A study has been launched which could help protect salmon and other farmed fish against a range of potentially deadly viral and bacterial diseases.

The research aims to improve health and production of fish in aquaculture and is part of a multi-million euro project with collaborating partners from nine different European countries.

Aberdeen University received £344,000 for their part in the Lifecycle study, which will centre on farmed Atlantic salmon.

The work at Aberdeen University will be headed up by Professor Chris Secombes and Dr Sam Martin.

Dr Martin, lecturer in fish physiology, said: "The aquaculture industry is highly competitive and fundamental biological knowledge is required to improve the quality and sustainability of the industry. 

"We will be looking at the hatching stage when the fish are vulnerable to disease. What we want to work out is exactly when the immune system develops as this is completely unknown."

Mr Secombes, head of the school of biological sciences, added: "Understanding the key stages of fish and their immune systems is absolutely essential for the aquaculture industry - a global and highly competitive sector.

"This may lead to improved vaccine development and performance, with major benefits for the industry."

Researchers in the different countries are to spend four years studying the key life cycle stages for Atlantic salmon and European farmed salmon.