A new four-year study worth almost €7m will establish new strategies and models for sustainable growth in the aquaculture industry.
The Tools for Assessment and Planning of Aquaculture Sustainability (TAPAS) project, led by the University of Stirling, will create cost-efficient management tools and practices for the European aquaculture sector to investigate the scope of fish and shellfish farming activity in a location, social interactions, potential environmental impacts and any future risks.
The team, led by Professor Trevor Telfer, of the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture, will seek to establish a comprehensive ‘toolbox’ to support transparent and efficient licensing, and enhance environment sustainability and aquatic food security while tapping into the potential for food production and jobs.
Professor Telfer said, “As Europe continues to produce millions of tonnes of food each year, we want to ensure this industry is feeding the world in a sustainable way, while taking care of the environment. By developing new, flexible and unified approaches to aquaculture planning we aim to strengthen sustainable growth in the vital marine and freshwater sectors.”
The Consortium will evaluate structures currently in operation across the EU’s seas, lakes and rivers, examining various environments and developing new approaches to deliver computer-based support systems for sustainable aquaculture expansion.
The research team will collaborate with industry, regulators, certifiers and other stakeholders to ensure the toolbox they create is accessible, using training and outreach activities to improve the image of European aquaculture and promote an integrated sustainability strategy.
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