SYMAPA (Synergy between Mariculture & Passive Fisheries)

The project’s specific lines of research are:

 - The identification of efficient substrates for spat culture of mussels and flat oysters as well as biodegradable substrates for habitat enrichment, in addition to an operational monitoring programme to evaluate the effects of mariculture and passive fisheries.

- The identification of efficient passive fishing gear for the prevailing conditions in the Belgian part of the North Sea and finding efficient stimuli to increase the fishing capacity of passive fishing gear.

- The evaluation of North Sea resistant and safe production and harvesting systems for bivalves and seaweeds, including vessel design guidelines, development of monitoring practices, advanced adhesives for direct seeding of sporophytes, predictable maintenance and harvesting times, etc.

- The sustainable multiple use and value chain creation of marine resources.