Matthew Slater

Matthew Slater is the Head of the Aquaculture Research Group at the Alfred Wegener Institute, leading interdisciplinary research in sustainable marine bioeconomy. His work focuses on developing eco-friendly aquaculture methods to address global food demands while minimizing environmental impacts. Key areas include optimizing fish feed using arable plants, integrated recirculating systems combining fish, mussels, and plants, and assessing consumer and industrial needs for scalable solutions.

His research integrates technical innovations like closed-loop breeding facilities with socio-economic studies, ensuring aquaculture practices are both ecologically sound and economically viable. Notable projects include the development of fish feed from native crops and studies on microplastic absorption in European sea bass. Slater collaborates closely with industry partners to translate research into practical applications, aiming to support global food security through sustainable practices.

Publications include a prominent 2020 study in Eco Magazine on microplastics and fish health. His work underscores the Institute’s commitment to advancing marine science for societal benefit.