OLAMUR is making waves of change by bringing together multi-use low-trophic aquaculture sectors in the North and Baltic Seas, alongside the growing offshore wind energy sector. We delve deeper into the achievements and future of this project.
Mission Ocean and Waters project OLAMUR demonstrates the benefits of using marine spaces for different purposes. The project is focusing on low-trophic aquaculture production (such as seaweed, mussels and oysters) alongside renewable energy enterprises. With the multi-use of marine spaces, the project aims to show the potential of different groups working together. This is evident in the three pilot sites of the project, in Germany, Denmark and Estonia, covering both the North and the Baltic Seas.
‘In Germany and in Denmark, we use the same setup – we’re working alongside our industry partners in offshore wind energy production. We also have partners from the shellfish industry and the seaweed industry’, explains Pamela Ernstberger, Communications Officer at the European Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Platform (EATiP). ‘The pilot site in Estonia is a little bit different as there are no wind farms; it’s an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture set up (IMTA) that demonstrates a low-impact system in biocircular production. It has fish, in this case rainbow trout, mussels, and also seaweed.’
Denmark's Pilot Site: A Model of Success
The pilot site in Denmark has been very successful, recently celebrating its first harvest of seaweed and mussels. The existing infrastructure, which includes OLAMUR’ sister projects WIN@sea and ULTFARMS that have already been active in the area, has been very helpful. By working together, the projects can share data, resources, infrastructure and even personnel, helping each other out to achieve their goals.
‘Denmark has been a very good example of how the site is working to create an impact even in the local area. They have connected with schools and community programmes run by the Kattegatcentret [a public aquarium in Grenå, Denmark]. Last year, together with WIN@sea, they had an event, bringing families together at the ‘Ocean Cooking Classes’, using the ingredients from the project. More recently school children also learned about the importance of the ocean and the need to take good care of its ecosystems. These programmes aim to teach citizens about the benefits of low-trophic aquaculture projects and their nutritional value, as well as how they are produced. They help them get a better understanding of what is needed for this type of production and are an essential part of ocean literacy,’ Ernstberger says.
The events have also attracted media interest, building awareness and visibility for the projects as well as for Mission Ocean and Waters. ‘It’s important for people to understand that we need aquaculture. We do have problems with fisheries – there isn’t enough to feed everyone. So, there’s a gap and aquaculture has the potential to fill it. But it needs to be understood that the sustainable approach is the way to move forward. And this is what OLAMUR as well as our sister projects are doing. ‘
Collaboration is crucial for the future
Looking ahead, OLAMUR plans to expand its production. At the German pilot site, they aim to cultivate oysters and are currently constructing a shellfish tower, a model successfully used in similar projects by the Cawthorn Institute, a science organisation in New Zealand.
‘There is a need for sustainable aquaculture practices to be pushed forward, as well as the need for fossil-free energy for us all to use. We see the progress that has been made at each of the sites, the outreach and people becoming more curious about these ideas that are being implemented. Working alongside our industry partners, it is also a way for them to benefit from the partnership and provide more information to consumers about how these projects come to be.’
Being involved in Mission Ocean and Waters has enabled OLAMUR to work towards the goal of protecting and restoring our ocean and waters. ‘Being part of Mission Ocean and Waters has helped the project explore new opportunities, for example attending events where participants share common ground, understand the importance of the Mission and are committed to the objectives. It allows us all to be connected and build a community; it helps to connect with the right people and supports driving the project forward.’
OLAMUR will hold workshops on marine multi-use at the 3rd Mission Arena, focusing on the North Sea region, organised by Blue Mission BANOS in Amsterdam on 26-27 November 2024.
Keep up to date with news from the project and learn more here.