Smoltification in Aquaculture

Smoltification is the process by which juvenile fish undergo physiological changes to adapt from freshwater to seawater environments. This process is critical for species like salmon, which transition between these habitats during their lifecycle. Smoltification involves adjustments in osmoregulation, hormone production, and behavioral patterns. In aquaculture, understanding and controlling this process is essential for maximizing survival and growth during the fish’s marine phase. By optimizing environmental factors such as salinity, temperature, and photoperiod, aquaculturists can time smoltification effectively, ensuring that fish are better prepared for the stresses of seawater environments and improving overall farm productivity.