Artificial reproduction and rearing of the European smelt
European smelt (Osmerus eperlanus) is a key species in the estuaries of the major German rivers and the shallow coastal areas of the North Sea. Currently, the population of the species has declined considerably. The reasons for this are not fully understood. With our experience in aquaculture, we want to artificially propagate European smelt and raise it under controlled conditions. This shall allow us to carry out ecophysiological studies on the early life stages in order to investigate the possible causes for its decline in the wild.
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