Opportunities and limitations for the introduction of circular economy principles in EU aquaculture based on the regulatory framework

Abstract

EU aquaculture produces only a small fraction of the internal demand of aquatic foods, but boosting this activity must be done in compliance with high standards of environmental protection and social benefits, as fostered by the policies on circular economy recently launched by the EU. Nevertheless, the assessment of the environmental sustainability of aquaculture and other food production systems is complex, due to the different tools and approaches available. Moreover, the current EU regulatory framework may be restricting the options to implement some circular solutions. This paper examines the controversies related to the assessment of environmental impacts of aquaculture processes and the different available circular solutions, with a focus on the best options to valorize aquaculture side streams and how current regulatory burdens and gaps should be solved.

The utilisation of European processed animal proteins as safe, sustainable and circular ingredients for global aquafeeds

“…A recent expansive discussion research and analysis piece discusses the possible opportunities and limitations of a circular. 75 Certainly, LCAs can be used to measure the impacts of circular models. Besides the recycling of proteins into aquafeeds, ABP and PAPs allow the saving of other nutrient resources, for example macro and trace metals.…”

“…The rendering industry fits within the remit of circularity, where it is regenerating waste from one industry for other industries for feed and energy. A recent expansive discussion research and analysis piece discusses the possible opportunities and limitations of a circular 75 . Certainly, LCAs can be used to measure the impacts of circular models.…”

Changes in the fatty acid composition of brown shrimp, Crangon crangon, after boiling

“…The growing aquaculture industry demands large amounts of fish meal and oils, exerting high pressure on marine ecosystems that cannot be exploited beyond their current state (FAO, 2020). As pointed out by Regueiro et al (2021), the incorporation of biological byproducts in aquaculture feeds is one of the core aspects to implement more sustainable and durable aquaculture practices. The utilization of side-stream materials such as brown shrimp remains is a suitable supplement that contributes to waste reduction and supports positive ecological impacts.…”

Valorization of Side Stream Products from Sea Cage Fattened Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus): Production and In Vitro Bioactivity Evaluation of Enriched ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

“…The use of side streams and their valorization might lead to a reduction in product losses and food waste, generating economic development from a resource that would otherwise be discarded, ensuring the achievement of the “zero waste” goal [ 5 , 6 , 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”

“…The valorization of biological waste from fishery and aquaculture is fundamental for implementing circularity in the bioeconomy and minimizing the environmental impact [ 5 , 6 , 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”