In this issue
Support to build resilience of Hungary’s fish farms
Katharina Nøkling-Eide, SINTEF
MAHOP Plusz, the Hungarian Fish Operational Programme Plus, aims to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Hungary’s fish farming sector. The programme focuses on sustainable aquaculture practices, including circular farming principles and the preservation of biodiversity in water and wetland habitats. It also encourages diversification and innovation by introducing new fish species and production technologies, aligning with changing consumer demands. Efficiency is another key objective. By modernising infrastructure, upgrading technology, and improving fish storage and distribution, the programme aims to enhance the sector’s stability and product quality. It promotes the use of renewable energy sources to reduce the environmental footprint. Biodiversity conservation and the maintenance of aquatic ecosystems are high priorities. The programme supports responsible pond management techniques to mitigate climate change effects and preserve valuable ecological services. It also addresses working conditions by supporting investments in safety, hygiene, and infrastructure, making the sector more attractive for employees. Recycling and reducing environmental impact are vital for sustainable aquaculture. The programme supports projects focused on water purification, recycling, and minimising chemical use. Read more about pond fish farming in Hungary from page 32 The EU Horizon 2020 ERA-Net COFUND Blue Bioeconomy (BlueBio) has played a key role in enhancing Europe’s position in the blue bioeconomy thanks to 49 projects it supports. These projects introduce bio-based products and services, enhancing the aquatic domain’s value. They encompass diverse aspects of the blue bioeconomy value chain, driving research and innovation. To realize fully circular aquaculture and fisheries, waste and side stream utilization, and novel ingredient integration are critical. Algae, such as seaweed and microalgae, offer vast potential. Projects like MINERVA and SNAP have developed innovative algal extracts and biopolymers, contributing to food ingredients, cosmetics, and advanced materials. Low-trophic animals like sea stars and polychaetes are sustainable food and feed sources. Projects like InEVal and SIDESTREAM have produced sea star meal and polychaete meal, reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency. These and other initiatives exemplify the richness of circularity in the blue bioeconomy, offering sustainable solutions to current challenges. Results from these projects will continue to be published and commercialized, ensuring a sustainable blue bioeconomy future. Investors and accelerators can explore the BlueBio website and individual project factsheets for opportunities. Read more on page 29 Recent studies have shown promising results in the use of plastic-consuming bacteria to tackle oceanic plastic waste, but the feasibility of this approach remains a subject of scrutiny. Plastic-eating bacteria offer a potential solution to the plastic pollution crisis, but several factors need to be considered. The discovery of Ideonella sakaiensis, a bacterium, capable of breaking down polyethylene terephthalate (PET), generated excitement among scientists. However, these bacteria are slow at decomposing plastics, limiting their practical application. Researchers have identified microorganisms in different environments with the ability to break down various plastics, including bio-based polyurethane and butylene adipate-co-terephthalate-polylactide (PBAT/PLA). These discoveries suggest that there are more plastic-degrading bacteria than previously believed. Efforts to use bacteria for large-scale plastic degradation are ongoing, with some companies working on commercial recycling plants. However, recycled plastic’s initial cost may be higher than newly synthesized plastic, affecting consumer acceptance. While bacteria may offer a solution to plastic waste, efforts should focus on preventing plastic waste from entering the environment in the first place by finding more sustainable alternatives to plastic. Read Dr Manfred Klinkhardt’s article on page 52 Slovakia’s aquaculture sector primarily focuses on freshwater fish, with rainbow trout and common carp being the prominent species. Small-scale enterprises, including family farms, contribute to around 2,975 tonnes of production in 2022, Fish consumption remains low, with individuals consuming only 5.9 kilograms of fish per year, including just 1 kilogram of freshwater fish. Strengths of Slovak aquaculture include its tradition of breeding freshwater fish, diverse species, and low disease outbreaks. Weaknesses comprise low wages, limited innovation, lack of breeding programs, and conflicts with environmental protection measures. Fish farming methods include pond fish farming for mixed stocking and salmonid farming, particularly rainbow trout. Emerging aquaculture systems are focusing on African catfish. Challenges involve infectious diseases, declining pre-Christmas fish sales, labour shortages, declining water quality and quantity, and competition from cheaper imports. Despite the challenges the sector has growth potential through diversification and innovation with support from the European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund 2021-2027. Read more on page 57 EUROFISH Magazine 6 / 2023
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