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

The main objective of CLIMAQUA is to develop a flexible system for the production of Galdieria sulphuraria biomass that can be used in a decentralized manner in the areas of aquaculture and fish processing, thus contributing to regional development and the reduction of greenhouse gases. CLIMAQUA will recirculate and use aquaculture side-streams (sludge and wastewater) in algae Galdieria sulphuraria-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 cultivations for development of highly digestible feed ingredients. 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. The cross-country cooperation is characterized by knowledge exchange from the South to the North and vice versa. South Africa and Kenya cope with climate situations challenging the constant supply of food. Norway has established efficient aquaculture food production systems and will work on methods for better utilisation of the aquaculture side-streams. Further, Norway will also develop knowledge on how to deal with climate change in the future, while South Africa will learn how to efficiently manage aquaculture side-streams. Embedded in the project is an assessment of climate impact and an investigation of social (i.e. aquaculture farmers, feed and food processors and consumers), economic and environmental aspects, regional results gained, information to food demand authorities and knowledge about food loss and waste management.

Climate change will affect food systems globally and has negative impacts on both: low-income as well as highincome countries. CLIMAQUA addresses this issue and aims on providing measures to minimize risks for food value chains, including impacts on producers and consumers, prices, availability, quality as well as international trade and food security. CLIMAQUA focuses on resilient food production from aquaculture systems in Africa and Europe and has an impact on regional strategies for managing climate related changes in food supply until 2050 and beyond. The technological innovation developed by the CLIMAQUA consortium will reduce GHG emissions from aquaculture food systems by at least 50% due to efficient valorisation of sludge and wastewater as well as regional feed production near the aquaculture sites to minimize the transport of feed. CLIMAQUA also considers the local utilisation of fish and production of fish products to minimize transport related carbon dioxide emissions.

CLIMAQUA results in an innovative process for converting and recirculating aquaculture side-streams (sludge and wastewater) in algae (Arthrospira platensis)-based feed production for aquacultures. 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.