Potential implementation of biobased ropes in the European aquaculture sector: call for stakeholder contributions
BIOGEARS is an innovative project funded by the European Union under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund that aims to develop biobased gear solutions for the creation of an eco-friendly offshore aquaculture sector using a multitrophic approach and new biobased value chains. The project aims to provide the European aquaculture sector with innovative products and a value chain to challenge the existing gap of biobased ropes (biogears) for offshore aquaculture, which are currently manufactured with 100% non-recyclable plastics. BIOGEARS will contribute to an eco-friendly aquaculture industry, with the results of the project creating a biobased value chain under the EU Bioeconomy Strategy framework. BIOGEARS includes an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) approach by integrating seaweed with mussel production, which aims to increase aquaculture marketable products. To develop the right bioplastic formulation for the aquaculture sector, it is important to balance the functionality and biodegradation behaviour of the biobased ropes. The research, prototype development and pilot tests taking place in BIOGEARS will aim to reduce the current technological gaps and extend the potential use in the sector. At present, BIOGEARS partners are calling for aquaculture stakeholders to participate in an open consultation on knowledge of biobased materials as alternatives and their potential in the sector. The results of this consultation will further support the development of biogears and give stakeholders an opportunity to have their say on the implementation and opportunities for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional (non-biodegradable) gears used in the aquaculture sector. This consultation should take no more than 10 minutes. To answer the consultation in English, please visit www.esurveyspro.com/Survey.aspx?id=3c38f4f7-c606-4ce1-b5e6-8e08dd66e16d To answer the consultation in Spanish, please visit es.surveymonkey.com/r/BIOGEARSstakeholders BIOGEARS also has a consumer survey currently running, so consumers can have their say on the potential use of biogears in the production of seaweed and mussels for consumption. To answer this survey in English, please visit es.surveymonkey.com/r/BIOGEARS To answer the consumer survey in Spanish, please visit es.surveymonkey.com/r/BIOGEARS_ESP Notes for Editors For more information on the BIOGEARS project, please visit: biogears.eu or find us on Twitter @BIOGEAR_EU Or contact us: Project Coordinator Leire Arantzamendi (larantzamendi@azti.es) or Communication Contact Jane Maher (jane@intrigo.eu). This output represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission and/or the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME) or any other body of the European Union. The European Commission and the Agency do not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.