The OLAMUR project was started January 1st 2023. The project is on track, the deliverables have with few exceptions been submitted on time, and the activities are carried out in order to the plans outlined in the application with some adjustments.
Three Case Studies provide the basis for production of biological material for further analysis, they are the location where models will be applied and tested.
Expansion of low trophic aquaculture (LTA) are faced with opportunities and maximizing benefits of marine space by considering low impact multi-use (MU) of space, such as combining wind farms with integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA). The main objective of OLAMUR (Offshore Low-trophic Aquaculture and Multi-Use scenario Realisation) is to bring together multi-use low-trophic aquaculture (MU-LTA) related key sectors, to demonstrate commercial solutions for both the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. OLAMUR has established three pilot demonstration sites where seaweed and blue mussels are grown within wind farms or in the vicinity of a trout farm. The wind farm pilot sites are in the German exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the North Sea north of the island of Helgoland, in the Danish EEZ of the Baltic Sea at Kriegers Flak, and the third pilot demonstration site is in the Estonian EEZ, next to a rainbow trout farm, near the port of Veere. OLAMUR is focusing on these three sites as testing and demonstration sites. All three sites have been or are still operating, and biological production carried out. Some delays were experienced in the German site, due to unforeseen legislative issues implemented in the beginning of 2023, but they were resolved, and the project will be completed in 2026.
The first versions of the LTA models were developed and applied in the regional tools for the North Sea and Baltic Sea and harvest potential was estimated at potential sites for co-location with offshore wind farms and published as a scientific paper. A micro-siting tool has been developed and presented to stakeholders. Models are being further developed for the case studies. The partners for field monitoring in the three Pilots have carried out the sampling strategies for each Pilot and this has been applied in the field campaigns.
An extensive Data Management Plan has been developed and implemented, and standards for establishing operating and evaluating are monitored, simulated, stored and customized as in OLAMUR digital MU-LTA farm service. This provides a solid basis for MU-LTA upscaling, giving policymakers basis for knowledge-based decisions.
A range of communication tools and a dynamic Dissemination and Exploitation Plan (DEP) have been established Dissemination activities have been carried out centered around the case studies, in particular in Denmark. Participation in local food market promoting LTA crops while conveying the aim and concept of OLAMUR; cooking classes for families. Stakeholder workshops have been arranged in all three case studies.
Through a transdisciplinary holistic approach, OLAMUR ensures severe contributions towards demonstrating and documenting the possibilities for low-impact co-use of marine space. An important pathway towards impact in OLAMUR is the science-policy-industry community interface. Including five Associated Regions in OLAMUR is now in place, after delays caused by different understandings of rules of eligibility. All five projects will be completed and reported within the time range of OLAMUR.
