OLAMUR – a new EU funded project addressing aquaculture and renewable energy.

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EATiP are delighted to be participating in a new EU Mission Ocean Lighthouse project, considering the integration of aquaculture production with renewable wind energy in marine multi use sites.

The OLAMUR project, running from January 2023 to December 2026 will engage 25 partners across European industry and research organisations who will work together to farm kelp and mussels at three pilot sites in Europe: two existing offshore wind farms and one fish farm that produces rainbow trout.

The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Norway is leading the project, whilst EATiP will take responsibility for leading on communication and dissemination activities.

The offshore wind farm Kriegers Flak in Kattegat is operated by the swedish company and project partner Vattenfall. This is one of the sites for kelp, mussels and artifical reefs. Photo: Vattenfall

The project is due to receive total European Union funding of €8,2 million over the course of the four year project duration.

“The OLAMUR project is a prime example of the way we have to work to solve the big problems of our time. It is not only an interdisciplinary, international scientific effort, but a lighthouse project which is set to provide specific, sustainable solutions for actual industries – today”, noted Nils Gunnar Kvamstø, Director of IMR, during his welcome address to project partners at a kick off meeting hosted by IMR in Bergen, Norway.  “In this case, how can you combine energy production and sustainable food production, while perhaps also providing services to the ecosystem?”

The project will investigate several aspects of this, such as:

  • Practical solutions to the challenge of farming in exposed offshore environments.
  • Will the kelp/bivalves produced be safe to eat? (For example, concerns have been expressed about microplastics and hydraulic fluid from wind turbines)
  • Potential carbon storage and habitat enhancement from farming kelp/bivalves.
  • Legislation and regulation (including considering bureaucratic barriers to co-location and MSP?)
  • In practice, wind farms can act as reserves for fish and other animals, since fishing is prohibited – can this type of reserve benefit some species, fisheries and aquatic ecosystems?
  • Can we improve the habitat for fish and other animals by creating artificial reefs there?

As a “lighthouse” project the work will contribution to a number of EU policy priorities including working towards the 2030 Mission Ocean goal of restoring oceans and waters through research, innovation and blue investment.

The project is based in the Baltic basin, but seeks to benefit other EU and international basins through knowledge and innovation transfer. In many states, the offshore wind industry and marine multi use sites are only in the early stages of development.  The project will also contribute in discussions surrounding the increasing emphasis on Marine Spatial Planning and engage with the EU MSP Platform.

The project partners in the various work packages are now in the planning process.  Project partners include:

Project parnters attending the project kick off meeting in Bergen, Norway in January 2023. (Photo: Erlend A. Lorentzen / IMR)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the pilot facilities in Denmark and Estonia, equipment will probably be put into the sea this year, with Germany following in 2024.

”There are no off the shelf solutions for the type of aquaculture we are about to do. We have to develop the solutions from scratch, tailored to meet the local conditions” – Bela H. Buck, Professor at the German Alfred Wegener Instiute, leading the work package which looks at the farming itself. (Photo: Erlend A. Lorentzen / IMR)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project communication and dissemination tools are currently being developed including a project website, communication and dissemination plan and social media contacts.  Look out for futher details coming soon!  Please see here for further contact details on the project.

AQUAEXCEL3.0 E-Newsletter: Issue 2

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Learn more about AQUAEXCEL3.0, its recent events, pitching courses, and other success stories.

Innovation Forum at Aquaculture Europe 2022

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The European Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Platform, the European Commission and the European Aquaculture Society organised on Thursday, September 29, at Aquaculture Europe 2022, Rimini the :

Aquaculture Europe 2022 Innovation Forum

“From Policy to Solutions”

Creating the correct circumstances for the successful uptake of innovation solutions across aquaculture value chains benefits from a methodological approach considering industry needs alongside strategic political and policy objectives, coupled with an understanding of appropriate delivery vehicles.  Multiple knowledge transfer and facilitation routes, including platforms, projects, accelerators, and dissemination/education tools all have a key role to play in effective innovation transfer and capacity building. 

