The consortium of the ASTRAL project, made up of 16 partners, gathered on 25–26 August 2024 in Copenhagen for the final project meeting.
The event marked a key milestone, showcasing major achievements in advancing sustainable and circular Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) across the Atlantic. Partners presented successful innovative value chains implemented in various regions, improving circularity and profitability compared to conventional systems.
Key technological innovations—including biosensors, AI-based platforms, and smart monitoring tools—were validated, boosting environmental resilience and risk mitigation. The project also addressed pressing issues such as climate change, microplastics, and harmful algal blooms, reaffirming ASTRAL’s commitment to ecological health.
The consortium emphasized the importance of inclusive human capital development and active stakeholder engagement, fostering a collaborative ecosystem for future transformation. The meeting concluded with a legacy plan and policy recommendations to scale ASTRAL’s impact beyond the project’s duration.
During the event, Leitat showcased its work focused on enhancing circularity and environmental performance in IMTA systems. Their results pointed to measurable progress towards zero-waste aquaculture, with improvements in nutrient and carbon cycling, reduced water pumping, and a significantly lower environmental footprint. These advances align with the EU’s 2030 sustainability goals, contributing to a more resilient aquaculture sector.
Beyond the working sessions, the consortium members enjoyed a networking dinner.
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