The project introduces a groundbreaking technology designed to confront the growing challenge of securing a stable and sustainable seafood supply. It addresses the critical problem of the EU's heavy reliance on imported fish products, which make up over 60% of its seafood consumption. This dependence not only aggravates the environmental impact on marine ecosystems but also complicates the situation for food processors, who face the difficulties of navigating non-transparent supply chains and the growing global competition for seafood resources.
The stakeholders identified - ranging from public authorities and manufacturers to consumers - each face distinct pains intensified by the current state of the seafood supply chain. Public authorities are challenged by the geopolitical and economic implications of high seafood import quotas, manufacturers deal with supply chain disruptions and a push towards sustainability, and consumers are caught between rising prices and a desire for sustainable, healthy food choices.
Blue Planet Ecosystems, with the support of the European Innovation Council through the EIC Accelerator, aims to address these multifaceted challenges through the development and implementation of LARA (Land-based, automated, recirculating aquaculture), a modular aquaculture system designed for sustainable and local fish production. The start-up integrates various aquaculture technologies into a modular, plug-and-play solution, simplifying fish farming significantly. Uniquely positioned in the market, Blue Planet Ecosystems provides not just the hardware, but also comprehensive Software as a Service and Biology as a Service, offering an all-inclusive, scalable solution for local seafood production.
Through the EIC Accelerator we get closer to our vision to establish large-scale, environmentally friendly aquaculture operations in diverse environments, which will contribute significantly to global food security and sustainability.
