Microbiome dataset from a marine recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for salmon post-smolt production in Norway

Area of Science:

• Aquatic Microbiology
• Marine Biology
• Aquaculture Systems

Background:

• Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are crucial for sustainable seafood production.
• Understanding microbial community dynamics is essential for maintaining fish health and system stability in RAS.
• The first year of operation in a new RAS facility presents unique challenges for microbial colonization and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize microbial community structures within a marine post-smolt RAS during its initial year.
• To identify key microbial populations and their distribution across different system components (biofilm, water, fish skin).
• To establish a baseline for microbial dynamics to inform future RAS management and disease prevention.

Main Methods:

• Monthly sampling of water, biofilms, and fish skin from a marine RAS over one year.
• Environmental DNA (eDNA) extraction and 16S rDNA gene sequencing using Ion Torrent technology.
• Bioinformatic analysis to determine operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and relative microbial abundance.

Main Results:

• Over 1.1 million sequencing reads were analyzed from 100 RAS samples.
• 450 distinct operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were taxonomically assigned, with 45% identified at the genus level.
• Microbial community structures varied across different sampling sites and time points within the RAS.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a comprehensive baseline of microbial communities in a new marine post-smolt RAS.
• Data highlights the dynamic nature of microbial populations in RAS during the first year of operation.
• The generated dataset serves as a foundation for further research on microbial ecology and stability in aquaculture systems.