Fernando Fernando
+4741295021
+6281275301591
3.061 Kjemiblokk 3 Gløshaugen, Trondheim
About
At NTNU
I am an assistant professor (universitetslektor). At NTNU, I am coordinating and lecturing for the RAS courses at the Bachelor's, Master's, and "Professional Continuing Education" levels (BT3102, BT3210, and BT6020).
In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I remain actively engaged in research on RAS, building primarily on work I developed during my PhD with Prof. Ingrid Bakke and Prof. Olav Vadstein. Further details about my research activities are available under the “Publication” tab.
Education Background
- BSc (Hons.) in Aquaculture Science and Management | IPB University, Indonesia
- MSc (Professional) in Aquaculture Science and Technology | James Cook University, Australia
- PhD in Microbial Management in RAS | NTNU, Norway
Research
My research primarily focuses on harnessing microbes to support more predictable, sustainable, and biosecure fish production, with particular emphasis on the recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).
I integrate microbial ecology, molecular tools, and applied aquaculture knowledge to develop practical strategies to improve water quality, system performance, and fish health in intensive aquaculture.
ACMS - Analysis and Control of Microbial Systems
Analysis of microbial systems is a field in microbial ecology. While control of microbial systems is an essential tool in environmental biotechnology. In the spirit of NTNU, the two fields of science and technology are combined into this research group.
RASOPTA - Safeguarding future production of fish in aquaculture systems with water recirculation
RASOPTA aimed to identify and bridge existing knowledge gaps in the production of fish species important to human nutrition and the economy in Europe.
Publications
Salinity tolerance of RAS Biofilters and Their Ammonia-oxidizing Microbes
We investigated the salinity tolerance of RAS biofilters and their microbial communities, with an emphasis on ammonia oxidizers.
Biofilter as Microbial Control Tool in RAS
We demonstrated the additional role of biofilters in RAS as a microbial control tool - beyond just converting ammonia to nitrate. This role has been under-appreciated in RAS research.
Direct Influence of Biofilter on Rearing Water Microbiota
We explored the contribution of RAS biofilters to the rearing water microbiota through microbial dispersal.
Astaxanthin for Performance and Coloration in Giant Grouper
We presented that dietary treatment can modulate giant grouper pigmentation and may be used in the live fish trade.
Effects of Nanoplastic on Fish
We examined the effects of chronic (28-day) exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) on the performance of gilthead seabream, including an analysis of the gut microbiome.
Welcome to My Research Portfolio
2026
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Fernando, Fernando;
Bakke, Ingrid;
Vadstein, Olav.
(2026)
The Roles of Biofilters in Shaping Microbial Ecology and Water Quality in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems for Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar).
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Doctoral thesis
-
Khadka, Sujan;
Fernando, Fernando;
Fredriksen, Simen;
Aasen, Anna;
Dembe, Nicholas;
Vadstein, Olav;
Bakke, Ingrid.
(2026)
Biofilm communities in biofilters are structuring the rearing water microbiota in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) through dispersal of bacteria.
Aquaculture
Academic article
-
Fernando, Fernando;
Khadka, Sujan;
Hofstad, Kristine;
Fredriksen, Simen;
Vadstein, Olav;
Bakke, Ingrid.
(2026)
Mature nitrifying biofilters counteract invasion by rapid-growing heterotrophic bacteria in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).
Aquaculture
Academic article
2025
-
Blonç, Manuel;
Ruiz, Nuria;
Fernando, Fernando;
Llorca, Marta;
Farré, Marinella;
Nolis, Pau;
Tort, Lluís;
Teles, Mariana.
(2025)
Impact of a chronic waterborne exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics on the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata): Combining traditional and multi-omics approaches.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
Academic article
-
Fernando, Fernando;
Fredriksen, Simen;
Lorentsen, Eirik Degré;
Moen, Line;
Bakke, Ingrid.
(2025)
High abundances of ammonia-oxidizing archaea in nitrifying biofilters of brackish recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) with tolerance for abrupt salinity changes.
Aquaculture
Academic article
2023
-
Candebat, Caroline Lourdes;
Eddie, Thibault;
Marc, Adrien Francois;
Fernando, Fernando;
Nankervis, Leo.
(2023)
Exploring the physiological plasticity of giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) to dietary sulfur amino acids and taurine to measure dietary requirements and essentiality.
Fish Physiology & Biochemistry
Academic article
2022
-
Candebat, Caroline Lourdes;
Stephens, Frances;
Booth, Mark A.;
Fernando, Fernando;
Lopata, Andreas;
Pirozzi, Igor.
(2022)
Adequate levels of dietary sulphur amino acids impart improved liver and gut health in juvenile yellowtail kingfish (<i>Seriola lalandi</i>).
