Microorganisms from Patagonian aquatic environments for use in aquaculture

Abstract

Patagonian cold aquatic environments as well as their fauna harbor a scarcely explored microbial diversity with interesting characteristics for application in aquaculture. This Chapter presents the importance of microorganisms in aquaculture. We focus on Patagonian microorganisms and their products with potential application in aquaculture either as probiotics or as a source of specific nutritional components. Thus, we analyze the probiotic characteristics of different bacteria from marine and freshwater environments. We also pay particular attention to antimicrobial agent production (i.e. bacteriocins) and adhesion properties of such strains. Moreover, we introduce Patagonian native yeasts as a promising natural source of astaxanthin and other valuable compounds for aquaculture.