The INNOAQUA Project represented by project coordinator NORCE and project partner A4F took part in the AQUA 2024 event held from August 26-30 in Copenhagen, Denmark. This prestigious event was organized by our project partner, the European Aquaculture Society (EAS), in collaboration with the World Aquaculture Society, and highlighted the vital role of aquatic food in shaping the future of our global food systems.
Aquatic food, often referred to as “Blue Food,” is becoming increasingly prominent for its potential to offer healthy, tasty, and highly nutritious options for a growing global population. As the world focuses on transforming food systems to mitigate climate impacts and enhance food safety and security, aquaculture stands out as a resilient sector recognized for its environmental responsibility, reduced footprint, and high efficiency in protein transformation.
AQUA 2024: A Hub for Aquaculture Innovation and Collaboration
AQUA 2024 was a unique platform that brought together industry experts, researchers, and stakeholders from around the globe. The event featured a wide range of activities, including a scientific conference, trade exhibition, industry forums, workshops, student events, and receptions. It served as a showcase for Denmark’s leadership in innovation and technology crucial for the future of aquaculture.
Held every six years, the AQUA events are co-organized by the European Aquaculture Society (EAS) and the World Aquaculture Society (WAS). Past events were hosted in Nice (2000), Florence (2006), Prague (2012), and Montpellier (2018). AQUA 2024 continued this tradition of excellence by emphasizing the latest research and innovation in aquaculture, aimed at supporting the growth of this exciting food production sector.
NORCE’s Contributions: Pioneering Sustainable Aquaculture Practices
NORCE took the stage with a presentation titled: INNOAQUA – Sustainable Aquaculture Practices for Innovative Seafood Products: Salmon and Microalgae Land-Based IMTA. This presentation introduced the INNOAQUA project and highlighted the importance of integrating salmon and microalgae production to achieve better resource utilization. NORCE shared groundbreaking results from the project, where water from salmon raised in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) at Marineholmen RASlab was used to test various production processes for microalgae. These efforts successfully achieved high biomass productivity and significant nitrate uptake rates, showcasing an innovative approach to sustainable aquaculture.
Additionally, NORCE contributed to the IMTA & Low Trophic Aquaculture workshop, providing valuable insights into the regulatory frameworks that influence INNOAQUA value chains. This presentation aimed to stimulate discussion on regulations and their impact on sustainable aquaculture practices.
