ACUICONECTA: Strengthening the connection between research, industry and society to foster sustainable, productive and resilient aquaculture

The ACUICONECTA project brings together the main actors of the aquaculture research ecosystem of the Azores, Canary Islands, Madeira in a cooperation network with the African countries of the Atlantic coast to seek solutions to common challenges such as the generation and distribution of quality food, the improvement of processes for a productive and resilient aquaculture, and the promotion of a sustainable socio-economic transition.

ACUICONECTA prioritises applied research in aquaculture responding to real market needs; therefore, it aims to capitalise on previous experiences and results to develop solutions with high technological maturity.

The validation of the results in relevant environments and the transfer of knowledge to the private sector are cross-cutting objectives that act as drivers of research activities. The project aims to create a synergic, stable and lasting scientific- technological nucleus that exchanges knowledge with neighbouring countries and coordinates with the other actors in the aquaculture sector in Macaronesia for an organic growth of the sector, favouring the connection between research, industry, institutions and society.

The planned actions promote the joint use of equipment, technologies and services by research centres and companies in the sector, as well as the implementation of spaces dedicated to the development of experimental activities in aquaculture.