Mediterranean and Black Sea regional marine data for aquaculture workshop

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The workshop was organized by EATiP in conjunction with Copernicus Marine, EMODnet and the European Commission (DG MARE and DG DEFIS), as a follow-up of the successful event addressing environmental monitoring for aquaculture in the North Atlantic (see the report on MARINE DATA TO SUPPORT AQUACULTURE IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC). About 80 aquaculture company stakeholders, experienced data users and providers, researchers and coastal managers from across the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions gathered to explore opportunities for open source marine environmental data to support and innovate the aquaculture sector.

Both the Marine Food sector related Copernicus Marine Service and the EMODnet portfolios provide valuable marine data, services and tools that might be combined with coastal models, data networks and measurements by aquaculture farms in order to contribute to a better management and operation plans.

The objectives of the workshop and a summary of the marine data from the aquaculture industry in a set of different countries in the region are attached. Information in the latter was assembled by EATiP, its regional Mirror Platforms and by key national stakeholders, based on information from national and regional authorities that are responsible for aquaculture management and spatial planning. Both documents supported the attendants of the Mediterranean and Black Seas meeting in understanding the current of play and the expectations towards a future collaborative network for better use of current data.

Thank you to all who joined the workshop!

The report  is now available here.

We’re growing again!

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EATiP is delighted to announce that EBCD – the European Bureau for Conservation Development has joined our Platform as a member organisation.  EBCD is an international environmental NGO that promotes the sustainable use and conservation of marine resources.

Established in Brussels in 1989, EBCD fosters dialogue and cooperation on ocean governance among all stakeholders, and works together with EU and UN institutions to advance progress on sustainable development.

EBCD has a long history in engaging on sustainable fisheries & aquaculture at European and global level, tracking and informing policy developments through expert-led scientific advice and full stakeholder participation. Embracing its mission of promoting the sustainable use of natural renewable resources, EBCD was involved at the establishment of EATIP in 2007  – bringing in IUCN as an advisory body –  and it has carried out several projects jointly with  IUCN on aquaculture.  

On becoming part of our Platform, EBCD is looking forward to contributing to the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector and in particular to supporting the achievement of SDG14 Life Below Water and SDG 2 Zero Hunger.

One of the key strengths of the European Technology Platforms is their multi-stakeholder approach, joining industry members with researchers, academics and NGO organisations.  Taking a fact and science based policy approach to sustainable development is more important than ever – and such joint working demonstrates the trust and credibility that is to be found in the work of the ETPs, and the importance attached to them by the European Commission and other key stakeholders.

EBCD also provides the Secretariat to the European Parliament Intergroup on “Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development” with a specific Working Group on Fisheries and Aquaculture as well the Secretariat to the Market Advisory Council of DG MARE and the Secretariat  to the IUCN Fisheries Expert Group.

EATiP and other food sector Technology Platforms call for a more ambitious budget for Horizon Europe

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As part of providing the right framework for an economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic European Heads of State and Governments agreed earlier this week on the EU budget for 2021-2027. Whilst the Council decision provides a clear direction for a rapid decision later this autumn, the reduction in funds allocated to the next Research Program “Horizon Europe” is of concern. Investment in Research and Innovation (R&I) is fundamental to improve food security and the sustainability of EU food systems and ensure development in line with the Green Deal and Farm2Form strategy objectives.

Horizon Europe – the EU Research & Innovation Programme 2021 – 2027

Together with the European Technology Platforms FABRE, Plants for the Future, TP Organics, the National Food Technology Platforms and the Animal Task Force, EATiP addresses an urgent message to the European Council, European Parliament and European Commission on the importance of R&I to support robust and resilient food, agricultural and aquaculture systems.

Read the common statement below:

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Marine data to support aquaculture in the Mediterranean and Black Seas

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Co-organised by EATiP, EMODnet, Copernicus Marine (CMEMS) and DG MARE/DG DEFIS

When? March 24-25 (tentative) (3 hour meeting each day 10:00-13:00 CET)

Where? Online: Invitation-only

Who will attend? Aquaculture industry and authorities (focus Mediterranean/Black Sea), EMODnet and CMEMS representatives, European Commission policy, some invited projects e.g. Blue-Cloud, EuroSea, FORCOAST, other…

What is the workshop about? The main goal of the workshop is to find ways to make better use of existing, free marine data and services offered by Copernicus Marine Service and EMODnet, in combination with farm data and data from coastal authorities. To achieve a common understanding and provide ideas for best practice, the workshop brings together industry practitioners in the Aquaculture sector, marine environmental data producers, coastal authorities and key open source marine data managers (EMODnet and CMEMS). The meeting is designed for maximum interaction between participants, with (online) breakout discussions led by a professional facilitator.

The October event on the North-Atlantic gathered more than 60 expert and end users of data (37% aquaculture industry, 37% policy/coastal managers, 24% researchers/modelers). Its final report is available at MARINE DATA TO SUPPORT AQUACULTURE IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC. The EC has requested a similar report for the Mediterranean / Black Sea.

