The team researching the reproductive biology of perch fish, including Dr Daniel Żarski, Dr Katarzyna Palińska-Żarska, Prof Andrzej Ciereszko, Dr Sylwia Judycka and Dr Joanna Nynca, received the award from the Marshal of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship, Marcin Kuchciński, during the last session of this year’s Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship Assembly.

The prestigious award honoured the innovative research on improving the reproduction of perch fish (perch and pike-perch). As emphasised during the awarding ceremony, this is an important economic, cultural, natural and culinary value for Warmia and Mazury.

The research, conducted by scientists from the Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology of the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn and the S. Sakowicz Institute of Inland Fisheries – State Research Institute, is a response to the growing need to protect natural, local fish populations – an element of Warmia and Mazury’s heritage.

Research results are key to increasing the innovation and competitiveness of the region’s smart specialisation of ‘water economics’. Stimulating sustainable and profitable production of perch species on local fish farms, translating into increased quality and safety of the raw material reaching consumers is yet another – directly related to the economy – application of the researchers’ research.

The team has been researching the broad reproductive biology of perch fish for more than 10 years, combining comprehensive zootechnical analyses with advanced molecular research tools (transcriptomics and proteomics). The researchers share knowledge and good practices at national and international level, by attending key industry events, publishing, and organising practical workshops aimed at breeders and entrepreneurs. Notably, the team is also committed to engaging in popular science activities to bring the latest scientific developments to a wide range of consumers.

Congratulations!