EMD In My Country: MARE researchers organize a workshop dedicated to "Invertebrate Aquaculture: Towards a Circular Model"

The European Maritime Day - EMD - an event that takes place annually in an European city with a strong maritime tradition, during which the European maritime community gathers to share knowledge, discuss and outline joint actions on maritime affairs and sustainable blue economy. In this context, the European Commission launches a challenge for the organization of thematic workshops in one of the interest areas for the maritime sector. In December 2022, MARE researchers Ana Pombo, Sílvia Lourenço, Pedro Félix, and David Jacinto submitted an application to organize a workshop dedicated to "Invertebrate Aquaculture: Towards a Circular Model" within the theme "Blue economy/aquaculture and fisheries/seaweed". And the workshop was one of the 20 selected out of 137 applications.

Some of the common marine invertebrate species in our coastal waters - such as bivalves, barnacles, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers - are important marine resources whose natural populations are exploited for their high commercial value in many regions of the world. Their commercial value is also the driving force behind their aquaculture production, in some cases already implemented, in others still taking the first steps. Most are low trophic level species, microalgae filter feeders, or herbivorous and detritivorous with low protein requirements that can be fed in intensive contexts with agricultural industry byproducts with reduced environmental impacts applying circular economy concepts. They can also integrate multi-trophic production systems where one component can feed and produce food by recycling the waste produced by another. The aquaculture production of marine invertebrates also provides various ecosystem services that include carbon sequestration, control of microalgae blooms, and habitat restoration.

The workshop will take place during the European Maritime Day on May 24, 2023, in Brest and will feature some speakers Laura Ciriminna (University of Palermo, Italy), Colin Hannon (Atlantic Technological University, Ireland), Laurent Barille (University of Nantes, France), and David Jacinto (University of Évora, Portugal), and will be moderated by Ana Pombo (Polytechnic Institute of Leiria) and Sílvia Lourenço (Polytechnic Institute of Leiria).

Organizers: Sílvia Lourenço, Ana Pombo, Pedro Félix, and David Jacinto.