Sustainable Aquaculture Powered by AI: ActFast Gets Underway
The project, coordinated by the University of Bologna will support low-impact fish production by using climate forecasts generated by Artificial Intelligence
The growing demand for fish products puts pressure on natural resources, while climate change threatens the sustainability of aquaculture. How can we promote a sustainable future for fish production in Europe? ActFast (Actions for Climate Transition by Developing Future Aquaculture Strategies and Technologies) - a Horizon Europe project coordinated by Professor Alessio Bonaldo at the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna - addresses this challenge by integrating sustainable breeding practices, environmental monitoring and Artificial Intelligence.
From June, the project will bring together a multidisciplinary team of twenty-eight partners from ten EU countries, Norway, Tunisia and Egypt, including specialists in climatology, nutrition, genetics, animal health and aquaculture technologies.
Its objectives include the prevention of climate change-related diseases and mortality in fish and shellfish; the use of climate-smart feeds to improve fish health and reduce the use of antibiotics; and the development of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), which integrates fish, shellfish and algae production as a regenerative aquaculture activity. AI-powered computing systems and biosensors will be used for advanced weather and fish health monitoring.
ActFast aims to achieve concrete benefits, such as a 20% reduction in bass and carp mortality and a 15% reduction in antibiotic use; a 20% increase in shellfish productivity in the Ebro Delta; a 35% reduction in CO₂ emissions from fish feeding systems; and the implementation of IMTA systems in thirty new farms.
The project will not be limited to research: it aims to disseminate knowledge by involving farmers, companies and decision-makers through the ActFast Virtual Lighthouse platform, a demonstration site using VR that will provide updates on the innovations developed and be used for stakeholder engagement initiatives and training for practitioners.
ActFast will focus on four climatic regions the Mediterranean (Greece and Croatia) to improve the adaptability of species such as sea bass and sea bream; the North East Atlantic (Norway) to develop technologies for salmon health; Central and Eastern Europe (Hungary and Slovenia) to promote multi-trophic freshwater aquaculture systems for species such as carp and trout; the Delta (Po, Ebro, Nile) to promote solutions for shellfish climate resilience and aquaponics.
