Researching circular bio-economy solutions for sustainable aquaculture in Europe
During June 2026, the SAFE–AWARE–INNOAQUA Summer School brought together researchers, students, industry representatives and innovation stakeholders to explore how circular bioeconomy approaches can help shape the future of sustainable aquaculture. Organised as a joint initiative between the three Horizon Europe projects SAFE, AWARE and INNOAQUA, the online programme created a space for collaboration and knowledge exchange, bringing together expertise from across research, industry and policy to explore pathways towards more resource-efficient aquaculture systems.
Across three themed sessions, participants explored the technical, environmental, economic and regulatory dimensions of circular aquaculture.
The first session, “Innovations I”, explored how circular bioeconomy approaches can transform aquaculture side streams into valuable resources. Discussions covered topics such as waste valorisation, alternative feed ingredients, circular water reuse, aquaponics and regenerative bioeconomy applications.
The second session, “Innovations II”, focused on circular ingredients and integrated production systems, including nutrient recovery from aquaculture sludge, algae cultivation, biofertilisers, insect-based solutions and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) approaches. INNOAQUA partners played a central role in showcasing innovative algae-based and circular production concepts.
The final session, “Sustainability and Acceptability”, broadened the discussion to the conditions required for circular innovations to move beyond the pilot stage. Presentations explored sustainability assessment, policy and regulatory frameworks, patent landscaping, financial viability and resilience in aquaculture value chains.
The strong interest generated by the programme was reflected in its reach and diversity. Across the three sessions, the Summer School recorded more than 430 participations from a diverse international audience spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and Oceania. Researchers, students, industry stakeholders, aquaculture producers and policymakers came together to exchange perspectives on circular bioeconomy solutions, highlighting the growing global interest in sustainable and resource-efficient aquaculture.
For INNOAQUA, the Summer School provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the project’s work on algae cultivation, nutrient recovery, circular production systems and integrated aquaculture solutions. It also highlighted the value of collaboration between European projects tackling complementary challenges across the aquaculture sector.
More than a series of webinars, the SAFE–AWARE–INNOAQUA Summer School created a space for dialogue between academia, industry and innovation actors. By bringing together expertise from three Horizon Europe projects, the initiative demonstrated how collaboration can accelerate the transition towards more circular, resilient and sustainable aquaculture systems in Europe and beyond. The success of the Summer School highlights the value of cross-project cooperation in building a stronger and more connected European aquaculture innovation community.
Explore the Summer School Sessions
Want to dive deeper into the topics covered during the Summer School? Discover highlights from each session and the recordings available online:
👉 Session 1 – Innovations I
Waste valorisation, alternative feed ingredients, circular water reuse, aquaponics and regenerative bioeconomy approaches.
👉 Session 2 – Innovations II
Algae cultivation, nutrient recovery, biofertilisers, insect-based solutions and integrated production systems.
👉 Session 3 – Sustainability and Acceptability
Sustainability assessment, policy frameworks, financial viability and resilient aquaculture value chains.
