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Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) involves farming species from different trophic levels (nutritional positions) in the same system. A well-balanced system can become truly circular, satisfying the system’s needs from within, and limiting the exchange with the external world to a minimum.
The Seeker is looking for input on how to structure a land-based IMTA system along the Red Sea within Saudi Arabia, which aims to produce 600,000 metric tons of aquaculture products annually by 2030.
Gardening based on aquaculture technology. Image credit: sasint via Pixabay, free license
This Theoretical Challenge requires only a written proposal.
Overview
Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture is not a new concept, and has been proven to preserve the environmental integrity of the surrounding ecosystem. Examples are farming multiple species of fish in the same pond, combining shrimp with fish in ponds, growing seaweed in shrimp or finfish ponds, having bivalves grow on the bottom of fishponds, or having sea cucumbers feed on the detritus from fish swimming above.
The operational viability of a system is determined by exactly which species (and the sequence of said species) are incorporated into the system. This is to optimize the flow and circularity of effluent streams, ensure the survivability of the species, and maximize the commercial output. The Seeker desires innovative, theoretical designs for a land-based IMTA system along the Red Sea that is scalable, aesthetically pleasing, and creates a nutrient-free output.
Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on January 30, 2023.
Source: InnoCentive
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