Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture - Technical University of Denmark

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Hirtshals
Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture - Technical University of Denmark

MSc Eng programme at DTU that focuses on the sustainable use of aquatic environments and its resources, and sustainable aquaculture developement.

The curriculum of the masters program is centered around competencies in recirculation technology, as well as courses in ecology, water resource management, fish physiology in aquaculture, nutrition and bioenergetics, marine aquaculture, membrane technology, fluid mechanics, diseases and veterinary aspects, management practice and more. The prgram is open to all who hold a B.Sc. degree in relevant areas of biology, engineering, chemistry. Feel free to contact a counsellor to hear more about the program and whether you are eligible.

22/02/2026

Every spring, we offer the course:
Exercises in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) ♻️

Here, students design, build, and test their own RAS prototype systems ⚙️

The experimental work encourages students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice and to reflect on practical challenges related to water quality measurements and system operation.

The prototype systems mirror the principles used in large-scale commercial facilities such as Danish Salmon - located here in Hirtshals.

🧩 Interested in pursuing an MSc in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture? EU/EEA applicants can apply before March 1st via the link in our bio.

07/03/2025

𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐓𝐔: 𝐀 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 Innovative 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🚀
The Sustainable Fishery and Aquaculture students recently wrapped up two dynamic courses where our students embraced the spirit of innovation and teamwork.
If you already have a background with innovation, it’s a possibility to become a facilitator of one of the innovator teams!

📚 Innovation in Engineering
In this course, students got hands-on with real-life challenges by:
🔹 Applying a structured innovation process to tackle engineering problems 💡
🔹 Exploring the vast innovation landscape to find their unique roles
🔹 Collaborating in teams to drive innovation initiatives and mature creative ideas into final proposals
🔹 Acquiring a robust toolkit of methods and embracing the signature DTU mindset for effective stakeholder communication

🤝 Facilitating Innovation in Multidisciplinary Teams
Focusing on leadership and teamwork, students learned to:
🔹 Facilitate innovation processes within business cases and multidisciplinary settings
🔹 Lead collaborative efforts that transform new ideas into mature, solution-oriented concepts
🔹 Enhance their personal approach to innovation while mastering essential communication skills.

The enthusiasm and dedication shown throughout these courses reflect DTU’s commitment to blending theory with practical experience, preparing students to make a lasting impact in the world of engineering innovation.

📌 Interested in learning more? Visit the course website (https://shorturl.at/1FBLN) or reach out to us today!

31/12/2024

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Stepping into 2025, we celebrate a year of community, student achievements, and research within sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

We want to extend our thanks to everyone who supports our MSc program - students, faculty and industry partners. Your dedication, collaboration, and contributions make it all possible.

Here’s to another year of learning, collaboration, and making an impact! 🥂

30/12/2024

This semester, the course 𝘈𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘌𝘯𝘥-𝘰𝘧-𝘗𝘪𝘱𝘦 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘍𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘴 was launched, designed to train students in developing efficient solutions for treating aquaculture effluents while minimizing environmental impacts.

The course covered established and emerging technologies for managing nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter in aquaculture wastewater. Topics included denitrification, coagulation-flocculation, and residual resource valorization. Students applied this knowledge to practical case studies, with an engineering project focused on designing solutions to meet specific discharge quotas in compliance with European and Danish environmental regulations.

Through a combination of lectures, laboratory exercises, and site visits to fish farms, students gained practical and theoretical expertise in end-of-pipe treatment systems. This comprehensive approach prepares students to address challenges in sustainable aquaculture, contributing to the development of circular and environmentally responsible practices aligned with European sustainability strategies.

28/12/2024

In the summer, students can participate in the intensive 3-week 𝘍𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘊𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 course, offering hands-on experience in conducting fishing gear selectivity trials aboard DTU Aqua’s research vessel 𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘯. Throughout the course, students develop skills in designing data collection protocols, evaluating experimental methods, and applying modeling approaches to assess gear efficiency.

The course introduces students to the commercial fishing sector, fisheries regulations, and the technical and biological principles behind active and passive fishing methods. Students also learn how to assess size- and species selectivity, compare the efficiency of different catching methods, and explore innovations in fishing technology, including SMART-Fishing strategies.

In addition, participants gain experience designing scientific sampling strategies for selectivity trials, conducting fishing operations, and analyzing their data to present findings in a scientific format.

Held in Hirtshals, the course includes visits to net-makers, commercial fishing vessels, and the Hirtshals trawl flume tank, providing valuable industry insights.

By the end of the course, participants are well-equipped to discuss selectivity data and contribute to sustainable fisheries management and technological innovation.

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿? Visit the website in our bio for more information.

27/12/2024

In the 6-week course 𝘍𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘕𝘶𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘪𝘰𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴 during the spring semester, students conduct a growth trial to observe changes in fish with different feed portions. This practical experience builds on the course’s focus on understanding fish nutrition, metabolism, and bioenergetics, providing students with the tools to formulate diets and develop production models for aquaculture.

19/12/2024

FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND WELFARE
This six-week course in the spring semester offers a comprehensive introduction to fish physiology, focusing on the challenges fish face in aquaculture and during capture. Designed for students in aquaculture and fisheries science, it provides the knowledge needed to evaluate and address biological issues in fish-related industries.

The course explores:
• Fish anatomy and sensory systems.
• Mechanisms of homeostasis and stress responses.
• The impact of rearing and capture conditions on fish physiology, behavior, and welfare.
• Signs of poor welfare in farmed and wild fish.
• Neurophysiological processes such as feeding, reproduction, stress, and immunity.
• Practical solutions to fish health and welfare challenges in the industry.

