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Description
AmpliAqua is a fully operational unit of an Aquaponic System based on an innovative, proprietary IP that demonstrates how inland fish farming can adopt a sustainable and viable Aquaponic systems, by integrating new solutions for ensuring adequate solid waste management, avoiding fish off-flavour through cost-efficient techniques, and integrating advanced IT tools, unlike standard solutions used in traditional fish farming. The food system is one of major driving forces of climate change and environmental degradation, with EU importing over 70% of the sea food that it consumes, and aquaculture products (including imports) representing less than 25% of EU’s overall consumption of these products. Aquaculture and hydroponics when used in combination and in balance of micro-nutrients (Aquaponics) represent a technology with the potential to play a key role in creating a more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems (as defined by EU strategies-Green Deal), through the development of a symbiotic ecosystem that requires less land and water and contributes for CO2 mitigation. Introduces key innovations to aquaponic systems that increases its productivity and sustainability when producing fish (aquaculture), greens (hydroponics) and micro-algae. This multitrophic system contributes for CO2 mitigation, resulting from algae and plants capture, and solid waste treatment in a biodigester minimising the GHG emissions. AmpliAqua is modular & replicable and can be deployed globally, even in areas with limited resources. The project is led by BGI, a deep technology startup accelerator with strong focus on sustainability and a track record of having supported over 150 ventures in preparing their Go to Market strategies. The partnership includes F4S, a collaborative laboratory of the national scientific and technological system, that facilitates R&D products to reach the market, focus on sustainable food, Aqualgae, experts in micro-algae production and IDN, experts on Aquaculture.
Summary of project results
AmpliAqua was the result of several years of conceptual and technical feasibility studies in IMTA (Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture), going back to 2016. Initially co-funded under the remit of EIT Climate-KIC, the main goal was and still is to demonstrate the economic viability of circular food systems via nutrient recovery across different trophic levels (fish, vegetables and microalgae). Motivation: The food system is one of the main driving forces behind climate change and environmental degradation, with the EU importing more than 70% of the fish it consumes, and aquaculture products (including imports) accounting for less than 25% of total EU consumption.
During the execution of the project, the main activities were carried out: - Updating the location of the AmpliAqua infrastructure, created by the project, in the Port of Nazaré; - Hiring the project team, which grew over the course of the project; - Project kick-off meeting and subsequent follow-up meetings with partners; - Mission to Norway to strengthen the project partnership and broaden contacts with relevant institutions in the aquaculture area in this partner country; - Completion of the bureaucratic and administrative processes to enable the construction and licensing of the operation (Aquaculture).
Results achieved: 1. Implementation of new methodologies for the control and management (recirculation) of nutrient-rich waste/sediments; 2. Integration of monitoring and control equipment for critical systems; 3. Implementation of strategies to mitigate "off-flavour".
Summary of bilateral results
The current project also served as a fantastic, unique opportunity for the project beneficiaries to develop longterm trusted relationships. The beneficiaries are at the moment discussing future, continued endeavorsincluding a JV in AmpliAqua spillover / follow on projects. We expect that AmpliAqua will enable a 15 000m2 rollout project for yellowtail fish hatchery and growth (estimated 2 to 3 thousand tonnes / year). EIT Food has alsobecome an important partner of AmpliAqua thanks to the credibility awarded by the EEA Grants fundingmechanism & reputation. Finally, BGI - as the main beneficiary and project coordinator is at the momentconsidering spinning off AmpliAqua as a separate entity and applying for national ESIF funding (Mar2030) forfollow development of phase II.