Meeting the FOOD 2030 challenges will require innovative strategies to deliver sustainable, resilient,responsible, diverse, competitive, and inclusive food systems within the frame of a circular bio-economy (blue-economy) while providing a healthy diet and engaging EU communities.
Seafood currently represents 17% of global animal protein production, with aquaculture accounting for approximately half of total production, showing that farming of aquatic organisms has become increasingly important in meeting the global demand for seafood. The main advantages of aquaculture include:
i) Higher and consistent seafood production facilitated by a controlled environment for the breeding and harvesting of fish and shellfish.
ii) Enhanced food security through a sustainable source of protein-rich food.
iii) Economic opportunities fostering employment and promoting economic development of coastal communities.
iv) Resource conservation by alleviating the pressure on over-exploited fisheries and stressed ecosystems.
Organic aquaculture offers additional benefits over conventional methods, emphasising environmentally sustainable and socially responsible actions. Specifically:
Environmental sustainability: Emphasising ecologically friendly and non-toxic practices to mitigate impacts on water quality, soil health, and surrounding ecosystems.
Reduced chemical inputs: Minimising the use of synthetic chemicals,antibiotics, and hormones, leading to reduced risk of water pollution and healthier seafood.
Biodiversity conservation: Through preservation of natural habitats and avoidance of genetically modified organisms, this minimises the impact on wild fish populations.
Enhanced animal welfare: Via humane treatment and optimal living conditions, ensuring their well-being.
Despite these benefits, organic finfish production in Europe has stagnated due to higher production costs, limited technological innovation, and poor consumer awareness.
The mission of EUAqua.Org is to invigorate Organic Aquaculture in Europe by adopting a problem-solving ethos and pioneering highly innovative solutions to fill key knowledge gaps and overcome the primary factors limiting the competitiveness of Atlantic salmon, European sea bass, gilthead sea bream, and rainbow trout organic production.
The mission will be achieved through the following four technical objectives:
Develop key enabling technologies for advanced genomic selection and naturally-controlled reproduction/sex ratio
Develop breakthrough technologies enabling effective selective breeding for feed efficiency using sustainable organic feeds
Develop innovative tools to select for resilience and welfare under a One Health framework: from individuals to ecosystems
Analyse consumer responses to food labelling and design awareness interventions to promote OA products
Started in January 2025.
Salmon, trout, sea bass and sea bream.
Across generations and populations.
Also through decreased handling stress
With a targeted 10% decrease in infectivity
Through labelling to support consumer uptake
Below you will find the 6 work packages that comprise our project. Click on each arrow to find out more details of the work package.
EUAqua.Org is coordinated by the University of Padova, in Italy. The project comprises an expert team of 12 organisations from academia and industry to ensure the project aims and objectives are delivered to our high expectation. Click on the icons below to go to each organisation website and find out more.