The AE2022 Innovation Forum aimed at industry actors, policy makers, knowledge transfer experts, and those engaging in aquaculture knowledge development and collaboration, to inform how best to ensure meaningful knowledge & innovation transfer addressing research gaps and priorities for action whilst ensuring impact.

10:30 to 11:30 Part I. The Policy environment as a driver for Innovation Uptake

Moderated by David Bassett, EATiP

Short, focussed presentations with Q&A after each

  • Global aquaculture policies as a lead for setting priorities nationally – Austin Stankus, FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division
  • Implementing the Research and Innovation aspects of the Strategic Guidelines and the Aquaculture Assistance Mechanism for a more sustainable and competitive European Aquaculture – Lorella de la Cruz, European Commission, DG MARE
  • A new approach for a sustainable Blue Economy – Blue farming within the Green Deal & Farm to Fork Strategies – Birgit Van Tongelen, European Commission DG MARE
  • Mission Restore Our Ocean & Waters – Taking a Regional /Basin Approach – Nikos Zampoukas, European Commission DG RTD

11:30 to 12:30  Part II. The Building Blocks

Moderated by Mieke Eggermont, EATiP Mirror Platform Working Group

A panel-based discussion focussing on the available instruments and how they operate to facilitate the identification of needed innovations and mechanisms to maximise uptake.

Contributions from

12:30 to 14:30 Lunch (on your own) and visit to the AE2022 Trade Show

14.30 to 15:15 Part III. Facilitating the uptake

Moderated by Damian Toner, EAS

Following up to Part II, with a focus on concrete measures within the policy and building blocks of the previous sessions to present and discuss approaches, experiences and best practice.

15:15 to 17:15 Part IV. Selected Case Studies

Moderated by Alexandra Neyts, AQUAEXCEL3.0

WATCH THE VIDEOS

Watch AQUAEXCEL3.0 videos

Selection of case studies with outputs leading to either increased TRL
or with high innovation potential.

AQUAEXCEL3.0 Transnational access high-impact outputs:

Discussion chaired by Kjell Maroni, FHF and member of AQUAEXCEL3.0 IRAP

Research-based industry innovations and start-ups:

17:15 Wrap up – with the 4 moderators giving a short summary of their parts.

AQUAEXCEL3.0 Call for TransNational Access

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Download (PDF, 1.21MB)

Apply for fully EC-funded access to top class aquaculture research infrastructures with AQUAEXCEL3.0

The AQUAEXCEL3.0 project unites major aquaculture experimental facilities with capacity to undertake experimental trials on a selection of commercially important aquaculture species and system types. These facilities are made available to the research community for Transnational Access (TNA) with the support of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (Infrastructures).

Transnational Access involves a research group in one country collaborating with one or more AQUAEXCEL3.0 Infrastructures that are located in a different country to the applicant, and which offer facilities and expertise not available in their own country. The collaboration normally takes the form of one or more scientists from the applicant organisation visiting the selected AQUAEXCEL3.0 installation to undertake research work there for up to 3 months. In some cases, remote access is also available (where the applicant is not present for some or all of the experimental period at the installation).

The facilities available cover the entire range of aquaculture production systems (recirculation, flowthrough, cage, hatchery and pond systems); environments (freshwater and marine, cold, temperate and warm water); scales (small, medium and industrial scale); culture species (fish, shellfish, seaweeds and insects); and fields of expertise (nutrition, physiology, health and welfare, genetics, engineering, monitoring and management technologies).

The overall objective of the project is to promote the coordinated use and development of these experimental facilities and encourage problem-based research and knowledge transfer to more effectively support the development of a sustainable European production of high-quality seafood with reduced environmental impact. The establishment of new transnational collaborations is strongly encouraged, as well as the participation by SMEs.

Applications for Transnational Access can be made at any time (continuously open call).

