EMBRC is pleased to announce it is now a member of the European Aquaculture Technology & Innovation Platform (EATIP). Joining the network is part of EMBRC’s ongoing strategy to support the European Blue Economy through aquaculture development.
As part of the platform, EMBRC will announce opportunities for EATiP researchers to access services offered by EMBRC members to help them with their aquaculture research and development. The European Research Infrastructure will also help to promote innovation and knowledge transfer within the aquaculture sector by sharing its members’ expertise and access to marine biological resources. This could include webinars, bespoke training sessions and collaborative projects across a variety of topics such as marine biodiversity monitoring, circularity and zero waste practices.
The importance of aquaculture
Aquaculture is a particularly important sector for EMBRC because of its potential to support a sustainable Blue Economy. Creating a sustainable, globally competitive aquaculture market in Europe will benefit people – through quality, nutritious food and job creation – and the economy and will cement Europe’s position as a leader in this field.
“In preparation for 2025 UN Ocean Conference, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is preparing an Ocean Economy Monitoring Report showing that aquaculture and fishing are the largest producers of scientific research and development (R&D), beyond fundamental government programmes,” says Mery Piña, Industrial Liaison Officer at EMBRC. “EMBRC can help private companies that are conducting this R&D by enabling innovation through co-development of new technologies and prototype testing. Our expertise and facilities across Europe, as well as our focus on supporting industry, make EMBRC the most suitable partner to enhance scientific excellence in the aquaculture sector.”
EMBRC already supports a significant number of users working on aquaculture projects and is committed to further developing the industry.
“Almost 40% of EMBRC’s users come from this sector, which shows how relevant our services are in promoting innovation and knowledge sharing in aquaculture and how much of an impact this can have on the European bioeconomy,” Piña adds.
About EATIP
EATIP is an international non-profit dedicated to developing, supporting and promoting aquaculture in Europe. Created in 2008, this industry-led stakeholder platform has been recognised by the European Commission (EC) as a key actor in driving innovation, knowledge transfer and European competitiveness in their sector. The cooperation between the aquaculture sector and the EC is vital in supporting the EU’s plans to improve aquaculture across Europe through the EU Aquaculture Assistance Mechanism.
Through its work, the platform aims to enhance innovation, nurture technology development, establish a strong relationship between aquaculture and the consumer, create a sustainable aquaculture industry and consolidate the role of aquaculture in society.
EATIP includes all members of the European aquaculture value chain in its platform: from suppliers and producers to processors, leading research groups and key representative organisations.
Aquaculture challenges
Despite its potential to support a more sustainable future, the aquaculture sector is currently facing several challenges. From a technical perspective, more work is needed to better manage disease within aquaculture systems, improve the quality and quantity of products produced through genetic selection, enhance welfare and understand the microbiome of the species being farmed. European producers also come up against legislative difficulties, such as finding space to develop new aquaculture farms.
Importantly, the industry is also in need of significant funding so it can invest in research and development to overcome these issues.
Working together for a sustainable future
With more organisations working together to respond to these challenges, the sooner we can find solutions and unlock the potential of European aquaculture.
“Our two organisations share priorities when it comes to boosting knowledge and supporting sustainable development within the marine aquaculture industry. Through this collaboration, we can ensure the European aquaculture sector is sustainable and globally competitive by 2030,” says Piña. “We’re pleased to join the other members and are looking forward to contributing to EATIP’s mission through our work.”