British Journal of Nutrition
Academic article
-
Fernando, Fernando;
Candebat, Caroline L.;
Strugnell, Jan M.;
Andreakis, Nikos;
Nankervis, Leo.
(2022)
Dietary supplementation of astaxanthin modulates skin color and liver antioxidant status of giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus).
Aquaculture Reports
Academic article
Journal publications
-
Blonç, Manuel;
Ruiz, Nuria;
Fernando, Fernando;
Llorca, Marta;
Farré, Marinella;
Nolis, Pau;
Tort, Lluís;
Teles, Mariana.
(2025)
Impact of a chronic waterborne exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics on the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata): Combining traditional and multi-omics approaches.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
Academic article
-
Candebat, Caroline Lourdes;
Stephens, Frances;
Booth, Mark A.;
Fernando, Fernando;
Lopata, Andreas;
Pirozzi, Igor.
(2022)
Adequate levels of dietary sulphur amino acids impart improved liver and gut health in juvenile yellowtail kingfish (<i>Seriola lalandi</i>).
British Journal of Nutrition
Academic article
-
Fernando, Fernando;
Candebat, Caroline L.;
Strugnell, Jan M.;
Andreakis, Nikos;
Nankervis, Leo.
(2022)
Dietary supplementation of astaxanthin modulates skin color and liver antioxidant status of giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus).
Aquaculture Reports
Academic article
-
Khadka, Sujan;
Fernando, Fernando;
Fredriksen, Simen;
Aasen, Anna;
Dembe, Nicholas;
Vadstein, Olav;
Bakke, Ingrid.
(2026)
Biofilm communities in biofilters are structuring the rearing water microbiota in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) through dispersal of bacteria.
Aquaculture
Academic article
-
Fernando, Fernando;
Khadka, Sujan;
Hofstad, Kristine;
Fredriksen, Simen;
Vadstein, Olav;
Bakke, Ingrid.
(2026)
Mature nitrifying biofilters counteract invasion by rapid-growing heterotrophic bacteria in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).
Aquaculture
Academic article
-
Fernando, Fernando;
Fredriksen, Simen;
Lorentsen, Eirik Degré;
Moen, Line;
Bakke, Ingrid.
(2025)
High abundances of ammonia-oxidizing archaea in nitrifying biofilters of brackish recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) with tolerance for abrupt salinity changes.
Aquaculture
Academic article
-
Candebat, Caroline Lourdes;
Eddie, Thibault;
Marc, Adrien Francois;
Fernando, Fernando;
Nankervis, Leo.
(2023)
Exploring the physiological plasticity of giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) to dietary sulfur amino acids and taurine to measure dietary requirements and essentiality.
Fish Physiology & Biochemistry
Academic article
Student thesis or dissertation
-
Fernando, Fernando;
Bakke, Ingrid;
Vadstein, Olav.
(2026)
The Roles of Biofilters in Shaping Microbial Ecology and Water Quality in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems for Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar).
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Doctoral thesis
Teaching
Outreach
2024
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Conference posterFernando, Fernando; Hofstad, Kristine; Khadka, Sujan; Vadstein, Olav; Bakke, Ingrid. (2024) Mature Biofilters Safeguard Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) Against the Invasion by Opportunistic Bacteria. Fish & Shellfish Larviculture Symposium (LARVI)
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Conference lectureKhadka, Sujan; Fernando, Fernando; Aasen, Anna; Vadstein, Olav; Bakke, Ingrid. (2024) Biofilter-biofilm communities: a key driver for structuring fish and rearing water microbiota in recirculating aquaculture systems. larvi 2024 (8th Fish & Shellfish Larviculture Symposium)
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Conference lectureKhadka, Sujan; Fernando, Fernando; Aasen, Anna; Vadstein, Olav; Bakke, Ingrid. (2024) The role of the biofilter in structuring the water and fish microbiomes in recirculating aquaculture systems. AQUA 2024
2023
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Conference lectureFernando, Fernando; Lorentsen, Eirik Degré; Bakke, Ingrid. (2023) Bacteria and archaea communities in commercial recirculating aquaculture system producing smolt of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. Aquaculture Europe 2023
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Conference lectureFernando, Fernando; Kristine, Hofstad; Khadka, Sujan; Vadstein, Olav; Bakke, Ingrid. (2023) Biofilter disinfection increases the colonization success of opportunistic bacteria in the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). NordicRAS 2023
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Conference lectureMoen, Line; Fernando, Fernando; Bakke, Ingrid. (2023) Nitrification at high salinities: Nitrification capacity, salinity tolerance, and key players in the nitrifying communities. Nordic RAS