• Projects
  • /
  • EASYTRAIN: Eco-innovative aquaculture system training for European industrial doctorates

EASYTRAIN: Eco-innovative aquaculture system training for European industrial doctorates

TRAINING RESEARCHERS TO ADDRESS FUTURE CHALLENGES OF FISH FARMS

Aquaculture innovation on modern techniques

Academic and industrial expertise combination

Researchers training

Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food sectors globally. EASYTRAIN responded to the need for sustainable innovation in this field by combining academic excellence and industrial know-how to train six young researchers in aquaponics, feed technology, microalgae, and fish physiology.

The project developed eco-innovative solutions for organic fish farming through interdisciplinary training, industry-led secondments, and research activities across Spain, Portugal, Italy and the Netherlands. BIOAZUL contributed its experience in water reuse, innovation consulting, and circular economy strategies.

EASYTRAIN has successfully concluded with impactful research outcomes and a new generation of experts prepared to tackle the sustainability and welfare challenges of modern aquaculture.

RESULTS

  • Aquaponic engineering. The project explored sustainable innovations in aquaponics by developing biofilters for nutrient recovery from aquaculture sludge and examining the effects of light and temperature on fish growth. The initial plan to build novel environmental control devices was redirected, as effective systems were already commercially available.
  • Organic Feed & Fish Welfare. EASYTRAIN tested commercial-like organic diets based on spirulina and quinoa, focusing on fish feed acceptance, growth performance, and behavioural stress indicators. Though no aquaponic-specific diets were designed, the formulations proved viable and aligned with certification frameworks.
  • Microalgae Biotechnology. Research on the impact of light quality (blue, red, white) on green microalgae showed that salinity played a more decisive role in biomass and lipid production than light. Findings are relevant for food and cosmetic applications and support sustainable algae cultivation strategies.
  • Feeding Regulation. A theoretical feeding chart adjusted to photoperiod was developed using consolidated literature and experimental data from Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), helping to model fish appetite rhythms for six farmed species. This task, initially expected to include new trials, was reoriented to produce a scientifically grounded guidance tool.
  • Training Outcomes. Six Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) were trained in academic and industrial settings across Europe, receiving interdisciplinary skills and developing original research leading to multiple scientific publications. While not all ESRs reached the target of three papers during the project, many manuscripts are under review or in preparation.

consortium MAP

PARTNERS

UMU (España)
UniFe (Italia)
Jardineria y Viveros la Noria SL (España)
SPAROS (Portugal)

LANDLNG AQUACULTURE BV (Países Bajos)
Alga&Zyme (Italia)
BIOAZUL (España)
WE&B (España)

Did you find it interesting?

Status: Finished

Contractnº: 956129

Duration: March 1, 2021 – February 28, 2025 (48 months)

Budget: 1.528.149,24€ (CE Contribution: 1.528.149,24€)

Contact person: Antonia Lorenzo (alorenzo@bioazul.com)