Expected results

The project’s purpose is to introduce new low trophic species, products and processes in marine aquaculture value chains across the Atlantic. Low trophic species are those organisms low on the food chain as sea urchins or mussels. The five chosen value chains of AquaVitaeinclude macroalgae, Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), echinoderm species (e.g. sea urchins), shellfish and finfish. IMTA is a process that farms several species together using waste from one species as feed for another.

One of the main expected results of the project would be the creation of real and meaningful collaborative links between researchers, industry and other aquaculture stakeholders in the Atlantic area.

Photo by Philip James, NOFIMA.

AquaVitae will contribute to the Belém Statement, the joint Declaration on Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Cooperation between the European Union, Brazil, and South Africa through:

• Setting up a network for knowledge and research exchange through the Atlantic.
• Sustainable use of marine resources with a circular economy approach.
• Better monitoring of aquaculture activities through new and emerging technologies.
• Contributing to the well-being of aquaculture communities.
• Enhancing citizen engagement through training and outreach activities.
• Setting up student exchanges and industrial apprenticeships.

AquaVitae will develop and test new or existing sensors for use in the aquaculture industry using an Internet of Things (IoT) approach to:

• Develop new methods for biomass monitoring in offshore aquaculture sites.
• To design and develop a smart sulphite biosensing device for use in aquaculture production.
• To develop an IoT platform for integration and analysis of sensor data related to aquaculture production.

Photo by Asa Strand, IVL.

Photo by Jefferson Christofoletti, Embrapa.

The project will investigate aquaculture product characteristic in terms of food safety and nutrition, consumer concerns in relation to new products coming from new aquaculture processes. It will:

• Identify potential for application of the product in the markets.
• Develop market strategies for aquaculture products.
• Provide guidelines for performing health-risk benefit assessment of low trophic aquaculture products.
• Provide input for building consumer trust and confidenceof low trophic aquaculture products.

AquaVitae will develop recommendations on how to increase low trophic aquaculture production with a positive impact on sustainability. It will:

• Map the most influential positive and negative aspects of low trophic species production.
• Investigate pressures by and upon low trophic aquaculture in the Atlantic Ocean, including climate change and pollutants.
• Identify measures to avoid, prevent or mitigate most severe risks.
• Suggest improvements to monitoring programs.

Photo by Asa Strand, IVL.

AquaVitae will analyse and develop the profitability, socio-economic impact and business exploitation plans for the aquaculture value chains included in the project. The results will be relevant for exploitation, commercialisation and development of business plans related to these value chains.

AquaVitae will analyse international policy and governance issues related to the aquaculture sector. Its goals will be:

• Analyse European and international policy and governance issues related to the aquaculture sector to support the existing policy dialogue processes, initiate new ones and produce policy briefs.
• Examine producer perception on how current policies effect low trophic aquaculture.
• Create a forum for the sustainable development of aquaculture.
• Contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals