Sector | Marine sector Aquaculture

Entrepreneurs and others involved in aquaculture on land and at sea (mariculture) will find an answer here to “what can ILVO do for me?". You’ll get a brief overview of relevant expertise, analyses, infrastructure, and the professional approach that characterizes ILVO. You can contact the Marine Living Lab for specific services and questions regarding possible collaborations.

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What does ILVO do?

ILVO conducts research into the sustainable farming of fish, seaweed, and crustaceans and shellfish intended for human consumption. This embraces both onshore aquaculture, e.g. from the brown shrimp, to mariculture near the coast and further out to sea, such as mussels. ILVO also researches how aquaculture techniques and knowledge can be used for natural coastal protection and recovery of valuable native ecosystem components, such as flat oysters. Last, ILVO develops cultivation methods for marine organisms with (potentially) interesting bioactive substances or other useful components for use in biotechnology.

> Read also what ILVO does for the marine sector blue biotechnology and sand, dredging and wind

> See the list of co-creation opportunities in aquaculture
ILVO supports innovative, but also specialized and commercialized cultivation in mono- and polyculture. ILVO provides advice on interesting species for cultivation, cultivation conditions, water purification, waste processing, construction of professional nurseries, and cost-benefit analyses.

> See the list of co-creation opportunities in aquaculture
ILVO is strongly committed to the efficient use of space at sea, e.g. through the combined cultivation of seaweed and shellfish, and through a combined use of space, with aquaculture and passive fishing and/or wind farms in the same zone, for instance.
ILVO measures and evaluates the individual and cumulative impact of the various human activities at sea, specifically as related to the biodiversity of life on the seabed, use of space, and pollutants. The effects of mitigating measures are also examined.
ILVO monitors the sustainability of the fishing industry products, both from wild-catch and fish farms. Sustainability sheets can be drawn up for specific products based on this.

> See the list of co-creation opportunities in aquaculture
ILVO evaluates the potential of residual flows from the fishing industry (bycatch, cuttings, shells, etc.) and the fish processing sector as biomass for the bioeconomy. In addition to recycling and waste reduction, the profitability of the blue sectors is a priority.
The marine space is increasingly shared by a growing number of users. ILVO detects possible conflicts and investigates possibilities for shared use of space. This knowledge is translated into tools and advice that can be consulted at the local and European level.
ILVO can conduct chemical and biological quality tests on seawater and on aquaculture products, both as part of research and at the request of third parties. Tested parameters include geosmin, algae density, digital recording, etc. In addition, tests are performed on (micro)plastics. Plankton analyses are also possible, i.e. number, species, authenticity, etc.

> See the list of marine related analyses
ILVO has a direct pipeline to the sea, making it possible to pump up fresh seawater. The pumped water is filtered and can be obtained by appointment, including in large volumes.

> See the list of co-creation opportunities in aquaculture

How does ILVO work?

ILVO wants to support the development of aquaculture on land and at sea with the above broad palette of expertise and a modern research infrastructure.

Your point of contact: Marine Living Lab

ILVO’s Marine Living Lab strives for accelerated and sustainable innovation in the blue sectors, including the fishing industry, through co-creation. ILVO listens to you, analyzes your question or challenge, and – together with you – searches for a (high-tech) solution and a concrete project, as well as suitable partners and funding. ILVO scientifically follows up on the implementation of the joint project.

Your ILVO guarantee

Scientifically-based solutions
Individual and/or co-creative guidance for innovation trajectories
Confidential treatment of your question
Clear and easy-to-interpret results that are applicable to day-to-day operations
Technological support for various farm processes

Specialized research infrastructure

Experimental spaces for aquaculture
Various tanks and recirculation systems
Direct seawater pipe
Installation and demolition work at sea in cooperation with specialized businesses
Monitoring of cultivation and harvesting in cooperation with specialized businesses

Wide network

ILVO is an active member of The Blue Cluster and of the Covenant for a Sustainable Fishing Industry (NL). On an international level, ILVO works closely with ICES, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.

All ILVO expertises at your service

ILVO works in an interdisciplinary fashion and has a network of living labs that work closely together. A problem or question is therefore examined from many different angles by ILVO experts from different disciplines. This is guaranteed by ILVO's broad and systematic approach, together with the typical openness of the ILVO culture.