Aquaculture of the Future by ENEA

The “Aquaculture of the Future” initiative aims to equip Emilia-Romagna’s aquaculture sector with the skills, technologies and enabling conditions needed to transition toward fully circular, sustainable and climate-resilient production systems. Future aquaculture operators will not only manage fish production, but will also play an active role in waste valorization, marine ecosystem restoration, bioremediation and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), while ensuring animal health, sustainable feed practices and diversification of activities - including tourism and value-added product development. To support this evolution, the project proposes a dedicated training program that provides workers with the competencies required to operate in this increasingly multifunctional sector, alongside the development of a regional pilot site where research infrastructures and scientific expertise will be used to demonstrate innovative biotechnological solutions for circular waste management within a chosen aquaculture value chain. Expected impacts include greater resilience of aquaculture enterprises, reduced waste, improved product quality, new economic and environmental value generated from by-products, and stronger collaboration between industry and research. The main challenge - securing participation from operators with limited time and financial resources - would be addressed through regional promotion, financial support for training and formal recognition of the qualification obtained.