The course emphasizes the constraints fish face in captivity or during capture and discusses strategies to mitigate these challenges.

By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in fish biology and be well-prepared to contribute to sustainable practices in aquaculture and fisheries.

13/12/2024

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential significantly higher than CO2. The livestock industry alone accounts for 35% of anthropogenic methane emissions, primarily due to enteric fermentation in ruminants. Reducing these emissions presents a critical opportunity to mitigate climate change.

One promising solution lies in 𝘈𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘴, a macroalga identified in 2014 as an effective feed additive for reducing methane emissions in livestock. Subsequent studies demonstrated methane reductions of up to 98% in vitro and 80–98% in live trials, with no adverse effects on animal welfare or product quality. These effects are largely attributed to the halogenated compound bromoform found in 𝘈𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘴.

Realising the full potential of 𝘈𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘴 requires scaling up specialized seaweed farming. Stable production is essential, with land-based cultivation emerging as an advantageous approach. This method conserves water, prevents the risk of introducing 𝘈𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘴 as a non-native species, and offers better control over environmental conditions, such as light, to maximize growth and production.

“Our research focuses on optimizing light conditions, a crucial factor for algal growth. Light intensity influences photosynthetic activity, biomass production, and nutrient uptake. By investigating these parameters, we aim to determine the optimal light intensity for 𝘈𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘴 tetrasporophytes cultured in water from a land-based salmon production facility” explains Sarah Bartels.

Sarah Bartels and Emma Jensen, two of our MSc students, have been working on this project over the last semester as part of a special course within aquaculture. The course has been carried out in collaboration with DTU researchers and an industry-supported project. “This arrangement gives us the experience of working within an academic research setting, while also learning how to collaborate with industry to translate research into practical applications for commercial use” adds Emma Jensen.

12/12/2024

This semester, one of our students specializing in 𝘍𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘉𝘪𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 participated in a two-day data collection project at Scandic Pelagic in Skagen. Scandic Pelagic, a global leader in pelagic fishing and herring products, provided a valuable opportunity for direct engagement with the industry.

Data collection focused on bycatch from pelagic trawl fisheries aboard the vessel 𝘈𝘴𝘣𝘫ø𝘳𝘯. The work involved recording length and weight measurements for various bycatch species, including mackerel, whiting, and haddock. The data will contribute to estimating species composition, population dynamics, and bycatch levels in pelagic fisheries—known for their high selectivity and sustainability compared to demersal trawl fisheries.

Looking ahead, this project will incorporate eDNA analysis to further investigate species diversity and refine the understanding of pelagic ecosystems. It’s exciting to take part in research that combines practical fieldwork with innovative methodologies, advancing sustainable fisheries management.

11/12/2024

In the fall semester, students take the course 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘔𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘌𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 as one of the program-specific courses required to obtain the MSc degree in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The course introduces mathematical modeling of population dynamics in living organisms, ranging from bacteria to whales. It focuses on conceptual models based on differential and difference equations to illustrate fundamental concepts in population modeling. A key goal is to ensure students develop the ability to connect biological contexts with abstract mathematical models—understanding the biological assumptions underlying the models and the ecological implications of their results. 🦠🐋

The main topics include single-species population models (e.g., logistic growth), multi-species interactions (e.g., competition and predator-prey dynamics), functional responses, exploitation of living systems, seasonal succession, epidemiological models, and spatial population dynamics. The course also introduces key concepts from evolutionary dynamics.

Half of the sessions are dedicated to training in basic model programming using examples of biological systems. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on developing and evaluating students’ presentation skills. In the final phase, students create their own projects, which are evaluated in a poster session.

28/11/2024

The aquaculture specialization has a focus on land-based production systems, and an aim that students are able to conceive production systems with appropriately dimensioned components, that satisfy the requirements of the produced species.

At DTU Hirtshals campus, the following courses within recirculating aquaculture systems are offered:

𝟮𝟱𝟯𝟭𝟲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀
This course provides students with basic knowledge of the technology used in recirculating aquaculture systems. The course should enable students to describe the design and functional properties of individual components used in aquaculture with a high degree of water reuse.

𝟮𝟱𝟯𝟯𝟭 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀
In this course students will get hands-on experience with basic water quality measurements and short-term experiments related to recirculating aquaculture systems. The experimental work is supposed to encourage students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice and to reflect on practical issues related to water quality measurements and system operation.

𝟮𝟱𝟯𝟮𝟮 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗔𝗦: 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
This course enables students to comprehend the complexity of system operation, and to design and analyse recirculation systems with respect to production and practical issues such as feeding load, production capacity, water quality and system operation and management. By the end of the course the students should be able to design a basic RAS as well as be able to evaluate existing systems.

Interested in a MSc degree in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture? Follow the link in our bio.

28/11/2024

STUDENT LIFE IN HIRTSHALS ⚓️

Students on the Master’s programme in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, study at the DTU campus in Hirtshals. In their spare time, students take advantage of the benefits of living in Hirtshals, right by the sea; Whether it be walks and runs in the wild nature, winter bathing, swimming, surfing, fishing, or playing ball at the beach. The campus is under one-hour transportation from the city of Aalborg for big city adventures when desired.

Adresse

Hirtshals

Telefon

+4535883315

Internet side

http://tiny.cc/dtusfa

Underretninger

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