More details and to apply: see attached flyer, and https://aquaexcel.eu/transnational-access/

More information on each facility can be found here: https://aquaexcel.eu/resource-infrastructures/ and https://aquaexcel.eu/interactive-map/ – including pictures and videos of the facilities. Interested people with a project idea who need a little help finding the right facility can contact our orientation committee at aquaexcel-OC@inra.fr.

We also have a number of “success stories” from previous TNA users – https://aquaexcel.eu/media-centre/ and https://aquaexcel2020.eu/results (check out the Video and Innovative Outputs sections) which can be used as inspiration.

AQUAEXCEL3.0 is a research infrastructure project funded under the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme and coordinated by the French National Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE). The project aims to further support the sustainable growth of the European aquaculture sector. For more details see the project website: https://aquaexcel.eu/

 

 

AQUAEXCEL3.0: Apply now

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Do you work in public or private Aquaculture Research (including for SMEs) and want to gain open, inclusive, streamlined and free access to the best Aquaculture Research Infrastructures in Europe?

Apply now for fully EC-funded access to top class aquaculture research infrastructures with AQUAEXCEL3.0

The AQUAEXCEL3.0 project unites major aquaculture experimental facilities with capacity to undertake experimental trials on a selection of commercially important aquaculture species and system types. These facilities are made available to the research community for Transnational Access (TNA) with the support of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (Infrastructures).

Transnational Access involves a research group in one country collaborating with one or more AQUAEXCEL3.0 Infrastructures that are located in a different country to the applicant, and which offer facilities and expertise not available in their own country. The collaboration normally takes the form of one or more scientists from the applicant organisation visiting the selected AQUAEXCEL3.0 installation to undertake research work there for up to 3 months. In some cases, remote access is also available (where the applicant is not present for some or all of the experimental period at the installation).

The facilities available cover the entire range of aquaculture production systems (recirculation, flowthrough, cage, hatchery and pond systems); environments (freshwater and marine, cold, temperate and warm water); scales (small, medium and industrial scale); culture species (fish, shellfish, seaweeds and insects); and fields of expertise (nutrition, physiology, health and welfare, genetics, engineering, monitoring and management technologies).

The overall objective of the project is to promote the coordinated use and development of these experimental facilities and encourage problem-based research and knowledge transfer to more effectively support the development of a sustainable European production of high-quality seafood with reduced environmental impact. The establishment of new transnational collaborations is strongly encouraged, as well as the participation by SMEs.

Applications for Transnational Access can be made at any time (continuously open call).

More details and to apply: see attached flyer, and https://aquaexcel.eu/transnational-access/

More information on each facility can be found here: https://aquaexcel.eu/resource-infrastructures/ and https://aquaexcel.eu/interactive-map/ – including pictures and videos of the facilities. Interested people with a project idea who need a little help finding the right facility can contact our orientation committee at aquaexcel-OC@inra.fr.

We also have a number of “success stories” from previous TNA users – https://aquaexcel.eu/media-centre/ and https://aquaexcel2020.eu/results (check out the Video and Innovative Outputs sections) which can be used as inspiration.

 

AQUAEXCEL3.0 is a research infrastructure project funded under the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme and coordinated by the French National Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE). The project aims to further support the sustainable growth of the European aquaculture sector. For more details see the project website: https://aquaexcel.eu/

GENE EDITING

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The webinar recordings and report are now available.

CRISPR-Cas9 is a specific gene editing methodology that allows genetic material to be altered at particular locations of the genome. This technology is fast, cheap, accurate and efficient, and provides a potential supplement to traditional breeding methods. Genome editing gained interest by the aquaculture community as it can contribute to increasing the sustainability of the sector through the production of more robust and/or sterile fish. So what exactly are the opportunities gene editing creates for aquaculture, are there any ethical concerns, and is the legislation on the verge of being more liberal when it comes to using this technique in the cultivation of food from the oceans?

EATiP Forum /  Breeders Talk Blue event,  was jointly organized EATiP and EFFAB-FABRE TP, on the potential and opportunities of Gene Editing in Aquaculture.

