INvertebrateIT Project Launched

The INvertebrateIT Project, which the Marine Institute is a partner in, has been officially launched. The project is focused on developing innovative approaches for the aquaculture sector, particularly on the use of organic waste for the production of invertebrates as alternative ingredients in fish feed.

It is one of three projects selected to develop joint roadmaps and bankable demonstration projects in the Atlantic and North Sea to coordinate further investments for innovation. Funding is provided by the European Maritime and Fishers Fund under the 'Blue Labs – Innovative Solutions for Maritime Challenges'.

"Perhaps the most exciting part of the INvertebrateIT project is that we get to support innovation in an extraordinary growth sector," said Silvia Sarria, INvertebrateIT's Project Coordinator and European Policies Division Lead at Innogate to Europe. "Creating a circular economy for fish feed (and other aquaculture products) by feeding fish with something they would eat in their natural environment, is a win-win for all involved."

The project plans to engage SMEs to support project development which will commercially exploit opportunities combining sustainable aquaculture, invertebrate production and smart waste management. To that end, an Open Contest will soon be announced (details will be on the INvertebrateIT website shortly).

The INvertebrateIT consortium consists of seven partners from five European countries, including the Marine Institute, and is coordinated by Innogate to Europe. More information can be found at www.invertebrateitproject.eu.