KIC Aquatic food production

In the coming years, a large part of the Dutch North Sea will drastically change in terms of layout and use. At the same time, the demand for sustainably produced food, especially protein, and biogenic raw materials will increase. Examples are the cultivation and breeding of seaweed, crustaceans and shellfish. This call for proposals is aimed at stimulating research that focuses on a sustainable, integral approach for the production of food and biogenic materials on the North Sea, clearly taking into account the economic and societal aspects of the subjects.

Purpose and objectives
The aim of the programme is to develop knowledge with respect to sustainable mariculture and aquaculture and the societal aspects thereof. The expected outcomes from the research will, amongst other things, reveal which species/cultivars and which characteristics are the most suitable for a sustainable aquatic production on the North Sea and in estuaries. The realisation of the sustainable cultivation of the right species, breeding and/or propagation including vessels, cultivation, harvesting and processing systems in the complex physical environment must come within reach.

Connection with the Creative Industries
The creative industries can be helpful in connecting biological and technological aspects to social aspects such as food ethics, socially responsible innovation, economic, legal and policy, ethical, psychological and communicative aspects.

Examples of questions are:
• What are internal and external incentives for the organisation(s) involved to achieve sustainable mariculture and aquaculture?
• What is the perception of consumers towards new products from the North Sea?
• Under what conditions are the intended innovations in the North Sea and in estuaries socially acceptable?
• Do the intended innovations have economic consequences for certain sectors?
• How can these be translated into a revenue model?
• Is it possible to develop regional identity and cultural ties with new products from the North Sea?
• Do current legal frameworks provide sufficient scope or are new legal frameworks necessary?
• What is needed for a multifunctional use of the North Sea and estuaries; And what does that mean for, for example, the coordination between different target groups who are active in and around this area for various reasons? Which values play a role?
• Under what conditions are citizens prepared to participate in the desired changes? How can they best be involved in aquatic production and at what stage in the development? How can language and communication be used for this?

More information
Deadline Pre-registration: 26 January, 2021, at 14:00 CET
You'll find more information on this call via the NWO website