Context
Against the backdrop of the energy transition, aquaculture and small-scale fisheries will also need to adapt to new challenges and opportunities by adopting solutions that improve operational efficiency and progressively reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.
In recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), a significant share of the environmental impact comes from pumping, aeration, temperature control and feeding, while in fisheries, vessel fuel consumption is one of the main sources of emissions.
Macroalgae cultivation has a relatively low carbon footprint, but processes such as drying, preservation and offshore operations still offer considerable scope for improvement.
SEADEEP addresses these challenges by combining digitalisation, artificial intelligence, sensors, automation and energy-efficient technologies across three areas: RAS, macroalgae cultivation and small-scale fisheries.
The project brings together 30 partners from ten European countries and Canada and will validate its solutions under real operating conditions in the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
Objectives
SEADEEP aims to develop and demonstrate digital and energy-efficient solutions at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 6–8 to reduce the environmental impact of aquaculture and fisheries while improving their productivity.
To achieve this, the project will:
- Reduce energy consumption and CO₂-equivalent emissions by 15% to 30% at the demonstration sites.
- Develop and validate monitoring, artificial intelligence, automation and sensor-based tools.
- Facilitate the uptake of digital technologies in aquaculture, macroalgae cultivation and small-scale fisheries.
- Identify technical, social, legal and regulatory barriers hindering the energy and digital transition.
- Improve the efficient use of resources such as energy, water and feed.
- Strengthen the digital skills of companies, operators and coastal communities.
AZTI’s role
AZTI’s Sustainable Fisheries Technologies team will contribute to the development and validation of digital solutions designed to improve energy efficiency and support the decarbonisation of small-scale fisheries.
To this end, AZTI will install energy monitoring systems on fishing vessels in Denmark and Poland to collect operational and fuel-consumption data during their normal fishing activities. Based on this information, AZTI will analyse operating and energy-use patterns and propose optimisation and decarbonisation measures tailored to the characteristics of each vessel.
Expected results
SEADEEP will validate digital and energy-efficient solutions for aquaculture, macroalgae cultivation and fisheries across nine demonstration sites, assessing their performance, scalability and replication potential.
The project will integrate monitoring technologies, automation, artificial intelligence, data analysis and energy optimisation to reduce resource consumption and emissions associated with production processes.
Expected impact
SEADEEP will contribute to the transition towards European marine production that is more digital, efficient, low-carbon and compatible with the protection of marine ecosystems.
Demonstrating solutions under real operating conditions will facilitate their adoption by companies and operators, helping to reduce energy costs, strengthen economic resilience and accelerate the technological transition of aquaculture and fisheries.
The project will also contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal, the sustainable blue bioeconomy and the European Union Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”.
