Aquaculture sees increased sustainability
Aquaculture in Europe is a formidable industry that ensures seafood production for the continent and beyond. The EU-funded project 'Sustainable extensive and semi-intensive coastal aquaculture in southern Europe' (Seacase) investigated challenges in the sector such as competition and allocation of coastal areas to other activities. The project sought to enhance sustainability, productivity, competitiveness, profitability, image and environmental friendliness of the sector in southern Europe through a new set of tools. It built a science-based network to support aquaculture building on similarities in aquaculture practices, technical considerations and management (for example, in shellfish production and rearing fish) across various EU countries. Seacase also proposed technical improvements and new management schemes that promote sustainability and conservation of resources, including better slaughter procedures, eco-friendly feeding and suitability of species for specific weather conditions. It developed codes of conduct and quality criteria to support the sector in many respects. These guidelines address yields, body traits, quality characteristics, sanitation, nutrition and other important topics. The project also developed a software application based on molecular biology to distinguish types of fish. It conducted a socioeconomic assessment of the sector which included an audit of eel fisheries and oyster refinement, recommending as well more traditional activities to improve productivity. Towards the end of the project Seacase proposed further related research in relevant areas of aquaculture. Policymakers, researchers, environmentalists and the industry on the whole are set to benefit from the project's outcome and from the upcoming research recommended by the project team.
