Madeira pioneered open ocean aquaculture in the 1990s. Learning from early aquaculture projects around Europe and adapting those processes and equipment for the harsher conditions of the Atlantic Ocean, Carlos Andrade and his team in the Fisheries Directorate of Madeira set up an aquaculture pilot project in 1995. Following this feasibility trial, offshore aquaculture has continued to grow around Madeira; these days, around 900 tons of fish are produced here every year.
Carlos is one of the more recent additions to MARE-Madeira and their leadership team. A principal investigator within MARE-Madeira’s Ecosystem Services and Blue Economy team, Carlos is now dedicating his time to researching ways to improve the sustainability and circularity of aquaculture in Madeira.
In this interview, you’ll get an insider’s look at aquaculture in the open ocean, the challenges to doing aquaculture well, the value aquaculture brings to Madeira and Europe, and the uncertain future of limpets.
This article is from MARE-Madeira, a multi-regional marine research and development centre, and our partner for the Blue Economy and Sustainable Islands Forum.
Do you have a leading role in creating a just transition and amplifying the voices of vulnerable or marginalised groups within the Caribbean? The Island Innovation Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy ,funded by the Open Society Foundation, is accepting applications for an interactive course, which will run from mid-July 2023 to January 2024!
Throughout the course, you will be able to acquire the right knowledge, cultivate a network of like-minded peers, and interact to accelerate action taking your vision and work to the next level. Moreover, the top 5 participants will be able to travel to the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) as part of a fully-funded on-site learning experience in Dubai, broadening the reach and impact of your conversations for a positive Caribbean future.
As every year, our flagship event, the Virtual Island Summit will gather speakers & attendees (policymakers, academics, NGO representatives, entrepreneurs, etc), from around the world, to share their expertise on topics pertinent to island communities.
In a few weeks, the Blue Economy and Sustainable Islands Forum will take place in Madeira. We will explore the potential of sustainable ocean-based industries to drive economic growth while preserving the health of our planet.