The AQUATECH – Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Aquaculture Production through Technological Advancements project is being implemented under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme 2021–2027 and is co-funded by the European Union. The project aims to support the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Black Sea Basin through the introduction of advanced technologies, improved environmental monitoring systems and strengthened international cooperation.
Marine areas in the Black Sea Basin face significant challenges, including environmental degradation, unsustainable aquaculture practices and insufficient monitoring systems, resulting in ecosystem damage and economic losses in the aquaculture sector. AQUATECH addresses these challenges by introducing advanced monitoring technologies, early warning systems and collaborative best practices designed to improve water quality, sustainability and the economic resilience of aquaculture.
The project is coordinated by Kavala Development Agency S.A. (Greece) and brings together an international partnership consisting of:
- Hellenic Agricultural Organization – DIMITRA / Fisheries Research Institute (Greece);
- Association “Glarus – Burgas” (Bulgaria);
- Ilia State University (Georgia);
- Sinop University (Türkiye);
- International Center for Agribusiness Research and Education Foundation (Armenia).
The project therefore brings together six organisations from five countries across the Black Sea region, including four research institutions.
The project will carry out seasonal monitoring surveys to assess aquatic environmental conditions and install automated monitoring stations providing real-time data and predictive insights. It will also develop and implement a hydrodynamic model, including scenario simulations, to support improved assessment of environmental conditions and processes related to aquaculture production.
AQUATECH will also establish a Digital Community of Practice to facilitate continuous knowledge exchange and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders. The project will organise gastro-promotional events to increase consumer awareness and appreciation of aquaculture products, develop a market entry guide to support aquaculture producers in accessing new markets, and formulate policy recommendations for the aquaculture sector in the Black Sea Basin.
By combining advanced monitoring technologies, data-driven approaches and cross-border cooperation, AQUATECH will contribute to improving aquatic environmental conditions, strengthening the sustainability of aquaculture production and supporting more effective responses to environmental and economic challenges affecting the aquaculture sector across the Black Sea Basin.
The AQUATECH project has a total budget of EUR 1,444,577.04, of which EUR 1,300,119.32 is European Union co-funding under the Interreg programme. The project will be implemented from 27 March 2026 to 26 September 2028.
