AQUAEXCEL3.0

ABOUT US: AQUAEXCEL3.0 aims to further boost the EU aquaculture sector by expanding the Transnational Access programme to support more external research teams collaborating with its high-quality facilities, providing free training courses on the latest topics and ensuring research is aligned with industry needs. AQUAEXCEL3.0 builds on the previous AQUAEXCEL (FP7) and AQUAEXCEL2020 (H2020) projects and aims to develop new tools to keep pace with rapid scientific development and add value to existing tools and resources to benefit all users. It continues to have fish as its main target, but also includes shellfish and macroalgae research to push towards lower trophic level aquaculture. THE CHALLENGE: Aquaculture now provides over half of seafood for human consumption worldwide. The sector continues to grow annually to meet global demand and is the fastest growing animal production sector. However, within the EU, aquaculture production is still lagging, with a high dependency on imported fish remaining. Shifting consumer preferences, growing welfare concerns, new standards, and climate change are also affecting the industry. The sector’s sustainable growth can only be achieved through efficient and responsible production of high-value fish products. For the EU to maintain its global leadership in aquaculture research and sustainable development of the sector, better translation of research excellence into innovation and industrial growth is needed. DISCLAIMER: This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 871108 (AQUAEXCEL3.0). This output reflects only the author’s view and the European Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.