Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector globally, however, in the EU, the sector remains dominated by high-trophic finfish species creating environmental challenges such as nutrient waste, habitat disruption, and continued dependence on wild-caught fish for feed.
To meet the ambitions of the European Green Deal, Farm to Fork Strategy, and the EU Strategic Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (2021–2030), a transition towards more sustainable, diversified, and climate-resilient aquaculture is essential.
AQUALICIOUS is an Innovation Action designed to demonstrate the potential of low-trophic aquaculture (LTA) and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) solutions across Europe. The project will introduce omnivorous fish, shellfish, molluscs and algae species, promoting diversification and reducing environmental impacts.
By developing circular value chains based on un-fed or low-trophic species, AQUALICIOUS will enable a shift towards resource-efficient production systems with minimal ecological footprint. The project will deliver innovative technologies and protocols, including advanced sensors for environmental monitoring, scalable IMTA designs, and digital tools for production optimization.
SINTEF is the project coordinator of AQUALICIOUS and leads a WP on Social, Economic & Governance Analysis. The institute is also responsible for the Norwegian demonstration site, where IMTA-RAS systems will be designed, implemented, and optimised. In addition, SINTEF leads water quality monitoring activities through the development and deployment of smart buoy systems equipped with load cells and environmental sensors for biomass estimation and ecosystem monitoring.
SINTEF contributes operational data to life cycle assessment (LCA) and ecodesign activities, while also conducting consumer acceptance, market, and willingness-to-pay studies to support uptake of IMTA products.