Aza4ice

21/07/2025

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀-𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗼𝗺❓ 🌊

On Portugal’s Culatra Island, coastal communities have always lived in rhythm with the sea. Fishers reused, repaired, and adapted — not as a trend, but as a way of life. Today, their children are doing the same, with the planet in mind.

With projects like Aza4ice and Interreg Atlantic Area, traditional practices are being reimagined:

🔁 Old nets become tools for ocean cleanup
🏠 Oyster shells are reused as sustainable building material
🏄 Surfing becomes a way to connect with — and protect — nature

This isn’t imported innovation. It’s homegrown, born from deep respect and local knowledge.

𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.

Discover how these communities are leading the way !


👉 Read more: https://interreg.eu/news-stories/hands-in-the-water-eyes-on-the-future/

EU REGIO Interreg

11/07/2025

🌊 On June 26th, IPMA organized the 2nd LiRRiES meeting of the AZA4ICE project in the city of Olhão, Portugal!

This important session brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from the 5-helix model—academia, industry, government, civil society, and the environmental sector—to strengthen collaborative work in the context of circular aquaculture in the Ria Formosa.

The meeting focused on advancing the AZA4ICE methodology for identifying suitable species and areas for circular aquaculture systems within Aquaculture Allocation Zones (AZAs), with special attention to practices such as Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

🌱 During the session, participants discussed:
✔️ Circular economy practices in aquaculture
✔️ Regulatory and licensing challenges for the sector in Portugal
✔️ The co-development of the AZA4ICE Action Plans, a key step for enabling circular transition in AZAs
✔️ A participatory exercise to define criteria and indicators contributing to the C-AZA Index, a comprehensive tool for sustainable aquaculture planning

The event was a true example of responsible innovation in action, strengthening connections between science, policy, industry, and society.

💡 A huge thank you to all who contributed to making this event a success.

Let’s keep working together for a more innovative, sustainable, and resilient aquaculture future! 🐟🤝

02/07/2025

🌊2nd LiRRIE event, online, in France!🐟

On June 17, 2025, Pôle Mer Méditerranée organised an online LiRRIE (Living Responsible Research and Innovation Ecosystems) on “Blue & green projects: doing business with aquatic life”

🎯 Objective of the webinar: give project leaders, startups and students access to key elements for setting up projects in the field of aquaculture and blue biotechnologies.

🔍 Highlights included :
✅ Presentation of the concepts, challenges, and prospects of restorative aquaculture
✅ Advice on good practices for project development and aquaculture farming facilities
✅ Presentation of organizations that support innovative projects
✅ Feedback from project leaders sharing their experiences

Project leaders were able to share their difficulties in setting up their projects and identify solutions. The event stimulated exchanges and interaction, encouraging entrepreneurship around aquatic life. 💡🌊

01/07/2025

🌊 2nd LiRRIEs in Varna, Bulgaria! 🐟
On June 26, 2025, the Institute of Fish Resources – Varna hosted the 2nd LiRRIEs (Living Responsible Research and Innovation Ecosystems) meeting at the Rosslyn Dimyat Hotel, bringing the community together on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast! 🇧🇬🌊

The event gathered voices from academia, industry, government, and civil society to explore the future of sustainable and circular aquaculture in the region. 🤝

🔍 Highlights included:
✅ Discussions on sustainable growth in marine aquaculture
✅ The role of innovation and circular practices in the sector
✅ Opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and sectors

This event marked a key moment in pushing forward a smarter, greener approach to aquaculture in the region. 💡🌊

This successful gathering marks another important milestone in co-designing a smarter, greener aquaculture system — aligned with the AZA4ICE mission for a more inclusive and circular . 🌍💡



Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών University of PatrasInterreg Euro-MED Programme Dynamic Vision PC. Fondazione IMC Centro Marino Internazionale Ifapa Adria Innovation Harbour Institute of Fish Resources - Varna Razvojna Agencija Šibensko-kninske županije

30/06/2025

🌊 AZA4ICE:Towards a Circular Aquaculture in Andalusia!♻️🐠

📍 Puerto Real, Cádiz

On June 27th, innovators and experts gathered at the University of Cádiz to explore new ways to make aquaculture more sustainable and circular. From smart use of resources to recycling nutrients and embracing renewable energy, the event spotlighted bold ideas reshaping the sector.🌱

Discussions focused on key circular principles:
✅ Ecosystem preservation
✅ Resource and nutrient reuse
✅ Renewable energy integration
✅ Waste minimization

💬 “Andalusia has the capacity and knowledge to lead the transition to circular aquaculture,” said project coordinator Dr. Manuel Manchado. “But we need continued cooperation across public institutions, research, and industry — backed by targeted funding.”

This event marks another step toward that balances innovation, economy, and environment across the region. 🌍



Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών University of PatrasInterreg Euro-MED ProgrammeDynamic Vision PC.Fondazione IMC Centro Marino InternazionaleIfapa Adria Innovation Harbour Razvojna Agencija Šibensko-kninske županije Institute of Fish Resources - Varna

23/06/2025

🌊 Hands in the Water, Eyes on the Future - AZA4ICE in Action!

How Portugal’s coastal communities are leading a transformation in circularity — bridging generations and reshaping the blue economy through the AZA4ICE and SeaLabHaus projects.

💬 “We are a living lab of good practices. And we’d like the ongoing partnerships to help us certify new circular products in the future.” — Sílvia Padinha, President of Culatra’s Residents’ Association

👉Read the full intervies here: https://interreg.eu/news-stories/hands-in-the-water-eyes-on-the-future/

How Portugal’s coastal communities are leading a transformation in circularity – bridging generations, reshaping the blue economy through the SeaLabHaus and AZA4ICE projects.