Various presentations from the European Commission, different scientists from renowned Institutes and private sector experts exchanged and discussed around the following topics:

  • The use of gene editing technique (like CRISPRR-Cas9) to improve the breeders toolbox linked to specific applications, such as sterility, disease resistance..
  • The link to exploring opportunities to adapt legislation
  • Search for evidence and research gaps that help understand the safety of the technique
  • Exploring the expectations of the sector and stakeholders, including concerns related to Animal Welfare

Find the report here

Watch the video

26 APRIL 2022

Agenda  (10:00 – 12:00)

Welcoming address:

  • David Bassett | EATiP and Ana Granados | EFFAB / FABRE TP 

Opening talks

  • Gene editing in Europe – a policy status, by Frank Swartenbroux | EC DG SANTE Biotechnology unit
  • Gene editing – what is it about?, by Diego Robledo | Roslin Institute

Presentations

  • Targeting sterility in fish, by Anna Wargelius | Institute of Marine Research
  • Disease resistance, by Ross Houston | Benchmark Genetics
  • Salmon lice resistance, by Tone-Kari Knutsdatter Østbye | Nofima
  • Gene editing approaches, by Alan Tinch | Center for Aquaculture Technologies

Mentimeter results

Webinar conclusions

 

AQUAEXCEL 3.0 – First E-Newsletter

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The AQUAEXCEL3.0 project has just published its first e-newsletter containing news and highlights from the first 12 months of the project. The e-newsletter also contains information on the Transnational Access Program which is now open for applications and will remain open for the duration of the project!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT

 

 

AQUAEXCEL3.0 TNA calls now open

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The AQUAEXCEL3.0 Transnational Access (TNA) calls are now open.

Are you an Aquaculture Researcher?
Do you want to gain open, inclusive, streamlined and free access to the best Aquaculture Research Infrastructures in Europe?
The AQUAEXCEL3.0 project invites proposals from European researchers for scientific research that utilises the installations of selected participating Aquaculture Research Infrastructures. These installations are made available to the research community for Transnational Access (TNA) with the support of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Programme.

You can apply now through the project website.

Read more.

Inaugural ‘On The Horizon’ online webinar

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This event was the first in a series aiming to disseminate specific aquaculture project outputs from the EU Horizon Framework programmes and demonstrating support for key objectives including the Strategic Guidelines for competitive and sustainable aquaculture in the EU, the Blue Economy, the European Green Deal and Farm 2 Fork Strategies.

The forum was organised online on the 29th of September 2021 with the support of the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers.

WATCH THE VIDEOS

Watch recording

If you are interested in taking part in a future “On the Horizon” project dissemination event then please contact the EATiP secretariat giving your name, organisation and a link to your project*.

Please find below all the presentations in pdf or watch the recordings.


29 September 2021

Agenda (10:00 – 12:00)

Welcome by the EATIP General Secretary, Mr. David Bassett

Introduction by the FEAP President, Mrs. Lara Barazi

 

Virtual Aquaculture Laboratory for optimizing experiments with fish and water treatment setups.
Finn Olav Bjørnson | SINTEF Ocean

 

Dietary effects on growth, survival and behavioural responses in lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L.) larvae.
Ibon García Gallego | ULPGC

 

Potential of novel and circular based economy raw materials as main ingredients in salmon diets.
Katerina Kousoulaki | NOFIMA

 

Improving resource efficiency and disease resistance of farmed fish by selective breeding.
Antti Kause | Luke – Natural Resources Institute Finland

 

Genetic breeding approach to increase efficiency, reduction, and sustainability.
Julianna Kobolak | Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE)

 

Parasite management using data.
Björgólfur Hávarðsson | The Seafood Innovation Cluster Norway

 

Mentimeter results

Webinar conclusions

 

*As we develop the service, priority will be given to EATiP members and organisations linked to our Mirror Platforms (MIPs) and associates but we welcome expressions of interest from all within the aquaculture value chain.