Aquaculture in Multiple Use of Space for Island Clean Autonomy
Zoe J. Fletcher
Economic activities at sea are predicted to intensify and move further offshore as the global demand for food and energy continues to increase, this presents new technological and non-technological challenges. In order to ensure this expansion in a sustainable and ecological manner, different activities can be combined at the same location using multi-use offshore platforms. The Horizon 2020 funded MUSICA project aims to demonstrate the use of an innovative Multiple Use Platform (MUP) infrastructure for multiple Renewable Energy Sources, desalination and aquaculture services for small islands. Using the platform, the services can share the same space and work synergistically together, sharing Supply Chains and reducing costs associated with Operating and Maintenance. The platform will provide 3 forms of renewable energy. Electricity from the platform will be used to provide green support services for the island’s aquaculture and the desalination unit on the platform will provide up to one thousand meters cubed of water for a water stressed island. The pilot MUP will be installed on site at Inousses Island to test and demonstrate the validity in a real operating environment. The project will also address key non-technical barriers to MUPs including those that are environmental, regulatory and legal.
KEYWORDS: Offshore, Aquaculture, Multi-Use, Renewable Energy, Food Security
Zoe J. Fletcher is an Aquaculture Consultant at AquaBioTech Group, experienced in academic and professional research, aquaculture policy development, and regulatory framework design, communication and implementation. Skilled in environmental awareness, education, marine biology and information delivery; she is contributing knowledge to industry growth and sustainable development within aquaculture sectors, through participation in EU Horizon 2020 projects. Academic credentials include a BSc with honours in Marine Biology and an MSc in Aquaculture Business Management, from the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling.