Design and integration of value chains for the processing of marine biomass based on environmental indicators towards a marine biorefiney

Project Information

SUSTIMAR

Grant agreement ID: 101032922

DOI

10.3030/101032922

Project closed

EC signature date 29 October 2021

Start date 1 October 2022

End date 20 January 2026

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 259 398,72

EU contribution

€ 259 398,72

Coordinated by

AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SUSTIMAR (Design and integration of value chains for the processing of marine biomass based on environmental indicators towards a marine biorefiney)

Reporting period: 2022-10-01 to 2025-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

A significant fraction of the biomass landed by Spanish fishing fleets is considered waste, generating hundreds of thousands of tons of by-products each year that require proper management to prevent environmental pollution. In addition, European Union regulations now require that catches previously discarded be landed, further increasing the volume of biomass to manage. The SUSTIMAR project explored alternative approaches to manage this biomass and recover valuable biocompounds for diverse applications within the framework of marine biorefineries, while also assessing the environmental impacts of processes and potential risks from emerging pollutants in marine biomass to ensure safety and sustainability. The project promotes a circular bioeconomy with zero-waste production, while enhancing socio-economic benefits and societal well-being. Overall, it aimed to develop tools for safety and environmental assessment to inform decision-making in line with European Union priorities.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The work performed under the SUSTIMAR project significantly advanced the state of the art in marine biorefinery systems through a comprehensive assessment framework integrating environmental, economic and safety aspects. The project developed a novel multi-layer modelling approach that enabled the optimal allocation of marine biomass across valorisation pathways, while simultaneously assessing environmental and economic performance. These results provided a robust scientific and methodological basis for the development of safe and sustainable marine biorefinery systems, directly supporting European Union bioeconomy and circular economy strategies. The project generated significant scientific outputs, including conference presentations, a peer-reviewed book chapter and two scientific manuscripts that are currently under preparation.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The SUSTIMAR project developed a novel framework that integrated environmental, economic and safety considerations into marine biorefineries, enabling more sustainable and informed decision-making. It contributed to different actions aiming to reduce discards through biomass valorisation (aligning with the Common Fisheries Policy), improve food system sustainability (Horizon Europe Cluster 6), address emerging environmental risks and support climate action and resource efficiency.
The results could be relevant for multiple stakeholders, including industrial sectors (food production, biotechnology and biorefinery development) and policymakers, providing methodologies, technologies, and up-to-date scientific knowledge to guide sustainable fisheries, bioeconomy strategies and marine conservation policies at regional and European levels. Local communities, particularly fishing communities in Spain, may also benefit economically. Overall, the project is expected to generate significant socio-economic and societal impacts by enabling safe, sustainable biorefineries capable of producing high-value biocompounds and supporting well-being and new economic opportunities.

sustimar.png