Sustainable Fishing Practices and Case Studies in Science and Blue Bioeconomy were the themes of the two lectures in the Cycle

Sustainable Fishing Practices in a 360º Vision

From the environment to the economy and society, all aspects of sustainability were addressed during the lecture on Sustainable Fishing Practices, organized by B2E in collaboration with the Matosinhos City Council (CM Matosinhos), on September 20th at the Municipal Market.

With the participation of representatives from Docapesca, CoLAB + Atlantic, Aguda Coastal Station (ELA), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), and the Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), examples of best practices in Sustainable Fishing, based on science and technology, were shared, as well as the challenges and possible solutions available to the sector.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Docapesca, Sérgio Faias, highlighted the institution’s actions and results in the area of ​​sustainability, namely through the promotion of fish from the Portuguese coast, such as mackerel and horse mackerel, with a lower carbon footprint, and the training and capacity building of younger generations working in the fishing sector, modernizing the blue bioeconomy.

The scientific, technological and innovation contributions that are and could be used in response to a more sustainable fishing industry were presented by researcher Luísa Barros, from CoLAB +Atlântic. At the same time, she also presented Maçarico, the ocean literacy project, which involves students and reached more than 1500 children and young people in its first year of implementation.

From a local perspective, Michael Weber, from ELA, presented the Portinho da Praia da Aguda project and how this initiative could act as a bridge to the future of artisanal fishing.

Representing MSC, consultant for Portugal Rodrigo Sengo presented the institution’s certification program, as well as its commitments to certified sustainable fishing in Portugal.

Finally, researcher Marisa Almeida, from CIIMAR, presented the NetTAG project, the result of a partnership between fishermen and researchers, including our associates INESC TEC and the University of Aveiro, which aimed to prevent and reduce marine litter resulting from fishing activity through new technology and the adoption of good waste management practices.

The conference concluded with a round table discussion led by Elisabete Matos, Technical-Scientific Coordinator of B2E, which brought together all the speakers to answer questions related to the various topics covered.

Science and Blue Bioeconomy – Case Studies

September 26th marked the second event in this cycle, dedicated to practical examples of projects in this area, involving leading companies and institutions, such as our Associates, INESC TEC, NAVIA, SEA EIGHT, and the University of Minho (UMinho).

Luís Coelho from INESC TEC highlighted the importance of monitoring to improve processes and access the full potential and resources of the blue bioeconomy.

A similar and more specific approach was followed by Jorge Tavares from NAVIA, who spoke about “Digitization of the Blue Economy”. Jorge demonstrated the application of NAVIA software in the management of maritime structures, such as aquaculture farms and ports.

Filipe Areia from SEA EIGHT pointed to aquaculture as one of the solutions to meet the growing world population and the demand for protein. He also presented SEA EIGHT’s highly efficient and sustainable systems, as they use recirculated water, greatly reducing water losses.

From a perspective of more sustainable application and exploration, Tiago Henriques da Silva from UMinho/3B’s brought to the debate several possible uses for co-products, such as in fish feed or biomedicine.

Following the presentations, the session was led by Maria Coelho, Innovation Manager at B2E, who helped clarify and discuss the main topics of the interventions.

Both presentations were organized by B2E as part of the Mar e Matosinhos Cycle, within the framework of the “Month of Companies”, promoted by the Matosinhos City Council. Check out all the events and register here.