Specifically, SwitchFloc will work over four years with whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei), the world's most widely produced species
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The Polytechnic University of Valencia in Spain has presented a project aimed at reducing the environmental impact of aquaculture in Europe through the use of Biofloc Technology (BFT).
This research project, promoted by the SwitchFloc consortium, focuses on transforming carbon and nitrogen waste into a healthy feed source for aquaculture, while also improving animal welfare and significantly reducing water consumption.
Specifically, SwitchFloc will work over four years with whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei), the world's most widely produced species, combining Biofloc systems with other technologies such as integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA-FLOC) and hydroponic systems (FlocPonics). The aim is also to test this technology in the production of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata).
"Promoting sustainability in aquaculture, both from an environmental and economic perspective, is essential for food security and the protection of the ecosystems in which it operates," said David Sánchez Peñaranda, professor and researcher at the Polytechnic University of Valencia and coordinator of the SwitchFloc project.
SwitchFloc is being developed under Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation funding programme aimed at addressing the challenges set by the European Union to achieve a sustainable and prosperous future. In addition to Spain, other countries collaborating on this initiative include Portugal, Norway, Germany, Italy, France, and Brazil.
