Sustainable food production begins offshore
Demand for sustainable food is growing. At Blue Valley Ostend, we are developing innovative farming techniques for fish, shellfish and seaweed that are both ecologically responsible and economically viable. Aquaculture contributes to food security, climate adaptation and new business models in the blue bioeconomy. It creates opportunities for entrepreneurship, research and employment.
Aquaculture goes beyond food alone, though. Circular applications and the valorisation of marine by-products also create opportunities for blue biotech, such as biomaterials, cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications. With these means, we are working with businesses and knowledge institutions on building a sector with significant growth potential.
Blue Valley Ostend focuses on sustainable aquaculture and mariculture as a growth area within the blue economy. Using innovative farming techniques and circular applications, we are working with businesses and knowledge institutions on building a sector with much future potential. Aquaculture contributes to food security, climate adaptation and new business models in the blue bioeconomy. It creates opportunities for entrepreneurship, research and employment.
Our strengths
- Sustainable farming methods
Farming fish, shellfish and seaweed in an ecologically and economically responsible way
- Digital monitoring and automation
Expertise in automation and digital monitoring of aquaculture facilities
- Impact analyses and sustainability scores
Scientific methods used to measure and improve the ecological footprint of activities
- Valorisation of marine by-products
Using fishing by-products, including by-catches, trimmings and shells, as biomass for food and biotech
- Testing infrastructure and living labs
Access to recirculation systems, seawater facilities, living labs, offshore testing platforms for aquaculture
- Co-creation and project development
Help with starting innovative projects with partners and funding
Your partners in Ostend
Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Marine@UGent, Flanders Marine Institute, VIVES, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Marifish Inc., Blue Accelerator, Bluebridge – The Reef, De Blauwe Cluster.
