The Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) and the Canary Islands Institute of Technology (ITC) have held a coordination meeting at ITC’s facilities to strengthen cooperation between the two scientific and technological infrastructures, addressing the promotion of sustainable aquaculture development in Macaronesia within the framework of the joint working relationship that both institutions have been consolidating in recent years.
On PLOCAN’s side, the meeting was attended by representatives of its Observation and Data research lines, which play a key role in developing innovative solutions for the aquaculture sector. The integration of marine observation, monitoring and data acquisition capabilities, together with tools for data management, analysis and exploitation, makes it possible to move towards more efficient, sustainable and knowledge-based aquaculture.
The meeting was held within the framework of the ACUICONECTA project (“Strengthening the connection between research, industry, and society to promote a sustainable, productive, and resilient aquaculture”), funded through the Interreg MAC 2021–2027 Programme and co-financed at 85% by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The project promotes cooperation between the territories of Macaronesia and countries along the Atlantic coast of Africa, fostering knowledge exchange and the joint development of solutions to shared regional challenges. The project brings together key stakeholders in aquaculture research and innovation from the Azores, the Canary Islands and Madeira, alongside partners from Cape Verde, Ghana and São Tomé and Príncipe. Together, they address challenges such as improving production processes, enhancing the production and distribution of high-quality food, and supporting a sustainable socio-economic transition within the sector
The meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress achieved within the project and consolidate the roadmap for forthcoming activities. ACUICONECTA focuses on applied research and knowledge transfer, drawing on previous experience and results to develop and validate solutions with potential applications in the private sector.
This collaboration forms part of the joint efforts of both institutions to strengthen the aquaculture innovation ecosystem in Macaronesia, consolidating a network that connects research organisations, businesses and institutions to address the challenges facing the sector across the region in a coordinated manner.
