Abstract
The European Green Deal has recognised aquaculture and algae as promising solutions to achieving the goals of the Farm-to-Fork Strategy. However, despite its potential, the growth of aquaculture in Europe has been limited compared to the significant expansion observed in Asia. In this context, the EU-funded INNOAQUA project aims to pave the path towards the upcoming sustainable and diversified EU land-based aquaculture industry by demonstrating and mainstreaming innovative algae-based foods and solutions, using ecology, circularity, and digitalization approaches.
The project will demonstrate the benefits of algae, from the production in combination with fish aquaculture in a circular approach, to the formulation and production of innovative seafood products. INNOAQUA partners are developing integrated aquaculture systems combining fish and algae production. Research on microalgae-salmon RAS-IMTA systems (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems – Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture) on our Norwegian demo site demonstrates that nutrients from fish farming can be reused, while valuable microalgae biomass can be produced simultaneously. New data on the microbiome of the system will be presented, as well as other water quality data. Another recent development within our approach to transform aquaculture side streams into high-value resources is the nutrient recovery from aquaculture sludge into fertilizing products for algae. Trials at lab-scale show that sludge can be processed to liberate more nutrients, especially phosphorus, which can subsequently be used by the microalgae as a nutrient source.
Though the technological results are all very promising, there are still barriers before full exploitation can be achieved, mainly in the form of regulatory challenges. Clarifying regulatory pathways and aligning classifications with their actual environmental and public and animal health impact could enhance the sustainable management of aquaculture effluents while supporting circular economy principles. Addressing these regulatory ambiguities is required to facilitate their responsible use, unlocking their potential as a resource rather than a disposal challenge.