Welcome to our Q&A series, where our expert team answers essential questions about EX-AQUA’s pivotal role in enhancing regional and scientific impact. Discover how the project advances excellence and competitiveness in marine algae aquaculture, supporting a sustainable Black Sea, bridging regional disparities, and contributing to the Blue Economy and the objectives of the European Green Deal.
Today, we speak with Elena Garcia, project officer from LOMARTOV SL (LOM).
How do you believe EX-AQUA will shape the future of marine algae aquaculture in the Black Sea region?
“EX-AQUA is set to transform marine algae aquaculture in the Black Sea region by establishing a comprehensive stakeholder network, fostering future cooperation in technology upscaling, investments, and knowledge exchange. By connecting regional actors with EU networks, industry, and academia, EX-AQUA will bridge existing gaps, promote sustainable aquaculture practices, and unlock new market opportunities. This initiative will boost the competitiveness of marine living resources, driving innovation and creating long-term socio-economic and environmental benefits for the Black Sea region and the wider EU.”
What are the challenges and benefits of cooperation in EX-AQUA, especially between organizations from different regions?
“Cooperation within EX-AQUA between organizations from different regions enhances NIMRD’s excellence in aquaculture research, facilitating the transfer of cutting-edge technologies to the Black Sea business environment. It fosters knowledge exchange, bridging the innovation gap between Western and Eastern researchers. The main challenge lies in the early-stage development of marine aquaculture in the region, with many initiatives still at the research or laboratory level. However, this collaboration drives regional progress, unlocking potential market opportunities and paving the way for sustainable aquaculture development in the Black Sea.”
How does the EX-AQUA project align with the European Union’s goals for sustainability and the Blue Economy?
“The EX-AQUA project aligns with the European Union’s sustainability and Blue Economy goals by fostering research and development collaborations with European algae-related networks, including projects, academia, industry, and related initiatives. It supports a sustainable Blue Economy strategy by promoting sustainable aquaculture, and circular, multi-purpose marine resource use. EX-AQUA unites top institutions in marine aquaculture and blue economy innovation, enhancing knowledge transfer between Western and Eastern Europe. EX-AQUA’s outputs will also contribute to the Common Maritime Agenda and strengthen the region’s role in the European Blue Economy, creating new job opportunities and boosting regional and European Blue Economy indicators.”
What are the main goals that LOMARTOV hopes to achieve by participating in EX-AQUA?
“Through EX-AQUA, LOMARTOV aims to support NIMRD in building an innovation ecosystem by enhancing capacity and knowledge in project management, sustainability validation of new technologies, and technology transfer. By expanding networks and partnerships, NIMRD will strengthen its position among top players in aquaculture in the Black Sea. Additionally, LOMARTOV will leverage its expertise in communication, dissemination, and exploitation activities, increasing visibility and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration and market applications beyond the project’s framework.”
Stay tuned as we continue exploring the groundbreaking work of the EX-AQUA project in upcoming articles. For the latest updates and insights, follow us on LinkedIn, visit our website, and subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with our journey advancing marine algae aquaculture in the Black Sea region.
