Within the WP1 important results have been achieved with regards to regulatory compliance and an initial development of the logistics chain. Specifically, the analysis of European and Italian legislations has allowed to give a definition to the type of fish side streams used in the project and to organize, consequently, the planned shipments and logistic. In fact, in case of sidestream the legal obligations and the authorization procedures in term of transport and processing depend by their material source and categorization.
In WP2 the analytical plan has been designed, to be applied to the raw materials, the dehydrated products thanks to the pretreatment process provided. Numerous tests have carried out, supporting the optimization and design phase of the EPPU pilot, which is a mild thermal technology with reduced environmental impact necessary to transform fish sidestream in a stable product, the EcoeFISHent powder. The dehydrated product from three different supply chains, was the basis of the development and optimization activities and for the insect bioconversion.
For the product development some preliminary tests have been performed like eye irritation test, chemical activated LUciferase gene eXpression and gastrointestinal toxicity on epintestinal (MatTek).
In relation to the development of gelatine extraction and coating formulations, first trials have been performed on commercial gelatine to test and evaluate their properties and processability in water solutions. Regarding the production of expanded PLA fish boxes, preliminary trials have been performed and the results are promising. As for the recyclability of post-consumer fishing and aquaculture nets, an evaluation of their chemical nature has been carried out.
The main activities carried out so far to improve fishing techniques and tools are: (i) identification of the fishery to be used as case study (blue and red and giant red shrimp and Norway lobster); (ii) the identification of the fishing gears to be tested (codend trawl nets of different mesh size). In parallel to the gear identification, the sampling protocol and the sampling design were finalized .
The implementation of the “Stop Ghost gear program”, where ghost gear is abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, started
The evaluation of the overall sustainability of the six value chains started in the 6th month of the project and the assessment comprises the three dimensions of sustainability: Environment, Economy and Society. supporting the activities of the other partners identifying the most sustainable solution among what has been studied and developed.
The following D&C activities have been carried out during the first project reporting period :
• The project visual identity including the EcoeFISHent logo, and design elements to be used for online and offline communication.
• Project flyer, to provide a quick overview on the EcoeFISHent key concepts.
• A roll-up poster was also deployed for project presentation during meetings and events.
• Project website (
https://ecoefishent.eu(se abrirá en una nueva ventana)) has been created to disseminate the project main concepts and goals, with contents suitable for different audiences such as general public, scientific community, stakeholders and consortium members. It also provides continuous updates on project activities.
• The EcoeFISHent social media channels were opened to encourage communication on project activities and the dissemination of results to a wider audience. These allow the quick sharing of visual material (photos, videos, infographics) and news about the project, fostering discussion on project related topics.
