Fish farming is part of the Nordic SUREAQUA project, which is researching a more sustainable marine industry - i.e. the blue bioeconomy. This economic system relies on sustainable seafood, such as seaweed and fish, to produce all the goods we need in a modern society. For example, seaweed can be converted into fuel, which can be used instead of fossil energy sources. The SureAqua project aims to create the basic knowledge and technologies that support this economy.
In connection with the project, Firum is investigating conditions for more sustainable aquaculture in the Faroe Islands. This is now done by examining how much fertilizer ions and excrement a farm cage pollutes in the environment. In the Sørvágsfjørður (fjord of Sørvágur) the possibilities of using IMTA (Integrated Multi-Tropic Aquaculture) are also being investigated.
IMTA is about utilising the fertilizer ions and excrements that are emitted from the farm cages by, e.g. growing seaweed and blue mussels, thus reducing pollution of the sea. At the same time, the seaweed and blue mussels will grow faster, while being useful in the blue bioeconomy.
The survey of Sørvágsfjørður is done in collaboration with P/F Luna, who also make efforts to build more sustainable aquaculture in the Faroe Islands.
Contact person: Gunnvør á Norði
