Every successful aquaculture story begins with respect—for nature, for science, and for the species we dedicate ourselves to understanding. At SUMAE, our work with turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), one of the Black Sea’s most prized flatfish species, is a testament to this belief.
Our journey begins at sea, where a team of aquaculture officers boards a small research vessel with a shared goal: to collect healthy, wild turbot specimens. These individuals are more than just fish; they are the foundation of a sustainable future for turbot aquaculture.
Once the specimens arrive at our facility, our work becomes more precise, more delicate. Our team of experts begins by taking biometric measurements—length, weight, and overall health—recording each detail carefully. Data is our map, guiding every step of the production cycle.
Identification is essential. We give each broodstock a unique identity (tagging), allowing us to monitor them individually throughout their reproductive journey. This is the quiet beginning of a long and meticulous process.
As spawning season approaches, our specialists perform artificial reproduction techniques. In a controlled environment, the female’s eggs are gently collected into sterile containers, ready to begin a new life cycle under our care. A close-up photo captures the fragile beauty of the newly harvested eggs—a moment that holds both scientific value and poetic symbolism.
The eggs are placed into specially designed incubators, monitored constantly for optimal conditions. Under the microscope, we observe the early signs of fertilization—tiny life forms beginning their developmental dance. With each image taken, we witness the silent progress of embryonic stages—cells dividing, forming, and preparing for hatching.
Detailed labels attached to each incubator document every parameter: fertilization time, date, egg count. This transparency ensures traceability and precision, reflecting our commitment to scientific integrity.
As the larvae hatch, another critical phase begins: first feeding. Our team introduces them to rotifers and green water—a method that mimics the larvae’s natural environment. These microfoods are not just nourishment; they are carefully cultivated systems of life.
Behind the scenes, our live feed experts conduct microscopic checks on the rotifers, ensuring their nutritional quality and density in our live feed production unit, where phytoplankton—the base of our micro-food chain—is meticulously grown and maintained.
This is not just the story of producing turbot. It is the story of a cycle that combines the wisdom of the wild with the precision of research. It is a story of dedication, innovation, and a vision for sustainable aquaculture.
At SUMAE, we do more than raise fish—we nurture ecosystems of knowledge and care.