Bacterial heroes: Safeguarding fish farms and public health against drug-resistant superbugs

In this presentation, I'll be delving into the exciting world of fish farming and the innovative research being conducted to safeguard both fish health and public well-being. Through the lens of my PhD project, which focuses on developing probiotics to combat harmful pathogens in fish farming, I'll take students on a journey from the challenges of fish production in aquaculture to the promising solutions being developed, against the global threat of antimicrobial resistance.
 
I'll explain how my research aims to address the increasing prevalence of diseases in farmed fish, exacerbated by the overuse of antibiotics, and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR has been one of the leading causes of mortality globally, and it is being fueled both from the excessive use of antibiotics the agriculture industry, as well as from clinical administration of antibiotics in humans. Additionally, the rate of AMR is expected to worsen due to climate change. To help combat these issues, my research focuses on trying to find probiotics e.g. beneficial bacterial strains, which could be inhibitory against the harmful bacteria causing fish diseases in aquaculture. Potentially, probiotics could replace the use of antibiotics (and elsewhere), without causing resistance. 

Specifically, I'll discuss the EU-funded 'Cure4Aqua' project and my role within it, focusing on the identification and development of beneficial bacteria against  Flavobacterium psychrophilum, a harmful pathogen in rainbow trout aquaculture, which is also a major industry in Denmark. 
Students will learn about the importance of sustainable farming practices in ensuring food security and protecting both environmental and public health. By transitioning from antibiotic use to biocontrol measures like probiotics, we're not only safeguarding fish welfare but also mitigating the spread of AMR, promoting biodiversity and conservation of life under water, and contributing to global efforts for a healthier planet. 

I will also share my personal journey from childhood curiosity about the environment to pursuing a career in science. Growing up on an island in the Mediterranean (Rhodes), my connection to aquatic biodiversity fueled my passion for environmental protection. Through experiences in academia (such as an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s degree in Sustainable Aquaculture in 4 different countries) and traveling, I discovered the interconnectedness of scientific disciplines and the urgent need for multidisciplinary approaches to tackle environmental challenges.

I'll encourage students to share their thoughts and questions about aquaculture, environmental conservation, and the impacts of human activities on ecosystems, helping foster a sense of curiosity and empowerment, as to how they can also contribute to environmental protection and public health, themselves.  To illustrate the concept of probiotics, I may bring props like petri dishes and bacterial cultures for a demonstration, allowing students to observe microbial growth and understand the role of beneficial bacteria in combating pathogens. I am also planning to incorporate quizzes to promote the student's engagement throughout the presentation, making learning fun and interactive!