Disruptive and forward-looking opportunities for competitive and sustainable aquaculture (INvertebrateIT)

INvertebrateIT was a two-year project funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), aimed at responding to the global challenges of food security, marine environmental impact, and resource efficiency by tapping into the invertebrate-based solutions market. 

Tangible results: The project defined a Joint Roadmap and Investment Plan across the EU Atlantic Basin to promote and exploit the value chain of production of invertebrates, such as insects, for sustainable fish feeds, competitive aquaculture, and integrated waste management. The document reviews the general context of the invertebrate-based solutions market, and lists the main objectives, obstacles and priority actions to be taken. A general study of investment needs and sources is also included. The project also invested in 3 initiatives through an open contest for SMEs and PublicPrivate Partnerships: (i) Entogreen developed a system to recycle up to 1000 tons a month of organic waste from maize agriculture by using it to feed insects and subsequently producing high quality proteins and oils for aquafeeds; (ii) IPATAC commercialised an insect-based fish feed; and (iii) MUSFLOUR revalorised large quantities of available scraps coming from mussel aquaculture by processing them for fish farm feed.

Application/relevance: The project increased awareness of real opportunities for Blue Growth and the Circular Economy in the aquaculture, waste management, technology and invertebrate production sectors. It promoted collaboration positively and strategically at a critical time to seize a new industrial niche.