Aquaponics optimization in a local climatic, economic and cultural context: maximizing the benefits of a circular bioeconomy for food production

Sustainable food production requires recovery of water, energy, and nutrients from waste streams within existing supply chains.

Greenhouse hydroponic systems and recirculating aquaculture systems combined in tandem as an aquaponics system (AP) can utilize fish wastes as fertilizers, while recycling water and energy to increase both systems´ sustainability and efficiency.

Despite significant environmental benefits, current AP infrastructure costs limit widespread application, and adoption of more resource-efficient systems require integration of relevant technologies to optimize performance.

To innovate and decarbonize AP, this project improves nutrient reuse, cuts fossil fuel dependence, reduces freshwater needs, and develops scalable models that improve microbial relationships for fish and plant health.

The project will also analyze designs, business models, consumer preferences, and socioeconomic challenges of AP facilities given that the feasibility of AP depends on technology levels, cultural contexts, as well as socio-technical operational integration.

To address these needs, our interdisciplinary project brings together a global network of scientists, AP producers, NGOs and regulators to leverage international expertise in eight countries across five continents, involving participants with diverse expertise in aquaculture, horticulture, energy-efficiency, agriculture and the built environment.