Diversifying aquaculture production with emphasis on low-trophic species

Aquaculture is booming globally but in the EU is almost stagnating. The “Strategic Guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture for the period 2021 to 2030” (COM(2021)236 final) identify diversification as a key area for further work in conjunction with supporting the farming of existing species. The guidelines underline that the EU aquaculture sector has great scope for further diversification, not only in the farming of promising new species (notably diversification into non-fed and low-trophic species with a lower environmental footprint), but also in production methods such as integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and organic aquaculture. The guidelines therefore promote the development of IMTA, organic aquaculture and the diversification to lower-trophic species alongside supporting the existing production of finfish and shellfish species.

Algae and shellfish have a huge market potential but are not always well-known to the consumers. EU imports more than 60% of the seafood consumed, with algae imports alone worth 0,5 billion EUR.

The scope of this topic includes all possible edible aquatic organisms with preference for low-trophic species which, in the frame of this topic, are photosynthetic or herbivorous or un-fed species. There is also preference for fish farming that relies on feed ingredients low in fish meal and oil and/or produced in the region where the farm is situated or in neighbouring to the farm regions, as well as feed ingredients derived from circular practices, such as, the use of wastes or by-products.

Aspects of sustainability, including circularity and zero waste, in particular in relation to the achievement of good environmental status, should also be addressed following a life cycle approach and potentially applying Environmental Footprint methods as described in Recommendation (EU) 2021/2279. Issues of fair pricing as well as regional particularities should also be addressed. Research could include aspects of feeding, breeding but also health and welfare issues as well as economic issues and issues of consumers’ acceptance. Regulatory aspects and legal barriers regarding the approval of novel feed ingredients or the licencing of new aquaculture farms should also be considered. Collaboration with European research infrastructures such as EMBRC ERIC and with accredited laboratories is encouraged.

Proposals should take into account, when applicable, the work done under the DIVERSIFY[[ https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/603121]] FP7 project, the Horizon 2020 AquaVitae and ASTRAL projects as well as the IMPRESS, NOVAFOODIES, INNOAQUA, ULTFARMS, OLAMUR, AlgaePro BANOS, LOCALITY, VeriFish, Mr.Goodfish3.0 and EUAqua.Org Horizon Europe projects and relevant national and regional projects.

This topic should involve the effective contribution of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines. International cooperation is encouraged for win-win outcomes and mutual benefits.