Débora M. Fracalossi's arrival coincided with Brazilian Fisheries Minister Altemir Gregolim meeting with Norway's Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Helga Pedersen on March 9th. The meeting was highlighted with a signed agreement to increase cooperation between Norwegian and Brazilian aquaculture.

Débora aims to engage in research projects dealing with alternative protein sources for aquafeeds, such as poultry by-product meal. Brazil is a world leader in poultry export; hence, poultry by-products offer promise for Brazil's aquaculture industry.  The only fishmeal produced in Brazil comes from fish waste: high in ash, low in protein.  Therefore, the advancement of sustainable, alternative protein sources enhances the Norwegian-Brazilian endeavor.

Débora hosted the last International Symposium on Fish Feed and Nutrition (XIII ISFNF), which took place in Florianopolis, last June.  She coordinates the fish nutrition research at the aquaculture Department at UFSC, where she teaches fish nutrition courses and advises graduate students. Her major research interests are the establishment of the basic nutritional requirements for native Brazilian fish species ? such as the freshwater catfishes jundia (Rhamdia quelen) and pintado (Pseudoplatystoma corruscan) ? and the evaluation of alternative protein sources for sustainable aquafeeds.