Solution Scope:Innovative methods of aquaculture

Target Contaminant: Chemicals & Nutrients

Solution Provider or Contact Point: Marine Ecology Laboratory (MEL, University of Crete)  

Project: IDMA – Innovative Development of Multitrophic Aquaculture

ITS Description: The solution developed by the sponsoring project includes an IMTA system that utilizes polyculture to recycle water and nutrients in fish farms in Greece. IMTA involves the co-cultivation of different aquatic species that occupy different trophic levels, such as fish, seaweed, and shellfish. More specifically, the solution is developed by co-culture of fish, bivalves and holothurians, demonstrating the feasibility of co-culturing these species to reduce the environmental impact of aquaculture. The results of this practice further illustrate the ability of different IMTA organisms to remediate nutrients in various water trophic states. The results showed that co-cultivation of organisms can effectively reduce the negative effects on the marine environment via carbon sequestration and nutrient remediation, particularly in oligotrophic waters.

Correspondence with BMM OIR (sectoral priorities, R&I activities, gaps, needs): The ITS responds to a R&I focus area of activities alongside the elimination and remediation dimension, particularly through employment of bio and phytoremediation techniques. Furthermore, the solution addresses multiple technological challenges of the BMM OIR for the Aquaculture sector. Most prominently, it promotes circular aquaculture methods deployed through the use of the IMTA approach including low environmental impact aquaculture practices and the production of low trophic species for alternative, feeding, water reuse and bioremediation.