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OPTIMA NEWSLETTER 1

Advancing the proficiency of aquaculture professionals in the sector: Nurturing excellence for a sustainable future.

Aquaculture stands at the forefront of sustainable food production, particularly with the European Green Deal and the “Farm to Fork” strategy highlighting the importance of eco-friendly protein sources. In this context, the OPTIMA project emerges as a groundbreaking initiative, aimed at revolutionizing aquaculture practices, specifically focusing on the cultivation of bivalve molluscs.

Project Overview: Transformative Training for Aquaculture Professionals

OPTIMA addresses the pressing need for a robust training framework within the aquaculture sector. The primary goal is to empower shellfish farmers with tailored training models that enhance skills and knowledge relevant to mollusc aquaculture. Key areas of focus include:

  • Diversification of Productions: Introducing new species to expand market opportunities.
  • Quality Certifications: Attaining prestigious certifications like DOP and BIO.
  • Environmental Protection: Implementing practices that safeguard marine ecosystems.
  • Pollution Prevention: Adopting measures to prevent pollution from mollusc farming.
  • Innovative Techniques: Developing and implementing eco-friendly production methods.
  • Ecosystem Services Awareness: Educating on the benefits of bivalve molluscs for marine ecosystems.
  • Digital Skills: Equipping shellfish farmers with digital literacy for efficient operations

At the heart of OPTIMA is an innovative Training Model delivered through e-learning platforms. This modern approach transcends traditional barriers of time, space, and cost, offering dynamic online alternatives to conventional face-to-face courses. Skilled mentors guide students digitally, utilizing instructional videos and interactive resources to create a comprehensive and effective learning experience.

OPTIMA Consortium Meets in Cattolica, Italy

On April 17th and 18th, the OPTIMA consortium convened in Cattolica, Italy, the home base of M.A.R.E. Cooperative, the project coordinators. These days were dedicated to reviewing project progress, discussing the state of bivalve molluscs aquaculture in each country, and planning upcoming activities crucial to OPTIMA’s mission.

In addition to productive discussions, the consortium members had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the local aquaculture scene. Visits to aquaculture vessels, interactions with fishers and aquaculture farmers, and a tour of the Casa del Pescatore fishing Cooperative enriched our understanding of the industry. We witnessed firsthand the molluscs treatment process and observed the creation of commercial products by Casa del Pescatore, gaining valuable insights into real-world aquaculture practices.

The engagement and knowledge shared during this gathering reaffirm our commitment to advancing sustainable aquaculture practices through the OPTIMA project.

 

Join OPTIMA: Shaping the Future of Aquaculture

OPTIMA represents a beacon of change in the aquaculture landscape, promoting sustainability, enhancing sector skills, and contributing significantly to marine ecosystem health. By embracing digital education and fostering knowledge exchange, OPTIMA paves the way for a more resilient and environmentally conscious aquaculture industry.

Stay updated as OPTIMA continues its transformative journey towards a sustainable aquaculture future!

More information about this project on our project website: https://optima-erasmusproject.eu/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optima-euproject/

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Newsletter #0

Seven European organizations have come together in this project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ program, with the aim of providing training models for shellfish farmers, through effective training programs to strengthen skills and develop knowledge of shellfish aquaculture.

Embarking on a new project, SGS joins OPTIMA, a pioneering initiative intervening in the context of blue growth and sustainability. OPTIMA aims to raise the qualification and competence levels of aquaculture professionals and their mentors in the sector, with special reference to shellfish farming, through an innovative e-learning training model, led by mentors who can follow students digitally using the platform and videos produced by the project.

Activities to be carried out by the project include:

  • Conducting a background study on bivalve mollusc aquaculture in each country: farming techniques, environmental impact, quality labels.
  • Completion of one reference study compiling the background studies.
  • Completion of one bibliographic study on the environmental impact and ecosystem services of bivalve mollusc aquaculture.
  • Development of a training program for mentors
  • Development of a training program for workers
  • Creation of a video for each country of the consortium: good practices in bivalve mollusc aquaculture
  • Creation of a final video
  • Creation of a web platform
  • Carrying out two pilot tests of the training program

OPTIMA’s target groups include trainers/mentors linked to the bivalve mollusc aquaculture sector, aquaculturists, young people preparing to enter the sector, policy makers, stakeholder representatives, private production companies, professional associations, cooperatives, public and private training centers, research centers and local, regional, national, and European public bodies with environmental and training scope.

In addition, OPTIMA will establish a stakeholder network composed of policy makers, shellfish producers’ cooperatives, shellfish aquaculture sector associations, and public and private training centers in the maritime area. This will serve as a reference point for a background study conducted in each country involved, drawing on the partners’ prior knowledge and seeking information to identify needs and analyze the state of the shellfish farming sector in the participating countries.

The consortium that promotes the OPTIMA project, with M.A.R.E. Soc. Coop (Italy) as coordinator, is made up of IFA Aquaculture (Ireland), the National Committee of Conchyliculture, CNC (France), the Consello Regulador do Mexillón de Galicia, CRMG (Spain), SGS TECNOS (Spain) and IDEC (Greece). Together, these organizations are committed to shaping a sustainable future for seafood farming, addressing the sector’s challenges through innovation and education.

OPTIMA started with a kick-off meeting in October 2023 and is scheduled to conclude in April 2026.