4 R&D&I projects in Marine Sciences to develop new strategies and address the challenges of the Blue Economy
Four projects led by MEMIC faculty members have been selected as part of the “ThinkInAzul” program: a joint research and innovation strategy in marine sciences to sustainably address new challenges in marine and maritime monitoring and observation, climate change, aquaculture, and other sectors of the Blue Economy.”
The proposals focus on the three main lines of action outlined in the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan approved by the Spanish government: observation and monitoring of the marine and coastal environment; sustainable, smart, and precision aquaculture; and the blue economy, innovation, and opportunities. The goal is to preserve the environmental quality of the seas through innovative technologies, promote sustainable aquaculture, and improve the economy linked to the maritime sector.
Víctor Espinosa is the principal investigator of the project “Acoustic Monitoring for Precision Aquaculture: Acoustic Observation Network in Mediterranean Marine Farms (ACUPREC).” Developed in collaboration with staff from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) and the University of Alicante (UA), and co-directed by Isabel Pérez, the project involves “the use of echo sounders for the continuous monitoring of floating cages, which will help address the challenge of estimating total biomass, improve the feeding process by detecting uneaten pellets and characterizing fish behavior in response to different stimuli, as well as describing the underwater soundscape around the farms and the relationship between different stimuli and the behavior of caged fish.”
For his part, researcher Jaime Lloret heads the “Sensor Network and Big Data for Marine Environment Observation (SALVADOR)” project. This project, co-led by researcher Sandra Sendra, aims to “design, develop, and deploy low-cost sensor nodes adapted for underwater monitoring to create a marine observatory.” The data generated through this initiative “will be essential for dynamic oceanographic monitoring, the conservation of marine protected areas, the mitigation of damage to marine ecosystems, and marine research. Furthermore, it will help maximize the sustainability of aquaculture facilities.”
Professor Luis Miret is leading the project “Generational Transition in the Valencian Fishing Sector.” This project “will analyze the economic and socio-labor situation of the fishing industry in the Valencian Community, seeking ways to promote generational succession in fishing and attract young people to maritime-related trades.”
Finally, Miguel Rodilla is leading the “Reproductive and Genetic Study and Larval Supply of Tellina and Chirla: Causes of Population Decline and Possibilities for Recovery (RECLAMS).” This project aims to assess larval populations using DNA techniques, determine whether the population collapse experienced over the past decade has led to a loss of genetic variability among the survivors, and advance procedures and improve techniques for the captive breeding of Donax trunculus and Chamalea hen as well as analyzing the role of toxic substances in the recovery of these bivalve populations.