The University of Gdańsk (PL) is delighted to have been the first host institution for the “AquaLoop Cross-Border Student Exchange Program.” From January 6th to January 12th, the Faculty of Oceanography and Geography welcomed aquaculture master’s students from the University of Rostock (DE). During their visit, the students engaged in five days of hands-on laboratory work in two key areas: shrimp cultivation in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and microalgae cultivation with an emphasis on wastewater utilization.
The AquaLoop team at the University of Gdańsk provided expert guidance throughout, offering introductory presentations on both topics and involving the students in experimental procedures within the AquaLoop Pilot 1: TARAS – Testing Algae Applications in Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) to improve aquaculture circularity potential in the SB region.
This program offered the students a deep dive into various aspects of aquaculture. They explored microalgal growth, the use of wastewater as a medium, water sampling and analysis, media preparation, experimental setup, growth monitoring, and the methods for determining the energy available for shrimp growth. Students also participated in daily aquaculture routines such as water parameter monitoring, feeding, behavior observation, tank cleaning, and water exchange procedures, while learning about food consumption and excretion rates.
Another highlight of the program was a field trip to a commercial-scale recirculating aquaculture system. The students from the University of Rostock were excited to explore Poland’s K2 Trout Farm, a state-of-the-art facility specializing in rainbow trout breeding. Located near Lębork in Northern Poland, just an hour from Gdynia, the farm operates using water from the Łeba–Struga Kisewska river basin and deep water wells. The farm’s cutting-edge RAS technology enables the reuse of water through advanced purification methods. The students gained valuable insights into the farm’s operations, from egg hatching to market fish production, and the facility’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Although the program was intensive, the students also had the opportunity to enjoy some sightseeing of the city’s hidden gems and engage in networking with our University of Gdańsk students.
The exchange program proved to be a resounding success for both the University of Gdańsk AquaLoop team and, most importantly, the students from the University of Rostock. We are thrilled to report an exceptional feedback survey score of 90–100% across all categories: communication, organization, networking & collaboration, satisfaction, and recommendation. Additionally, we received insightful suggestions for future improvements and heartfelt testimonials from the students, sharing their highlights from the program at the University of Gdańsk:
“…Nice and relaxed work atmosphere. Practical work. Welcoming. To see how collaboration and research works in another team. Working with species I have never worked with before. Get to know new species and especially its system (especially shrimp RAS). Seeing aquaculture from the scientific perspective. Learn new methods (energy balance)…”
Thank you to our esteemed guests, and congratulations to the dedicated instructors and the organizational teams from both the University of Gdańsk and the University of Rostock! It was truly a rewarding experience for all involved!
More on the AquaLoop cross-border student exchange program