Japan - July 22, 2024

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Researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have achieved a breakthrough in squid aquaculture by identifying and effectively treating a newly discovered species of parasitic copepod. Named Ikanecator primus for its devastating impact on squid eggs, this parasite posed a significant threat, causing high mortality rates among hatchlings in aquaculture settings.

Led by Dr. Zdenek Lajbner and Dr. Mehmet Arif Zoral, the team developed an eco-friendly solution using peracetic acid (PAA) to eradicate the copepod without harming the squids or the environment. Their findings, detailed in Scientific Reports, mark a critical advancement in managing disease in cephalopod aquaculture, addressing longstanding challenges in rearing these sensitive creatures.

This breakthrough not only enhances the viability of squid farming but also supports conservation efforts amidst declining wild squid populations due to environmental pressures and overfishing, particularly in regions like Japan.