Proyecto AquAgriS “Environmental management reform for sustainable farming, fisheries and aquaculture”

The aim of this project is to co-ordinate research on environmental management reform to improve sustainability in the farming, fisheries and aquaculture industries. By decreasing pollution and the nuisance value of wastes, and by promoting more efficient waste handling, production, waste recycling, and lower input systems, in line with best management practices, the objectives of the ETAP will be achieved.

 The specific objectives of this CA are to:

 • Assemble the latest relevant information on environmental management in the farming, fisheries and aquaculture industries, and to identify key players in the European Research Area, and in INCO countries, to prepare for future projects

 • Document the current state-of-the-art, and to acquaint members, and the research community in Europe and in INCO countries, with the latest developments in environmental management research

 • Map current research activities within the ERA

• Identify barriers which prevent effective environmental management and sustainability

 • Survey national/European legislation and policies

 • Develop a set of guidelines and recommendations of best practice to help to decrease the environmental impact of the farming, fisheries and aquaculture industries. To assist implementation of these guidelines with two technology transfer workshops

• Provide an on-line European database, linked to existing web sites and databases of specialist groups

• Promote exchange of European researchers

 • Promote collaboration with the farming, fisheries and aquaculture industries

 • Make recommendations for future research

• Disseminate knowledge via the specialised web site, technology transfer workshops and the staff exchange programme

The main outputs will lead to:

• Better coordination and Synergy in European research to reform environmental management

• Increased awareness of the problems faced by scientists, and the industries

• Improved guidelines and recommendations for scientists, the industries, policymakers

Scientific and technological objectives  

The primary aim of AquAgriS is to co-ordinate the promotion of environmental sustainability in the farming, fisheries and aquaculture (FFA) industries. Effective management of lower input systems, and more efficient waste control, will be especially addressed, in the context of the Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP). In this project, “farming” refers to the culture of terrestrial animals and plants, “fisheries” refers to the industrial capture of wild aquatic species, and “aquaculture” refers to the commercial culture of aquatic animals and plants. There are many similarities between these sectors, which provides an opportunity for the cross-over of knowledge and information from related topics. This will enhance the overall objectives of this Co-ordination Action (CA).

Key concepts that relate to each of these agricultural sectors include: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which involves an evaluation of the impact, on the environment, of a particular activity. Following an EIA an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is formulated accordingly. EIA and EMP are important steps toward identifying sustainable criteria. Environmental monitoring is key to EIA and EMP, for the establishment of environmental standards and practices, and to ensure regulatory compliance.

A major environmental concern is an increase in the availability of nutrients produced as a result of farming and / or aquacultural activities. Excessive concentrations of nutrients can cause eutrophication and the proliferation of harmful (and toxic) algal blooms in inland and coastal waters. Pollutants that decrease air and water quality include ammonia, phosphate, copper, methane and other greenhouse gas emissions. Some of these pollutants originate from the housing and storage facilities associated with terrestrial farms which - being point sources - offer themselves to mitigation via improved manure management technology.

AquAgriS will provide an information resource for SMEs, and other industrial organisations. This will increase understanding, awareness and recognition of problem areas, and to the identification of appropriate solutions.