Norway, Finland, Sweden, Belgium, and the Netherlands are collaborating onthis initiative.
AQUAPHOENIX
The Horizon Europe AQUAPHOENIX project, which started in January 2025, aims to capture and reuse aquaculture waste by collecting sludge (excess feed and feces) beneath fish farms in Hardangerfjord (Norway) and the Åland Islands (Finland).
Fish farmers, researchers, industry actors, and high-level EU institutions from Finland, Sweden, Belgium, and the Netherlands will learn how to use aquaculture waste for renewable energy, sustainably sourced fertilizers, and new feed ingredients.
The research institutions NORCE and the Institute of Marine Research will analyze the effects of sludge collection. Moreover, waste management specialist Ragn-Sells and pumping systems provider Framo will make their technology available to existing open-sea fish farms.
"We have seen excessive levels of nutrients and pollution in Hardangerfjorden. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor and document the effects of sludge collection if we want to improve the marine environment in the fjord," Hans Kleivdal, Deputy EVP at NORCE explained.
Eide Fjordbruk and Lingalaks are the participating aquaculture companies in Vestland, Norway, while Brändö Lax, Storfjärdens Fisk, and Ålands fiskodlarförening are the Finnish ones.
"We all want to operate fish farms as sustainable as possible to secure jobs, ensure a productive aquaculture industry, and promote the long-term health of our fjord," assured Sondre Eide, CEO of Eide Fjordbruk.
According to the AQUAPHOENIX stakeholders, Hardangerfjorden produces 70,000 tons of farmed salmon in open-sea cages, which discharge sludge and nutrients into the surrounding fjord. This can negatively impact the marine environment, causing eutrophication (excessive nutrient levels) and pollution.
Regarding this fact, Martijn Bergink, Business Unit President of Pumping Systems at Framo noted: "Sludge from aquaculture is resources gone astray. We see that sludge collection will become a major industry both locally and internationally in the future. Framo is strongly focused on developing industrial sustainable solutions and aims to become a leading player in this market."
Finally, CEO of Ragn-Sells Norway Vidar Svenning Olsen advised: "Circular technology for aquaculture facilities reduces climate impact, lessens the burden on fjords, and produces more fish from each facility. At the same time, we utilize valuable raw materials and help reduce Europe's dependence on imported energy and nutrients."
Horizon Europe is the European Union's key funding programme for research and innovation. Following the Multiannual Financial Framework Midterm Review (MTR) decision, the indicative funding amount for Horizon Europe for 2021-2027 is €93.5 billion.
It tackles climate change, helps to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, and boosts the EU's competitiveness and growth. Legal entities from the EU and associated countries can participate.