12/06/2025

🌊Watch the video of the 1st Meeting of Responsible Research and Innovation Ecosystems (LiRRIEs) Cádiz — proudly co-organized by Ifapa on February 25th, 2025, at the Europa Hall, Faculty of Marine Sciences (Puerto Real, Cádiz).

🔍 An interactive session designed to introduce participants to circular planning methodologies. The session encouraged active engagement around species evaluation, spatial design, and model prioritization across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

💡 Attendees also worked hands-on with the circularity self-assessment tool, helping validate key components of circular aquaculture systems — a crucial step in fostering more resilient, place-based, and sustainable blue economies.



Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών University of PatrasInterreg Euro-MED ProgrammeDynamic Vision PC.Adria Innovation HarbourFondazione IMC Centro Marino InternazionaleInstitute of Fish Resources - VarnaRazvojna Agencija Šibensko-kninske županije

11/06/2025

🌊 On June 4, as part of the Circle The Med Forum, the project was part of a compelling session titled “One sea, many voices: Co-designing the future of sustainable aquaculture and co-existence with tourism.” 🐟

This inspiring session brought together leading experts and changemakers to shape a more resilient, inclusive blue economy for the Mediterranean. 🌱🌍

With the active participation of the AZA4ICE project, this timely session explored how inclusive, science-driven strategies can support sustainable aquaculture while fostering responsible coastal tourism across the Mediterranean.

Distinguished speakers:

🎤 Alexandra Cousteau,Co-Founder and President of Oceans 2050

🎤 Dr. Veronica Santinelli, Marine Ecologist, Researcher at the International Marine Centre Foundation

🎤 George Sarelakos , Founder & President of Aegean Rebreath

🎤 Dr. Manuel Manchado, Principal Researcher at IFAPA

🎤 Savvas Chatzinikolaou, Marine Biologist - Ichthyologist Σάββας Χατζηνικολαου

🎤 Chrysa Efstratiou, Research Associate in Environmental Sustainability

Moderator: 🎙️ Erika Porporato, Marine Ecologist, Researcher at the International Marine Centre Foundation

👏 Heartfelt thanks to all our speakers, moderator, participants, and organizers for their passionate engagement and shared commitment to a sustainable blue future in the Mediterranean.

💬 Thank you to all who joined this powerful dialogue



Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών University of PatrasInterreg Euro-MED ProgrammeDynamic Vision PC.Fondazione IMC Centro Marino InternazionaleIfapaAdria Innovation HarbourInstitute of Fish Resources - VarnaRazvojna Agencija Šibensko-kninske županijeCircle the Med

06/06/2025

🌍 World Environment Day 2025 🌊
Today, the team took action for our planet!

On June 5th, we joined forces with Aegean Rebreath for a beach cleaning activity on a remote shore of Aegina Island, Greece. Together, we removed marine litte and reinforced our commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems. 💙

This hands-on initiative is part of our broader mission to promote sustainability, circular economy principles, and responsible aquaculture across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Let’s keep working together to protect what connects us all – our sea. 🌱🐟🌊



Interreg Euro-MED Programme Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών University of Patras Ifapa Dynamic Vision PC. Fondazione IMC Centro Marino Internazionale Adria Innovation Harbour Institute of Fish Resources - Varna Razvojna Agencija Šibensko-kninske županije

30/05/2025

🌊 On May 13, 2025, Ulcinj hosted the 2nd Event under the project, bringing together stakeholders to deepen knowledge on circular economy and regulatory frameworks in aquaculture.

🎓 With expert-led training, live demos, and vibrant discussions, participants explored sustainable models like IMTA & RAS, regulatory insights, and tools like the BLUEfasma self-assessment.

🗣️ High satisfaction scores reflect strong interest in driving transformation in Montenegro's aquaculture—especially at Šasko Lake.


📈 Next steps? Action plans, pilot projects, and continued collaboration for a greener, inclusive future!




Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών University of PatrasInterreg Euro-MED ProgrammeDynamic Vision PC.Fondazione IMC Centro Marino InternazionaleIfapaAdria Innovation HarbourInstitute of Fish Resources - VarnaRazvojna Agencija Šibensko-kninske županije

29/05/2025

🌊 4th Project Meeting & Pilot Site Field Trip🚤

A successful project meeting followed by an exciting boat trip to visit our pilot site as part of the AZA4ICE project!

A big thank you to our Croatian partner, Razvojna agencija Šibensko-kninske županije, for the excellent organization and warm hospitality. Your efforts made this event truly memorable.

It was a great opportunity for partners to connect, exchange ideas, and see the impact of our work in action.



Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών University of PatrasInterreg Euro-MED ProgrammeDynamic Vision PC.IfapaAdria Innovation HarbourFondazione IMC Centro Marino InternazionaleInstitute of Fish Resources - Varna Razvojna Agencija Šibensko-kninske županije

28/05/2025

🌊 in Šibenik! 🌍
We’re at the 4th Project Meeting, taking place from 27–29 May 2025 in Sibenik, Croatia! 🐟
Project partners from across the Euro-Mediterranean region have come together to review progress, plan future actions, and strengthen our collaboration for a more sustainable aquaculture sector.

📍 Stay tuned for more updates from the beautiful coast of Šibenik!



Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών University of PatrasInterreg Euro-MED ProgrammeDynamic Vision PC.Fondazione IMC Centro Marino InternazionaleAdria Innovation HarbourIfapaInstitute of Fish Resources - VarnaRazvojna Agencija Šibensko-kninske županije