Some molecules have stimulatory effects on the non-specific immune defence of human and animals. These compounds are attractive for use in intensive fish and animal farming, to improve the health, prevent disease outbreak and thereby reduce the use of antibiotics and chemotherapeutics.  We are searching for immunostimulants in marine microalgae and study how immunostimulation can be used in marine juvenile production.

Immunomodulating compounds may be very important in juvenile production. Intensive cultivation conditions may suppress the immune defence of larvae and juveniles. In these conditions, opportunistic bacteria will have a very good opportunity for growth and infection of larvae. In early developmental stages, vaccines can not be used for disease protection. However, non-specific immunostimulants can stimulate innate defence mechanisms and are shown to improve the health and prevent disease outbreak. Immunostimulants can be introduced via the feed and the water.