The initiative to organize the master class came from scientists; it was facilitated by Irina Sukhovskaya, Cand.Sci., Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Environmental Biochemistry, Institute of Biology KarRC RAS, and Sergey Filin, Head of the KarRC RAS Aquaculture Centre. Irina Sukhovskaya stressed that the research center and fish farms cooperate closely: biologists collect material for research, while farms require analyses to monitor fish health. If they learn to draw samples on their own, material from remote areas of Karelia can be obtained promptly.

- We’re embarking on a very long journey, – explained Irina Sukhovskaya. – In Kazan, at the Federal Centre for Biological Safety, extensive work has been done to select specific probes for certain types of fish disease pathogens. Based on these probes, a pharmaceutical plant in Stavropol is now launching production of diagnostic kits for simultaneous detection of several diseases. Our task is to test these modern diagnostic kits to detect pathogens typical of Karelia. If testing is successful, farms will be able to detect diseases on-site, without sending samples to Russia’s major veterinary centers, saving time and resources.


Irina Sukhovskaya, Cand.Sci., Senior Researcher, Ecological Biochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Biology KarRC RAS

The researcher says having the kits tested specifically in Karelia is essential because microorganism strains of can vary slightly among regions. At the same time, the specialist emphasized that the more material is tested, the more accurate the result will be.

In the class, seven persons from farms learned and practiced a humane procedure: the fish is temporarily anesthetized, the required amount of blood is collected, and then the fish is returned to the cage. The samples can be used for a wide range of analyses – from the classical biochemical assay and blood smear microscopy to modern proteomic studies.


Candidates of Sciences Nadezhda Kantserova and Albina Tsekova

- Blood samples are collected for both standard analyses, such as biochemical profiling, smear microscopy, or serum bactericidal activity, as well as for the more advanced, modern tests, like plasma proteomic analysis. Plasma is tested for various biochemical parameters, including enzyme activity and markers of oxidative processes. Additionally, fish immune system indicators are assessed, -- noted Irina Sukhovskaya.


Sergey Filin, Aquacenter KarRC RAS

According to the scientists, the KarRC is in touch with the republic’s trout farmers, who often turn to the centre’s specialists for assistance. In turn, the scientists themselves, both Irina Sukhovskaya and other workshop participants from the same laboratory, Nadezhda Kantserova and Albina Tsekova, are implementing projects addressing applied aquaculture problems and funded by the Russian Science Foundation. Previously, in 2022, biologists at KarRC RAS proved the efficiency of a natural larch-based supplement for reducing antibiotics use in trout farming.

The KarRC RAS is doing multidisciplinary studies in biology, ecology and sustainable development of aquaculture. Collaboration with real-economy companies is among the priorities for the Center.