The Hellenic Aquaculture Producers Organization (HAPO) officially announced the implementation of two new research projects related to the environment, in collaboration with the University of Patras and Associate Professor Mr Pavlos Avramidis as Scientific Officer.
The first project regards the assessment of the environmental footprint in terms of greenhouse gas emissions for the whole production process and handling of farmed fish and the interdependent operations of the sector, through the life cycle analysis of the Greek farmed fish of HAPO member companies.
The second project includes the development of guidelines and protocols for the environmental monitoring of the impact of aquaculture units on the marine environment, and the development of an applicable environmental simulation model for daily use in the production process. Through the pilot application of this model, an assessment of the environmental footprint on the marine ecosystem will be attempted in selected units of HAPO members.
The aim of the research projects is to develop best practice guidelines for the industry, in compliance with the United Nations Environment Programme, HAPO’s basic principles of environmental policy, Greek legislation, the European Water Framework Directive 2000/60EC and the international environmental sustainability standards.
Through the development of these projects, HAPO members will be able to assess and continuously monitor the environmental footprint at each stage of the production process for sea bream, sea bass, meagre and red porgy (from the hatchery to packaging and transport to points of sale), as well as identify opportunities to further reduce the environmental impact of the production of Greek fish farming products.