ATIPECA: Innovation for sustainability in aquaculture

DAVID SAN MARTÍN, researcher at Efficient ands Sustainable Processes

The ATIPECA project is ushering in a new era in aquaculture feed production, with an approach that combines sustainability, innovation and the valorisation of fisheries by-products. This ambitious project, which brings together key partners from across the value chain, aims to develop solutions that will revolutionise the aquaculture sector while promoting a more efficient and responsible use of natural resources.

One of the features of this project is the collaborative work in the field, which allows us to test and evaluate the solutions live. This is reflected in visits to the various facilities, such as the one AZTI made to the CTAQUA Technology Centre in Cadiz.

This meeting focused in particular on the monitoring of feed production, a task led by CTAQUA, and on reviewing the progress made in the creation of an innovative mineral ingredient from fish bones.

The raw material developed in the ATIPECA project comes from by-products of the fish processing industry, specifically tuna and salmonid bones. This new ingredient is characterised by a high concentration of minerals (including organic phosphorus and calcium) with high bioavailability, an essential feature for efficient and sustainable nutrition of aquaculture species.

An integrated value chain

The ATIPECA project consortium is made up of strategic players who ensure a holistic approach at all stages of the process:

• BARNA, a fish meal company supplying bones as raw material.
• RIERA NADEU, a specialist in dehydration technology for organic matrices.
• AZTI, with its experience in the valorisation of organic by-products and applications for aquaculture.
• CTAQUA, a benchmark technology centre for nutritional efficiency in aquaculture.

This multidisciplinary collaboration allows the challenges of the project to be approached from different angles, combining technological innovation with experience in aquaculture nutrition.

Next research steps

The next milestone of the project will be to adapt the feed formulations to the specific characteristics of the bone meal. Initially, nutritional trials will be conducted with sea bass to assess the impact of these ingredients on their growth and health. These trials will then be extended to other key species in Mediterranean and Atlantic aquaculture, such as sea bream, red sea bream and shrimp.

Work will also be carried out to optimise the production process to ensure that the final product meets the quality and sustainability standards required for large-scale use.

Impact on the sustainability of aquaculture

ATIPECA represents a decisive step towards a more sustainable model in the aquaculture sector. By valorising the by-products of the fishing industry and transforming them into useful, high-value resources, the project contributes to the circular economy and reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional feed production.

This approach not only ensures a more efficient use of resources, but also strengthens the competitiveness of the aquaculture sector by offering innovative nutritional solutions that respond to current market and societal demands.

ATIPECA is another example of the future of sustainable aquaculture. Thanks to the collaboration between companies, technology centres and industry experts, we are building a new generation of feed that will not only benefit producers, but also contribute to environmental balance and global sustainability.

We will continue to report on the progress of this project, which promises to mark a turning point in the way we think about aquaculture nutrition.

ATIPECA is a project funded by MCIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and by the European Union Next GenerationEU/ PRTR. Dossier ID no: CPP2022-009548