Establishing an innovative and transnational feed production approach for reduced climate impact of the aquaculture sector and food supply

CLIMAQUA aims to develop sustainable aquaculture based on the utilization of locally produced and innovative feed raw materials with documented reduced climate footprint. CLIMAQUA will develop and establish an innovative process for the transformation and recycling of aquaculture side streams (sludge and wastewater) for use in algae growth substrates (Arthrospira platensis) - and document the use of algae biomass as a new ingredient in aquaculture feed. In conventional aquaculture, feed production is responsible for 50% of greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of the project is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions based on local, geographical and regional possibilities (temperature, sunshine, etc.). CLIMAQUA involves partners from Norway, Germany, Kenya and South Africa, that will contribute to the use of new algae ingredients adapted to different geographical areas. The project will develop phototrophic (Africa) and heterotrophic (European) algae production systems that can be used to develop highly digestible new ingredients and provide an opportunity to assess the climate effects of feed production in different climatic zones. The collaboration is characterized by extensive knowledge exchange. South Africa and Kenya have expertise on future climate situations that may challenge the food supply chain and will develop new knowledge about efficient management and utilization of the side-streams from aquaculture. Norway has already established efficient production systems for aquaculture and will develop new sustainable methods for efficient utilization of the aquaculture side streams in circular feed production systems. The collaboration will strengthen regional opportunities and contribute to increased food security which may involve a temperature increase of 1.5 - 2.0 ° C by 2050. The project will assess climate impact and map social, economic and environmental aspects based on regionally achieved results. In addition, the project will develop knowledge that can help to improve resource utilization and strengthen the regional food supply.

CLIMAQUA results in an innovative process for converting and recirculating aquaculture side-streams (sludge and wastewater) in algae (Arthrospira platensis)-based feed production for aquaculture. In conventional aquaculture, feed production is responsible for 50% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. The aim is to substantially reduce GHG emission by considering geographic and site-specific characteristics (temperature, sunshine duration etc.) and to design site-specific phototrophic or heterotrophic A. platensis cultivation for use as a highly digestible feed ingredient. CLIMAQUA builds on knowledge gained regarding aquaculture and feed production, and involves partners from Norway, Germany, Kenya and South Africa in order to broaden the applicability, not limiting the approach to a certain geographic area and assessing climate impact of feed production in different climate zones. CLIMAQUA will consider both technological aspects resulting in low carbon footprint solutions and reduced environmental impact as well as non-technological aspects resulting in changes in supply chains and food system resilience by climate adapted production of feed and fish. The transnational cooperation is characterized by mutual knowledge exchange that involves on-cite solutions to meet the future climate situations challenging the supply of food. This cooperation strengthens regional capabilities and contributes to food security under climate change within 1.5 or 2 °C until 2050 and beyond. The project will enable an assessment of future climate impact and an investigation of social (Aquaculture farmers, feed and food processors, consumers), economic and environmental aspects. The regional results obtained, including the role of food losses and waste management and feedback of stakeholders will be used to further improve resource efficiency and nutritive quality of produced feed and food in the southern and northern parts of the world to strengthen regional food supply.