The objective of SAFE project is to reduce the environmental impact and improve the viability of the FW aquaculture by applying circular economy approaches to the valorisation of solid and liquid wastes from recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and integThe main objective of SAFE project is to reduce the environmental impact and improve the viability of the FW aquaculture by applying circular economy (CE) approaches to the valorisation of solid and liquid wastes from recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems. The economic viability of FW aquaculture will be improved through major advances in management systems and the integration of waste streams from FW aquaculture systems (FWAS) into the aquaculture feed chain. SAFE will enable the uptake of these solutions through local and regional scale demonstrations across the EU and will document the necessary management and governance conditions for successful transferability. The multidisciplinary expertise of the consortium across a wide range of systems, species and geographies will target the enhancement of species of particular biodiversity concerns, such as European native crayfish. We will improve the sustainability of FW aquaculture production and investigate the feasibility of diversification through the culture of under-represented species (perch) and valuable crayfish species with declining populations. Lastly, we will compare the experiences of EU FW aquaculture to Chinese FWAS and value chains, the largest, fastest-growing and most diverse aquaculture sector in the world, using mutual knowledge sharing to improve the sustainability of aquaculture in China and the EU. SAFE, through extensive dissemination activities, knowledge transfer programmes, training workshops and collaborative engagement with industry and stakeholders, will support the development of professional skills and competencies of the FW aquaculture both within the EU and partner countries.

The GREENHOOD project pioneers a comprehensive approach to address the global challenge of unbalanced nutrient flows in regional ecosystems. Operating across four European countries and one associated region, GREENHOOD focuses on re-balancing nutrient flows and reducing N/P emissions through five key strategies: a) Participatory Approach: Engaging diverse stakeholders through capacity building, governance labs, and cross-regional exchange activities to ensure inclusive decision-making. b) Estimation of Maximum Allowable Nutrient Inputs: Utilizing optimized budgeting methodologies, including novel modeling tools and socio-economic data, to assess the impacts of new balancing practices. c) Demonstration of Effective Nutrient Management Strategies: Leveraging insights from previous R&D experiences to develop and demonstrate solutions for nutrient excess prevention, reduction, and recycling in key sectors such as agriculture, wastewater treatment, aquaculture, and forestry. d) Establishment of Regional Nutrient Circular Economy Schemes: Creating schemes to close nutrient flow gaps between sectors like livestock-agriculture and aquaculture-agriculture, evaluating the agronomic performance and market uptake of bio-based fertilizers and by-products. e) Innovative Governance Measures: Showcasing governance measures to incentivize the adoption of nutrient-balancing solutions, collaborating with regional administrators and supporting existing policies. GREENHOOD also emphasizes effective dissemination and exploitation of results by collaborating with strategic initiatives like CCRI and Mission projects, as well as conducting regional twinning programs. Through these efforts, GREENHOOD aims to pave the way for societies to operate within safe ecological boundaries while meeting socioeconomic needs.

GAIN is designed to support the ecological intensification of aquaculture in the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA), with the dual objectives of increasing production and competitiveness of the industry, while ensuring sustainability and compliance with EU regulations on food safety and environment. Eco-intensification of European aquaculture is a transdisciplinary challenge that requires the integration of scientific and technical innovations, new policies and economic instruments, as well as the mitigation of social constraints. Successful eco-intensification of aquaculture will provide more and better aquatic products, more jobs, and improve trade balance by reducing imports. GAIN, besides looking at innovative ways of integrating cultured species, will seek integration with other sectors, in order to promote the implementation of the principles of circular economy in Aquaculture. The GAIN Consortium includes a wide range of complementary expertise and a well blended mix of research institutes and industrial partners, which will ensure the achievement of the following specific objectives: (i) Develop and optimize sustainable feeds, without increasing the pressure on land and fish stocks; (ii) Add value to cultivation, by means of innovative processes, which turn both by-products and side-streams into valuable secondary materials, thus increasing profits and minimizing the environmental footprint; (ii) Improve the management of finfish and shellfish farms, in terms of FCR, fish welfare and reduction of wastes, through the use of sensors, biomarkers, Big Data, IoT (Internet of Things) and predictive mathematical models; (iv) Support integrated policies and address current barriers to the implementation of the principles of circular economy in aquatic production.