As part of the initial steps in developing a roadmap to guide European aquaculture towards a more sustainable and circular model, CIRCU-TECH partners carried out a series of on-site visits to aquaculture facilities across Spain, Italy, and Portugal.
These field activities represented a crucial step in understanding the needs and practices of European aquaculture companies regarding waste management, the current state of circularity and the awareness of eco-design.
Key Observations Across Europe
The visits aimed to gather first-hand insights on both innovative practices and persistent challenges:
- Positive steps forward: renewable energy adoption, waste reduction and water reuse.
- Common challenges: limited eco-friendly materials, costs of sustainable technologies, and a need for stronger financial support.
- Training matters: farms that provide regular training showed higher awareness and stronger integration of circular practices.
Field Visits in Spain
AVRAMAR, a leader in marine aquaculture, particularly through open-sea farming in the Mediterranean. Certified for responsible production, with a structured circular economy strategy to reduce waste, minimise emissions and optimise resource use. Moreover, they offer training programmes on sustainability.
Valaqua specialised in marine aquaculture, primarily focusing on open-sea farming. It holds the ASC certification and is working towards obtaining ISO 14001. With a formal sustainability policy, focused on precision feeding techniques to reduce waste, recycling plastic materials, and implementing water quality optimisation practices, supported by quarterly training sessions.
Field Visits in Italy
Foschi, a mussel farm with no environmental certification, formal policies nor staff training. They recognise that there is a lack of awareness, mainly because mussel farming is already considered sustainable. Moreover, they highlighted the need for new sustainable and green materials and financial support.
Giaveri (Caviar Giaveri), a freshwater sturgeon and caviar producer, which holds an IFS Food Certification and they are working to obtain the Friend of Sea Certificate. They collaborate with FARPRO to transform by-products into fishmeal for feed, fertilisers, and even cosmetic ingredients. They have periodic training sessions on environmental best practices.
Vendrame, a rainbow trout producer without any environmental certification, but they have solar panels with a coupled battery system that cover 100% of their electricity requirement and they implement recycling and water optimisation measures. Moreover, they attend seminars on sustainability.
Field Visits in Portugal
Marvellous Wave, specialised in oyster farming, with no environmental certification nor formal policies. They offer training sessions on water reuse, recycling, nutrient treatment, and renewable energy. The main challenges identified by them are scaling processing systems and securing tax incentives.
Exporsado, an oyster producer with no environmental certification nor formal policies. They reuse oyster shells for soil consolidation and offer training sessions on the usage of filter-feeding organisms. Their main challenge lies in managing the large quantities of oyster shells but they are exploring the use of biodegradable materials.
Towards a Roadmap for Circular Aquaculture
These visits have highlighted the progress already achieved and the challenges ahead. The insights gathered will help the development of the CIRCU-TECH strategic roadmap and tailored training programmes to support professionals in adopting circular and sustainable approaches and ensuring they are grounded in the real needs of aquaculture professionals across Europe.
By combining research, education, and innovation, CIRCU-TECH is working towards a future where aquaculture is not only productive but also environmentally responsible and socially sustainable.
👉 You can find more information in the results section of this website!