A new research partnership backed by Innovate UK is developing phage-based alternatives to antibiotics to tackle bacterial losses in shellfish hatchery systems, which remain a significant constraint on UK production.
Esox Biologics, the University of Glasgow, and the University of Leicester have joined forces under the Farmed Animal and Aquaculture SPARK Award to explore the use of bacteriophages — naturally occurring viruses that target specific bacteria — as a sustainable tool for improving larval survival rates.
The project responds to the waning efficacy of antibiotics and tightening regulatory controls, which have left hatcheries in need of effective and environmentally friendly disease management solutions. Phages offer a targeted approach, killing harmful bacteria while leaving surrounding microorganisms undisturbed.
Each partner brings specialised expertise to the initiative. Esox Biologics will deploy its metagenomic sequencing platform, Detect, to identify and characterise bacterial and phage communities within UK shellfish hatcheries. The University of Glasgow team, led by Professor Martin Llewellyn, will conduct controlled trials using larvae from its new hatchery facility on the Isle of Cumbrae. Professor Martha RJ Clokie and her team at the University of Leicester’s Beckey Meyer Centre for Phage Research will isolate and study phage species capable of controlling harmful bacteria. The Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers will provide access to samples from commercial sites.
Professor Martin Llewellyn said: “Improving shellfish larval survival would unlock substantial growth and reverse recent declines in UK shellfish production, representing a major commercial opportunity for the UK shellfish industry and benefit to British consumers by increasing the availability of sustainable seafoods.”
The collaboration is among the recent winners of the SPARK Award, which recognises sustainable innovation in farmed animal health.
