The main goal of this project is to provide ‘added-value’ to the extensive and semi-intensive sector aquaculture in Southern Europe, by optimising production systems and promoting differentiation in the marketed products, while maintaining sound environmental conditions in coastal zones.

A review of current status of extensive and semi-intensive production (fish, shrimp and bivalves) practices in coastal areas in Southern Europe will be used as a starting point (WP1). Some basic technological improvements will also be studied (WP2) in an attempt to optimise production of these systems. However, the project will be based on case studies covering a wide variety of production systems and geographical locations (WP3), where is intended to analyse and/or developed environmentally-friendly farming protocols.

Quality markers will be studied in order to be able to differentiate aquaculture products from extensive and semi-intensive systems from the ones produced in intensive systems (WP4). These markers may facilitate product traceability and thereby certification possibilities, which will also be assessed and proposed for voluntary use by the industry (WP5).

A socio-economic analysis of the selected production systems will be produced (WP6). Where possible this analysis will be completed by an assessment of potential non market benefits and costs, including social and patrimonial aspects. WP7 will guarantee a wide dissemination of the project results. WP8 will be dedicated to management of project activities.