Name:
Sponge mariculture for bioremediation and production of valuable compounds in polyculture systems (AsMar)

Developed by:
Italy – Gargano Shell Fish Farm (company) -University of Bari Aldo Moro – Biology Department – Institutional actor: Apulia Region

Country(ies) involved:
Italy

Funding sources:
Interreg ADRION Blue_Boost

General idea:
Use of sponge mariculture to provide positive outcome on bioremediation, animal welfare and diversification of aquaculture production and processes. Porifera have significant commercial potential: in the cosmetic sector (bath sponges), as natural reserve of bioactive compounds, as well as in aquarism. The BBt/value chains addressed are: sustainable integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA).

Description:
Aim of the best practice is to test the survival and growth of different species of sponges in the vicinity of off-shore mariculture cages in the Gulf of Manfredonia, Italy, to improve water quality and diversify the production by implementing a marine circular economy process. In proximity to fish farms the release of metabolic by-products, food residues, faecal material and possibly drugs can lead to an increase in microbial concentration and deterioration of water quality, with potential consequences on the spread of pathogens that represent a health risk for farmed species and potentially to human consumption. This best practice may have two main benefits: speed up the sponges growth due to an increased availability of organic nutrients, and reduction of waste caused by fishfarm through the sponges’ filtering activities. The reared sponge biomass has high potential commercial interest, being source of marine natural products and/or exploitable for cosmetic purpose (e.g. bath sponges), production of natural biocides, pharmaceutical industry, source of bioactive compounds. The sponge mariculture may also lead towards the reduction of environmental impact, because porifera are marine benthic invertebrates, effective filterer feeders, capable of removing organic particles from the sea-water.
Info link: https://www.arti.puglia.it/articolo-progetto/i-vincitori-dei-voucher-blue-boost-asmar

TRL:
4. Technology validated in lab

IPR involved:
Yes

Sources:
Literature review sources: https://www.arti.puglia.it/articolo-progetto/i-vincitori-dei-voucher-blue-boost-asmar; https://www.google.it/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjH5vf4j_HtAhXUasAKHfDUA5AQFjAFegQIBxAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aquafarm.show%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F04%2FCariglia-Michela-e-Longo-Caterina.pdf&usg=AOvVaw2qWu5qHVM1vyWoDuHcFf7w; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKopOqa0f4A