the individual, we focus on physiology, nutrition, growth, reproduction, behaviour, life history and genetics. We investigate individual characteristics, variation between individuals and at the causes and effects of such variation.
Individual Biology focuses on fish, shellfish and plankton and involves both wild and cultured organisms. In order to strengthen the coordination and research development of the activities DTU Aqua has established an interdisciplinary research programme 'Individual Biology'.
The interdisciplinary research programme into Individual Biology focuses on:
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Growth, nutrition and quality
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Metabolism and bioenergetics
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Reproduction and life history
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Behaviour and welfare
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Genetic variation
Why do we do research into Individual Biology?
Measurements at the individual level contribute to identifying and quantifying biological parameters and processes and to analyse causes of variation between individuals.
DTU Aqua conducts research into Individual Biology in order to increase our insight and understanding of the relationships between e.g. genetics, physiology, life history and production in aquatic ecosystems and in aquaculture.
Target organisms include salmonoids, gadoids, herring, sprat, sand eel, eel, pike-perch, sole, Norway lobster, lobster and mussels. We work with fish and shellfish at all life stages from eggs and larvae to fully developed mature individuals.
What is the research used for?
Measurements and analyses at individual level are integrated in many research areas. The results increase our understanding of the individual development and the dynamics in aquatic food webs and ecosystems.
The research is used to build individual-based models and extensively in modelling at population and ecosystem level.
The research also contributes to an improved management of fish and shellfish. In aquaculture, the research is used to optimise fish and shellfish culture and product quality.
Individual biology is interdisciplinary cross cutting program. It is based on extensive collaboration and the exchange of knowledge among individual research teams at DTU Aqua and among researchers at DTU Aqua and other DTU institutes. In addition, DTU Aqua collaborates with other universities and institutions, both in Denmark and internationally.
Contact
Senior Research Scientist Jonna Tomkiewicz, tel. +45 35 88 34 08, .
Researchers, technicians and students from the research programme are based at the DTU Aqua locations in Charlottenlund, Silkeborg and Hirtshals.
Since Individual Biology is an interdisciplinary research area and programme, most of DTU Aqua’s sections contribute to the research activities.
See the sections overview in DTU Aqua.