Name:
Innovative Development of Multitrophic Aquacultures (IDMA) – The study of IMTA/Restorative/Regenerative Aquaculture in Greek Seas

Developed by:
University of Crete

Countrie(s) involved:
Greece

Funding sources:
National (ministries, agencies, regions)

Specific organism(s) focused:
The IDMA project aims to lay the foundation for the development of Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) methods in Greece. IMTA has been proposed as an innovative approach to aquaculture that ensures sustainable development, in alignment with the EU guidelines and actions for Blue Growth and Blue Economy. IMTA is defined as the cultivation of two or more aquatic species from different trophic levels within the same farm, in order to mimic the energy flow of natural ecosystems.

As a result, IMTA can maximize the productivity and cost-effectiveness of marine aquaculture by utilizing both soluble and insoluble substances that are typically lost in conventional monoculture systems. This innovative technique has been tested in aquaculture facilities outside the EU, but its development is not as widespread in Europe, particularly in Greece.

The main objective of the IDMA project is to develop an appropriate methodology for the implementation of IMTA under the specific conditions of the Greek seas, while simultaneously highlighting its economic and environmental benefits. The project outcomes are expected to benefit the highly developed aquaculture sector in Greece by offering the potential for the commercial exploitation of new species through processes that do not harm the marine environment.

The IDMA project included a multi sided approach to the issue of IMTA: (1) identifying suitable sites for installation, (2) conducting a techno-economic study to improve the competitiveness of aquaculture units by implementing IMTA methods and studying the legal framework for identifying legislative gaps for starting IMTA projects I the business sector (3) the experimental development of IMTA methods in the Greek seas, (4) the installation of pilot IMTA cages in aquaculture units and (5) the assessment of the performance of different combination of co-culturesd species in different environments, in order to (6) create an “optimal growth roadmap of IMTA in Greece”, which (7) with suitably shaped dissemination activities will be forwarded to all interested parties.

Furthermore, IMTA project aims to find a way for aquaculture farmers to collect their spat easily and efficiently. To succeed this, 6meter long ropes were placed near fish farm cages.
3 and 6 months after photos: (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/wn6YT7tY4yMq3vPn/) :
• In 3 months, we have mussels and ulva but
• In 6 months, the invasive species Ciona intestinalis takes over.

Specific organism(s) focused:
Yes

Specific organism(s) focused:
Macroalgae; Metazoa (tunicates, molluscs, sponges, Cnidaria, etc.)

Serctor(s) involved:
Yes

Serctor(s) involved:
Aquaculture and fisheries technologies; Waste valorization; Bioremediation, ecosystem restoration, climate change mitigation and other environmental biotechnology; Circular economy

TRL:
TRL 4-6

Helix sector/involvement:
Research performing organizations and academia; SMEYes

Link to the good practice:
http://idma.uoc.gr/