09.05.2019, Porto

Atlantic Area project INTEGRATE organizes event on Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture

The one-day conference focuses on the opportunities to foster sustainability in the Atlantic Area

Project INTEGRATE, financed by Interreg Atlantic Area, is spearheading a conference on sustainable aquaculture, part of its stated objective of addressing the challenges faced by the aquaculture sector in the Atlantic Area. Among those challenges are environmental management, regulatory hurdles, lack of consumer knowledge and competition for spaces. INTEGRATE aims to facilitate the transition towards a commercial Atlantic Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA).

The conference, which took place at the CCDR-N offices in Porto, reunited researchers, policy makers and experts for an open discussion on how to achieve this objective.

The agenda of the day started with a two hour introductory session, which covered a brief presentation of the project and expert testimonies on regulatory challenges, policy and scientific opportunities. Xinhua Yuan of FAO spoke of the need to promote sustainable approaches to aquaculture. Researcher Amir Neori talked about the different aquaculture models in Israel and the research conducted on IMTA. Dr Adam Hughes of the Scottish Association for Marine Science highlighted the benefits and possible drawbacks of IMTA, which are hindering the spread of this type of aquaculture method among European industry. Finally, Patricia Bianchi from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council spoke of their certification scheme and the work done to promote sustainable aquaculture.The rest of the day was dedicated to group discussions amongst the participants, to facilitate knowledge-sharing and problem solving.

INTEGRATE is lead by Fundación Centro Tecnológico Acuicultura de Andalucía. The partnership brings together partners from Bretagne (France), Border, Midland and Western (Ireland), HIghlands and Islands (UK), Lisboa and Centro (Portugal) and a total budget of 2 million euro for 3 years.

Published on: 2019-05-10