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AQUA'MAR

Revitalising Moroccan Aquaculture through Circular Innovation

AQUA’MAR is a scientific cooperation project between Morocco and Belgium, funded by ARES, that aims to support the sustainable development of Moroccan aquaculture.

In particular, the project explores the use of the black soldier fly (Black Soldier Fly, BSF) as an alternative protein source for farmed fish feed, and upcycles the by-products of BSF rearing, as well as other chitin-rich Moroccan bioresources, into new chitin- and chitosan-based biomaterials.

By combining academic research, industrial innovation and the circular economy, AQUA’MAR helps strengthen food sovereignty, protect marine resources and create new sustainable economic sectors in Morocco, with industrial symbiosis as its goal.

Objectives

Unlocking the Value of Natural Resources

AQUA'MAR Process
01

Bioresources

➜
02

Extraction

➜
03

By-products

➜
04

BSF

➜
05

Industrial Symbiosis

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06

Applications

About us

Together, Innovating for Sustainable Aquaculture

Our Strategic Focus Areas

Innovative Solutions
for Sustainable Aquaculture

Sustainable Aquafeed

Develop sustainable alternatives to fishmeal using proteins derived from the Black Soldier Fly (BSF).

By-product Valorisation

Transform shrimp, crab, and BSF by-products into high-value biomolecules.

Ecosystem Protection

Assess the biodegradability and environmental impact of innovative solutions to help preserve marine ecosystems.

Building the Future of Aquaculture, Together

AQUA'MAR

Key figures

Discover the key figures that reflect the ambition, scope, and impact of the AQUA’MAR project.

📅
Project Duration
5 Years
Research programme funded over a five-year period.
💶
Total Budget
€482,416
Project funding provided through the ARES programme.
🤝
Partners
6
Academic and industrial partners from Morocco and Belgium.
🎓
Research
4
3 PhD theses and 1 postdoctoral research project.
🌊
Geographical Impact
3,500 km
The project covers the entire Moroccan coastline.
♻️
Innovation
2
A dual circular economy approach applied to sustainable aquaculture.

AQUA'MAR

Join the Moroccan Chitin Community!

In May 2027, GMC² will bring together, for the first time, researchers, industry professionals, and decision-makers committed to developing a Moroccan chitin and chitosan sector. This workshop will mark a key milestone in establishing a national network of excellence, strengthening collaborations, and fostering new scientific, industrial, and societal initiatives.

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.

© 2026 AQUA’MAR – Tous droits réservés.

Copyright 2026 AQUA’MAR – All rights reserved.

حقوق النشر 2026 AQUA’MAR – جميع الحقوق محفوظة.

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