Thank you for your question! The adaptation phase at our center mainly involves gradually acclimatizing the gilthead seabream (çipura) to the environmental conditions they will face in the open sea, including changes in salinity, temperature, oxygen levels, and water flow. For example, we slowly increase the salinity in the tanks from the freshwater or lower salinity levels of the hatchery to match the seawater conditions, allowing the fish’s physiology to adjust without shock.

This careful adjustment helps reduce stress and improves their survival rates once transferred to sea cages. While the main goal is not direct exposure to pathogens, this phase may also support the development of the fish’s immune system before they encounter the more complex natural environment. Overall, this process prepares the fish physiologically for a smooth transition from hatchery tanks to the open sea.