This highly interdisciplinary project aims to introduce and/or adapt the most advanced scientific knowledge into marine aquaculture enterprises to achieve process and product innovation as well as an increase in competitiveness in international markets.
The interventions include:
– Automation of feed distribution and fish sorting
– Introduction of biotechnologies into the production process
– New species for marine aquaculture (holothurians)
– Implementation of meagre reproduction
– Improvement of the nutritional quality of products for human consumption
The overall expected outcome is an increase in the sustainability and image of national marine aquaculture towards consumers, along with the definition of a strategy for capitalizing on and disseminating the results of industrial research and technological development achieved.
ITACA addresses the competitiveness of the fisheries sector in the Adriatic by fostering blue innovation and improving the sustainability of fisheries.
The FAIRSEA project aims to strengthen transnational capacity and cooperation in the field of an ecosystem approach to fisheries in the Adriatic region through knowledge exchange and sharing of best practices among the partners involved.
The research activities of the Institute are carried out in the context of research, development and innovation projects, both national and international, based on regional funding programs (POR FEAMPA - Regional Operational Program of the European Maritime Affairs Fisheries Fund and Aquaculture and POR FESR - Regional Operational Program of the European Regional Development Fund) or ministerial (PRIN - Projects of relevant national interest, PNRA - National Research Program in Antarctica, PO FEAMPA - National Operational Program European Maritime Affairs Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund) , programs for European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg), direct funding programs of the European Commission (Horizon2020 and Horizon Europe, Life, JPI - Joint Programming Initiatives, ERA-NET Cofund) and thematic collaboration initiatives managed by international organizations such as, for example , the FAO - GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean). The Institute also develops funded projects in the context of collaborations with private companies in the sectors of the blue economy as well as technology transfer and research results. Research projects, mainly of a collaborative nature, are developed through a wide network of partners that include major Italian and foreign research institutions and universities.