AQUALICIOUS · Aquaculture Quality and Uptake with Low Trophic, Integrated, Circular, Innovative Opportunities and Solutions

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector globally, however, in the EU, the sector remains dominated by high-trophic finfish species creating environmental challenges such as nutrient waste, habitat disruption, and continued dependence on wild-caught fish for feed. To meet the ambitions of the European Green Deal, Farm to Fork Strategy, and the EU Strategic Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (2021–2030), a transition towards more sustainable, diversified, and climate-resilient aquaculture is essential. AQUALICIOUS is an Innovation Action designed to demonstrate the potential of low-trophic aquaculture (LTA) and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) solutions across Europe. The project will introduce omnivorous fish, shellfish, molluscs and algae species, promoting diversification and reducing environmental impacts. By developing circular value chains based on un-fed or low-trophic species, AQUALICIOUS will enable a shift towards resource-efficient production systems with minimal ecological footprint. The project will deliver innovative technologies and protocols, including advanced sensors for environmental monitoring, scalable IMTA designs, and digital tools for production optimization. These solutions will be tested and validated in three demonstration sites in Norway, Belgium, and Spain under real-world conditions (TRL >6). AQUALICIOUS will also integrate social sciences and humanities to assess regulatory, financial, and societal conditions for LTA scale-up, ensuring that technical innovations are embedded in a strong socio-economic context. Consumer engagement is central to the project. Through market research and willingness-to-pay (WTP) studies, AQUALICIOUS will provide evidence on consumer preferences, supporting effective labeling and marketing strategies. The consortium brings together 14 leading partners from academia, industry, and NGOs, ensuring robust innovation, validation, and knowledge transfer across the value chain.