Research subline

Aquaculture

Aquaculture is becoming a key pillar to ensure the sustainable supply of seafood products and meet the growing global demand for aquatic proteins. However, the sector faces challenges relating to environmental sustainability, production optimisation, efficient resource management and food safety.

At AZTI, we collaborate with companies, public authorities and technology centres to develop solutions that promote a sustainable, competitive and innovative aquaculture sector, integrating applied science, digitalisation and principles of the circular economy.

Solutions

We provide scientific and technological services aimed at improving production systems, minimising environmental impact, and ensuring the safety of aquaculture products. Our solutions range from designing and optimising farming systems to assessing the environment and valorising by-products, while also supporting traceability, quality and market acceptance.

Design, development and optimisation of production systems Environmental management Food safety

Design, development and optimisation of production systems

We promote efficiency and sustainability in aquaculture facilities through technological innovation and integrated planning.

Environmental management

We develop tools and methodologies to assess, reduce and offset the environmental impact of aquaculture activities.

Food safety

We support the sector in implementing control and quality systems to ensure the safety and traceability of aquaculture products.

Our services

Scientific and technological solutions for more efficient and sustainable aquaculture, based on optimizing farming systems, environmental management, and the digitalization of production processes.

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Our products

Tools and applications developed by AZTI to improve aquaculture facility performance, assess their environmental impact, and support real-time decision-making.

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Marine observation research infrastructure

Marine observation research infrastructure

Infrastructure and scientific/technological equipment for Coastal Observation (EuskOOS-RI)

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Marine Autonomous Systems (MAS)

Marine Autonomous Systems (MAS)

From Pasaia Ocean Autonomy (POA) AZTI operates a fleet of unmanned vehicles —gliders, Itsasdrone and Ranger— designed for remote exploration and environmental monitoring in areas that are difficult to access. These systems allow work to be carried out both on the surface and in the water column, in coastal and oceanic environments, greatly expanding marine observation capabilities with high efficiency and autonomy.

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Oceanographic ships and craft

Oceanographic ships and craft

AZTI has its own and partner fleets to support oceanographic and fishery research, combining its own resources with the support of specialist companies and public institutions. This capacity ensures that scientific campaigns can be carried out at sea and in coastal areas with the highest technical and safety levels.

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Port infrastructure

Port infrastructure

The AZTI port infrastructure, on the Herrera dock in the Port of Pasaia (Gipuzkoa), provides the technical support necessary for marine research.

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Marine and fishery biology Laboratories

Marine and fishery biology Laboratories

Laboratories specialising in the study of marine organisms, from phytoplankton and zooplankton to species of interest to fisheries.

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Biotechnology and molecular biotechnology laboratories

Biotechnology and molecular biotechnology laboratories

Focused on genetic analysis, identification of microorganisms, development of functional ingredients, and biomolecular studies.

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Scientific committees

AER. Economic Committee for Fisheries

ETP. Asociación para la Transición Energética en la Pesca y Acuicultura de la UE

Gorka Gabiña Iribar Member of the Expert Advisory Group

FSBI. Society for Fish Biology and Fisheries

Naiara Rodriguez Ezpeleta Board Member

FVON. Fishing vessel ocean observing network

Ainhoa Caballero Reyes Committee Member

IATTC. Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission

Gorka Merino Cabrera European Scientific Coordinator

ICCAT. International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna

Haritz Arrizabalaga de Mingo European Scientific Coordinator and Chair of the Albacore Tuna Working Group


Naiara Rodriguez Ezpeleta Chair of the Bluefin Tuna CKMR Subgroup


Eider Andonegi Odriozola Chair of the Ecosystems Subcommittee (SC-ECO)

ICES. International Council for the Exploration of the Sea

Dorleta García Rodríguez Vice-Chair, Advisory Committee (ACOM)


Maria Korta Albisua Co-Chair of the Working Group on Mackerel and Horse Mackerel Egg Surveys (WGMEGS)


Arantza Murillas Maza Chair of the Working Group on Marine Ecosystem Resilience and Ecosystem Services (WGRMES)


Guillermo Boyra Eizaguirre Member of the Working Group on Acoustic and Egg Surveys of Small Pelagic Fish (WGACEGG)


Jose Antonio Fernandes Salvador Chair of the Working Group on Machine Learning in Marine Science (WGMLEARN)


Naiara Rodriguez Ezpeleta Chair of the Working Group on the Application of Genetics in Fisheries and Aquaculture (WGAGFA)


Estanis Mugerza Gojenola Chair of the Working Group on Recreational Fisheries Surveys (WGRFS)

IOTC. Indian Ocean Tuna Commission

Gorka Merino Cabrera Vice-President and European Scientific Coordinator, and President of the Tropical Tunas Working Group

SIBIC. Sociedad Ibérica de Ictiología

Estibaliz Díaz Silvestre Chair

STECF. Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries

Raúl Prellezo Iguaran Chair


Leire Ibaibarriaga Contreras Member


Elsa Cuende de Francisco Member

Strategic Plan for Aquaculture – Basque Aquaculture 2030

Related application sectors

Sector: Fisheries and aquaculture sector, Food sector, Innovation management, Maritime and port infrastructure

Guidance every step of the way

Contact our expert team about this Service.

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