Aquabreak
Aquaculture Living Breakwater for Coastal Protection and Sea Decarbonization.
Aquabreak
Aquaculture Living Breakwater for Coastal Protection and Sea Decarbonization.
Funded by:
The idea that we are in a changing world is globally accepted. This change is particularly accelerated by the climate context. In the urgency of action, it is becoming increasingly recognized that mitigation measures must involve sustainable alternatives, which consider human activities and nature as a whole. This is how Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) emerge.
In coastal environments, NBS have particularly relevant potential with regard to promoting resilience and adaptation to climate change, as well as conserving biodiversity and promote a sustainable development in these environments.
In this context, the AQUABREAK project aims to contribute to the development of a NBS aiming to combine macroalgae aquaculture with coastal resilience, through the creation of a robust, ecologically responsible structure capable of promoting the development of additional ecosystem services, such as carbon capture.
The solution proposed for AQUABREAK aims to create a seaweed aquaculture field supported by a longline culture system, in order to take advantage of the natural ability of these living organisms to contribute to the attenuation of wave energy. This green structure is intended to be placed off a vulnerable coastal area, with dimensions easily adaptable to the area in need of protection. The creation of this macroalgae aquaculture field must also consider and prioritize the use of local species. It is intended to create a favorable habitat for numerous species with additional positive consequences, such as, regarding the Blue Bioeconomy, the promotion of atmospheric carbon extraction and the exploitation of marine resources in a sustainable way.
Through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA), Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are internal market partners with the Member States of the European Union.
As a way of promoting a continuous and balanced strengthening of economic and trade relations, the parties to the EEA Agreement have established a multi-annual Financial Mechanism, known as EEA Grants.
The EEA Grants aim to reduce social and economic disparities in Europe and strengthen bilateral relations between these three countries and the beneficiary countries.
For the period 2014-2021, a total contribution of 2.8 billion euros was agreed for 15 beneficiary countries. Portugal will benefit from a budget of 102.7 million euros.