We now need to identify potential participants whom we can invite to the event, and to clarify the type of data that is already monitored by aquaculture stakeholders and governing authorities. Are you interested to join or to contribute?  Please let us know by the end of January. A formal invitation will then be sent out.

 

CALL FOR SEAWEED EXPERTS

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DG MARE is setting up an expert working group to understand the potential and knowledge gaps of macro-algae culture in providing ecosystem services. This done through the Eklipse platform, that is helping governments, institutions, businesses and NGOs to make better-informed decisions when it comes to biodiversity in Europe.

For more information, see Calls – EKLIPSE,  CfE-_9_2020_macro-algae-1.pdf (eklipse.eu) and attached

Form to express interest: Eklipse CALL FOR EXPERTS on Macro-algae culture and ecosystem services (google.com)

R&I Days “Role of bioeconomy in the EU post-COVID recovery”

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EATiP was invited to this closed virtual webinar in order to outline the potential of the bioeconomy for the post-COVID rural, coastal and urban recovery. Jointly, we looked into ways, ideas and plans on how to most effectively deploy concrete bioeconomy actions and solutions for a speedy recovery across Europe. This session focused on EU Member States and their efforts to recover, repair and emerge stronger from the crisis, while accelerating the green transition. Future discussions and events on this topic will follow in the months to come.

As a reaction, EATiP submitted a note on the position of aquaculture in the recovery.

EATiP feedback to draft Ocean Mission

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The European Starfish Mission on “Healthy oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters” aims to know, restore and protect our oceans and waters by 2030. As a multi-actor platform on a European scale, EATiP strongly believes that the aquaculture sector can play a decisive role in achieving the many ambitious goals. Even more, the success of the Mission depends on the active engagement and commitment of stakeholders along the aquaculture value chain, making them accomplices to the solution.

READ the recommendations from EATiP HERE

GET INVOLVED: You can use (part) of the input to provide your feedback to the European Commission HERE

MORE INFORMATION on Missions HERE

EATiP and other food sector Technology Platforms call for a more ambitious budget for Horizon Europe

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In trying to provide the right framework for an economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic European Heads of State and Government agreed earlier this week on the Union’s budget for 2021-2027. Whilst the Council decision provides a clear direction for a rapid decision later this fall, the reduced fund allocated to the Research Program Horizon Europe are a concern. Investment in Research and Innovation (R&I) are fundamental to improve food security and the sustainability of EU food systems and ensure its transition in line with the Green Deal objectives.

Together with the European Technology Platforms FABRE, Plants for the Future, TP Organics, the National Food Technology Platforms and the Animal Task Force, EATiP addresses an urgent message to the European Council, European Parliament and European Commission on the importance of R&I to support robust and resilient food, agricultural and aquaculture systems.

Read the common statement HERE.

 

EATiP held its 12th General Assembly

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For the first time in the history of EATiP, the GA was held as a virtual event. It allowed nevertheless to have some good discussions, and to inform the membership about the platform’s major past and future actions in the new R&I setting of the European Green Deal and Horizon Europe. Representatives from collaborating networks EIT Food, Bio-based Industries Consoritum and BlueInvest explained how a stronger interaction is envisaged. Together, we can raise a stronger awareness for importance of innovation in European aquaculture.

Representatives from the European Commission, DG RTD and DG MARE, presented the policies and strategies impacting aquaculture R&I at a European level. Especially the Farm to Fork strategy and the economic recovery plan call for an integrated, food system approach reaching out for a resilient aquaculture sector with a green ambition. They expressed the importance of EATiP as a representative of the European sector during the upcoming processes in Horizon Europe.

The election of the Board of Directors resulted in the welcoming of Alex Obach (FEFAC), Marisol Izquierdo (ULPGC, EcoAqua), Raphaëla le Gouvello (IUCN), Patrick Sorgeloos (UGent, chair of EATiP INCO working group) and Yolanda Molares (ACUIPLUS, chair of EATiP MiP working group) as new Board members.

The mandate of Francois Simard (IUCN), Iciar Martinez (Universidad del Pais Vasco) and Ole Christensen (FEFAC) ended, and they were thanked for their important contributions during the past years.

EATiP provided its feedback as a reply to the Food 2030 consultation

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We have now received the report – see attached. For aquaculture, pathway 3 is key: Food from the Oceans and Freshwater Resources. Innovation in science, engineering, economics and behavioural studies were identified as critical for aquaculture to achieve a higher self-sufficiency rate in Europe. Open science and innovation, multi-actor approach, interdisiciplinarity and interoperability were highlighted as important factors of future actions. This is very much in line with the EATiP recommendations and overall approach to research and innovation in aquaculture.

 

Summarised, the recommended focus areas for each of the prioritized R&I actions are:

  1. Boosting innovation: climate adaptation; novel and sustainable feeds
  2. Improve the quantity and quality of aquatic food: traceability and certification systems; biomass valorization; development of nutrient standards; tailor-made aquatic products
  3. Strengthening R&I capacity: collaborative partnership models; infrastructure; citizen science

 

Read the full report here:

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