Periodic Reporting for period 1 - LARA (Land-based Automated Recirculating Aquaculture)
Período documentado: 2023-05-01 hasta 2024-02-29
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.
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.
In our first project year, we have achieved significant milestones in advancing the design of our LARA system, particularly in the fields of Data Science and AI, Biotechnology and Engineering.
A key accomplishment is the completion of the design process that allows the rapid and cost effective manufacturing of LARA. This new design has led to a more resource-efficient framework, aiming to drastically reduce the manufacturing time for each unit from one week to one day. This efficiency not only accelerates production but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability. Alongside, we've integrated solar energy solutions and power storage capabilities into the LARA system, enhancing its autonomy and reducing its dependency on the electrical grid.
Another major advancement is the significant enhancement of the IoT control system, which is at the heart of our LARA units. This system is crucial for monitoring water quality, maintaining optimal conditions for aquatic life, and providing timely alerts on potential issues. This upgrade is aligned with our goal to streamline the deployment and management of our units for scalability and ease of use.
Our scientific research extended into algae research, focusing on selecting strains that synergize with the fish production unit. This exploration is aimed at creating a sustainable feed chain from algae to zooplankton to fish, minimizing the need for external feed inputs. Moreover, the creation of a feed formulation and breeding facility mark significant steps forward. It enables us to pioneer the development of feed formulations that optimize growth rates, health, and the nutritional quality of the fish.
A key accomplishment is the completion of the design process that allows the rapid and cost effective manufacturing of LARA. This new design has led to a more resource-efficient framework, aiming to drastically reduce the manufacturing time for each unit from one week to one day. This efficiency not only accelerates production but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability. Alongside, we've integrated solar energy solutions and power storage capabilities into the LARA system, enhancing its autonomy and reducing its dependency on the electrical grid.
Another major advancement is the significant enhancement of the IoT control system, which is at the heart of our LARA units. This system is crucial for monitoring water quality, maintaining optimal conditions for aquatic life, and providing timely alerts on potential issues. This upgrade is aligned with our goal to streamline the deployment and management of our units for scalability and ease of use.
Our scientific research extended into algae research, focusing on selecting strains that synergize with the fish production unit. This exploration is aimed at creating a sustainable feed chain from algae to zooplankton to fish, minimizing the need for external feed inputs. Moreover, the creation of a feed formulation and breeding facility mark significant steps forward. It enables us to pioneer the development of feed formulations that optimize growth rates, health, and the nutritional quality of the fish.
Blue Planet Ecosystems’ project represents a major advancement in sustainable aquaculture as LARA is blending sustainability with high technology in a unique and novel way. The system significantly cuts water and energy use, harnesses solar power, and features an advanced IoT control for efficiency and operational precision. The impacts of LARA are substantial, promising enhanced environmental protection, strengthened food security, and new economic opportunities.
As we look to the future, success depends on further research, improved market and financial access, robust commercialization support, and a conducive regulatory environment. These steps are crucial for widespread adoption and represent our project's pathway to transforming sustainable aquaculture in Europe and beyond.
As we look to the future, success depends on further research, improved market and financial access, robust commercialization support, and a conducive regulatory environment. These steps are crucial for widespread adoption and represent our project's pathway to transforming sustainable aquaculture in Europe and beyond.