MULTI-USE LOW-TROPHIC AQUACULTURE, OFFSHORE WIND, OR FISH FARMING: EXPANDING THE OLAMUR PROJECT FROM THE BALTIC/NORTH SEA TO THE BLACK SEA, THE MEDITERRANIAN AND THE ATLANTIC

The urgent need for more efficient use of marine area, and for European energy and food security, has highlighted the potential for multi-use, i.e. the use of area for more than one purpose. The recent expansion of offshore wind power has emphasized conflicts among different stakeholders. At the same time, aquaculture of low-trophic organisms, such as bivalves or seaweeds appears an attractive way to increase biomass production. Both activities contribute to urgent European needs, for energy and food security. Bivalves can feed on microalgae and particles, and seaweeds utilize nutrients, such as nitrates, phosphates and CO₂. In the OLAMUR project, we are developing initiatives for multi-use involving low-trophic aquaculture (LTA) in the Baltic and North Seas. Now, the project is expanding with five Associated regions across different European seas.