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Overview
AQUA'MAR
The AQUA’MAR project: (Re)vitalising Moroccan aquaculture by upcycling natural resources derived from arthropods is an international research and development project funded by ARES (Academy of Research and Higher Education, Belgium) under its 2022–2027 Development Research Projects (PRD) programme.
Bringing together Belgian and Moroccan academic partners as well as socio-economic stakeholders, AQUA’MAR aims to develop innovative scientific and technological solutions to support a more sustainable and competitive aquaculture, better integrated into a circular-economy approach.
The project builds on the upcycling of arthropod-derived biomass, in particular crustacean by-products and insects. It develops sustainable alternatives to fishmeal using protein from the black soldier fly (Black Soldier Fly, BSF), while using these bioresources to produce natural biopolymers such as chitin and chitosan. These renewable resources are then turned into high value-added materials for a range of applications, including water treatment, aquaculture, biomaterials, bio-based packaging and other environmental uses.
Running over five years, AQUA’MAR also trains PhD students under international joint supervision and promotes the transfer of research results to the Moroccan industrial sector.
AQUA'MAR
Project history
The AQUA’MAR project grew out of a reflection on the development needs of Morocco’s aquaculture sector. A preliminary study highlighted the largely untapped potential of the biowaste generated by the seafood processing industry, in particular chitin-rich shrimp peeling waste.
Seizing this opportunity, the University of Mons, together with its Moroccan partners, proposed a research project to turn these by-products into high value-added resources, while addressing the environmental and economic challenges facing aquaculture.
Selected by ARES under its 2022–2027 Belgium–Morocco cooperation programme, AQUA’MAR gradually took shape around a consortium of universities and industrial partners, with the aim of developing innovative solutions that combine scientific research, technological innovation and sustainable development.
AQUA'MAR
Context
The development of fisheries and aquaculture is now a strategic issue for Morocco’s food security and economic growth. However, these activities generate large quantities of biological by-products that are often under-used, even though they are a valuable source of natural molecules such as chitin.
At the same time, the transition to a circular economy is encouraging the replacement of fossil-based materials with renewable, biodegradable and environmentally friendly biomaterials.
Thanks to their biological, mechanical and functional properties, chitin and its derivatives offer considerable potential in fields as diverse as water treatment, biomedicine, agriculture, sustainable packaging and aquaculture.
In this context, AQUA’MAR proposes an integrated approach combining biowaste upcycling, scientific innovation, the development of new materials and technology transfer, in order to contribute to a more sustainable bioeconomy in Morocco.
AQUA'MAR
Problem statement
Although Morocco has significant potential in marine resources and arthropod-derived biomass, a large share of these by-products is still insufficiently upcycled. Their disposal is not only a loss of natural resources but also a potential source of environmental pollution.
At the same time, Moroccan aquaculture remains heavily dependent on imported raw materials and on conventional materials with a significant environmental impact.
The central question addressed by the AQUA’MAR project is therefore: How can value be created from natural resources through an integrated approach based on industrial symbiosis and the circular economy in Morocco?
AQUA'MAR
Overall objective
To contribute to the (re)vitalisation of Moroccan aquaculture through the sustainable upcycling of arthropod-derived natural resources, by developing innovative biopolymers and high value-added solutions in line with circular-economy principles.
Bioresource collection
By-products from fisheries, aquaculture and terrestrial biomass used as renewable raw materials.
Biopolymer extraction
Production of chitin, chitosan and other high value-added natural molecules.
By-product upcycling
Reintegrating residues into a circular-economy approach to reduce waste.
Applications
Developing innovative solutions for aquaculture, water treatment, agriculture, biomaterials and biomedicine.
Industrial symbiosis
Connecting material flows between partners to build a sustainable industrial ecosystem.
BSF bioconversion
Converting organic biowaste into proteins, lipids and natural fertilisers using the black soldier fly.
Partners
The AQUA’MAR project relies on a multidisciplinary collaboration between higher education institutions, research laboratories and industrial partners.
Academic partners
Industrial partners
À travers la recherche, l’innovation et les partenariats internationaux, AQUA’MAR contribue au développement d’une aquaculture durable et d’une économie bleue responsable.
Through research, innovation and international partnerships, AQUA’MAR contributes to the development of sustainable aquaculture and a responsible blue economy.
من خلال البحث والابتكار والشراكات الدولية، يساهم AQUA’MAR في تطوير تربية أحياء مائية مستدامة واقتصاد أزرق مسؤول.
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© 2026 AQUA’MAR – Tous droits réservés.
Copyright 2026 AQUA’MAR – All rights reserved.
حقوق النشر 2026 AQUA’MAR – جميع الحقوق محفوظة.