Background and Rationale
Atlantic aquaculture faces a set of shared challenges related to environmental sustainability, production efficiency, the need for new technical skills, and the uneven adoption of digital tools. The digitalisation gap particularly affects small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often continue to rely on low levels of automation and limited data integration. These challenges are further intensified by competitive pressures, the impacts of climate change, and the need to align production practices with European policies supporting a more sustainable blue economy. In this context, strengthening digital competencies and facilitating access to practical digital solutions is essential to support the modernisation and long-term resilience of the sector.
Project Concept and Objectives
DigiATLA was developed in response to these needs, with the objective of reinforcing digital capacities and promoting the adoption of Industry 4.0 solutions in Atlantic aquaculture. The project brings together seven organisations from Portugal, Spain, France, and Ireland, combining academic expertise, technical know-how, and strong links to the aquaculture production sector. The DigiATLA approach integrates digital tools, nutritional modelling, data analysis techniques, and environmental assessment methodologies to deliver applicable and adaptable solutions across different production contexts. The project is structured around three core pillars: training and capacity building, practical demonstration of digital tools, and awareness‑raising activities targeted at aquaculture stakeholders. Together, these pillars aim to support informed decision‑making and accelerate the digital transition of the sector.
Implementation Strategy and Activities
The project implementation is organised into three complementary blocks of activities. First, DigiATLA develops training content focused on aquaculture data digitalisation, digital nutritional tools, and environmental assessment through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Three dedicated training modules are produced, including presentations, practical exercises, case studies, and tutorials, and are made available online via a Moodle platform.
Second, practical sessions, workshops, and courses are delivered both online and on‑site in Portugal, Spain, France, and Ireland, targeting students, professionals, and technical staff. These activities include the applied use of FEEDNETICS (Soares et al., 2023), a digital nutritional model that allows simulation of growth performance, feed efficiency, and nutrient utilisation under different production scenarios. In parallel, MEANS‑InOut (Auberger et al., 2018) is used to estimate material and energy flows and calculate environmental indicators supporting LCA‑based impact assessments. Intensive training courses and interactive workshops further promote knowledge exchange between academia and industry. Third, pilot actions are conducted through experimental trials with gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in facilities located in Portugal and Ireland. These trials generate data on growth, feed efficiency, welfare, nutrient discharges, and environmental performance. The collected data are integrated into digital models to generate comparative scenarios and practical examples that are subsequently incorporated into training activities.
Expected Outcomes and Sectoral Impact
DigiATLA is expected to significantly enhance digital skills among students and aquaculture professionals. The multilingual online repository will ensure accessibility and continuity of training beyond the project lifetime. Pilot actions are expected to demonstrate improved feeding management, a more accurate understanding of growth and welfare drivers, and potential reductions in nutrient discharges through the application of predictive digital tools. The use of LCA is expected to support the identification of production strategies with lower environmental impact. From a sectoral perspective, the project aims to facilitate the adoption of digital tools, supporting the transition towards more efficient, sustainable, and resilient aquaculture practices. Collaboration among international partners contributes to the harmonisation of methodologies and fosters durable innovation networks. In the medium term, DigiATLA is expected to enhance competitiveness, strengthen climate resilience, and improve the integration of environmental criteria into decision‑making processes in Atlantic aquaculture.
Acknowledgment
This project is co‑financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
References
Soares, F. M., Nobre, A. M., Raposo, A. I., Mendes, R. C., Engrola, S. A., Rema, P. J., Conceição, L. E. & Silva, T. S. 2023. Development and application of a mechanistic nutrient-based model for precision fish farming. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 11(3): 472.
Auberger, J., Malnoë, C., Biard, Y., Colomb, V., Grasselly, D., Martin, E., van Der Werf, H. & Aubin, J. 2018. MEANS-InOut: user-friendly software to generate LCIs of farming systems. En: 11th International Conference on Life Cycle Assessment of Food 2018 (LCA Food) (p. np).