Interview with Óscar González Barreiro, R&D Director at Stolt Sea Farm: “CDTI Innovación and EMFAF funding have supported us in tackling a complex challenge such as genetic selection for disease resistance in the aquaculture sector”
Stolt Sea Farm’s Philstop project, co-financed by CDTI Innovación and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), applies genomic selection to develop turbot broodstock resistant to the parasite Philasterides dicentrarchi. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on treatments and pave the way for healthier, more efficient and more sustainable aquaculture.
Stolt Sea Farm, part of the Norwegian logistics group Stolt-Nielsen Limited, has long been committed to sustainable aquaculture focused on high-value species, primarily turbot and sole. With Galicia serving as the company’s main production, technology and R&D hub, Stolt Sea Farm has launched one of its most ambitious projects to date: Philstop, a research initiative dedicated to developing a genomic selection programme for turbot broodstock resistant to the parasite Philasterides dicentrarchi. The project is led by Óscar González Barreiro, the company’s R&D Director.
The project has received support from CDTI Innovación and EMFAF funding, which González Barreiro describes as “key to driving the development of the project, enabling us to address a complex technological challenge such as genetic selection for disease resistance in turbot.” Beyond the financial contribution, he notes that “this type of funding facilitates collaboration between companies and leading research centres, while also reducing the risk associated with long-term, science-intensive R&D projects.”
A Parasite with a Direct Impact on Profitability
Philstop was born out of a longstanding challenge facing the sector. Parasitic diseases affecting turbot, particularly those caused by Philasterides dicentrarchi, can lead to significant production losses and force farms to rely on recurring treatments to maintain stock health.
This dependence carries both economic and environmental costs and limits the flexibility of farming models seeking long-term sustainability. “There is a clear need to evolve towards more resilient production systems that reduce reliance on treatments and prioritise prevention,” explains González Barreiro.
In this context, breeding for disease resistance represents one of the few approaches capable of addressing the problem at its root rather than simply managing its consequences.
From Vaccines to Genetics
Stolt Sea Farm is not starting from scratch. Prior to Philstop, the company developed VACUPLAN and VACUPLAN+2, two projects focused on prevention and control strategies based on vaccination and stock management.
Philstop represents a shift in approach. Rather than targeting the pathogen itself or modifying farming conditions, the project works directly on the genetic foundation of broodstock.
“The project’s main innovative element is the application of advanced genomic selection technologies to identify and select turbot breeders with greater natural resistance to the parasite,” explains the R&D Director.
He describes the transition from previous initiatives as “a qualitative leap through the integration of high-precision genetic tools,” resulting in what he considers “a more structural solution with long-term impact on the health and productivity of fish populations.”
Four Partners, One Goal
To bring the project to life, Stolt Sea Farm has established a multidisciplinary partnership involving the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), GENEAQUA, Benchmark Genetics Norway and CETGA.
The company leads and coordinates the project, “ensuring the practical implementation of the results within its production systems,” while each partner contributes specialised expertise. USC focuses on scientific research and genetic analysis, GENEAQUA provides applied genomic tools, Benchmark Genetics Norway contributes its experience in genetic improvement programmes, and CETGA supplies technological and infrastructure support.
“Coordination is achieved through joint planning and continuous monitoring, ensuring the integration of results,” says González Barreiro.
Big Data and Genetic Precision
Identifying genetic markers associated with resistance to a specific pathogen is far from straightforward. It requires large volumes of data, controlled experimentation under real farming conditions and advanced analytical capabilities.
This has been one of the project's main challenges so far. “To address it, we adopted an integrated approach combining experimental trials, next-generation sequencing technologies and advanced statistical models,” explains González Barreiro.
The multidisciplinary nature of the consortium has been crucial. “Collaboration among partners has been key to overcoming this challenge by bringing together complementary expertise in genetics, fish health and production.”
Lower Mortality, Greater Competitiveness
If the project achieves its objectives, the impact on Stolt Sea Farm’s operations could be substantial.
Developing genetic lines with greater resistance to the parasite would reduce the effects of the disease and optimise production performance, providing a level of stability that currently depends heavily on difficult-to-control health factors.
“The project’s results have the potential to significantly improve productivity through reduced mortality rates and enhanced production yields,” says González Barreiro.
The benefits go beyond financial performance. The project also “positions Stolt Sea Farm as a benchmark for innovation in aquaculture, strengthening its leadership in high-value species,” while enabling the company “to anticipate future market demands related to sustainability and animal welfare.”
The Sustainability Dimension
The environmental impact of Philstop is based on prevention. More robust breeding populations naturally contribute to more balanced and resilient production systems.
“The project has a direct impact on sustainability by strengthening the underlying health of fish populations,” explains González Barreiro, resulting in lower dependence on external interventions and reduced environmental impact from aquaculture activities.
This approach aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), by optimising resource use and enhancing the welfare of farmed species.
It also contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), as more balanced production systems help deliver safer, higher-quality food products to consumers.
This preventive approach, based on genetics and integrated management, also underpins the company’s premium aquaculture concept known as NEPTURA. Under the slogan “Care Makes Taste,” the brand reflects a model in which care for the environment, the organisms and the production process directly translates into excellence in the final product.
“Sustainability is not just an environmental objective; it is a core value driver,” summarises González Barreiro.
Innovation with Social Impact
According to the R&D Director, the impact of Philstop extends far beyond the company itself.
“From an economic and social perspective, this type of funding helps energise Spain’s innovation ecosystem by fostering technology transfer, creating skilled employment and supporting the development of sustainable solutions,” he explains.
“Ultimately, the benefits reach society through more efficient, safer and environmentally responsible food production.”
As Philstop progresses towards its first results, Stolt Sea Farm expects genomic selection to become a standard tool within its continuous improvement strategy, complementing the work already carried out through VACUPLAN and VACUPLAN+2 and reinforcing its position as a leader in innovation within high-value aquaculture.
“Projects such as Philstop are a clear example of how this vision is translated into tangible innovation that drives the development of the sector on a global scale,” concludes González Barreiro.
CDTI Innovación
CDTI E.P.E. (Centre for Technological Development and Innovation) is the innovation agency of Spain’s Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. Its mission is to promote technological innovation within the business sector and help Spanish companies transform scientific and technological knowledge into globally competitive, sustainable and inclusive growth.
In 2025, under its 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, CDTI Innovación provided €2.423 billion in support to Spanish companies and startups.
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Stolt Sea Farm’s Philstop project, co-financed by CDTI Innovación a...
