Another BioRural national workshop was successfully conducted in Galicia, on April 30th, focusing on aquatic systems, with innovative solutions for the circularity of the Galician mussel industry taking center stage. This workshop, the fourth national BioRural workshop held in Spain, aimed to co-design biocircular solutions for both primary and secondary sectors. Galicia, renowned for its fishing and seafood production, provided the perfect backdrop for this event, hosted by OPMEGA, the association of over 500 mussel producers, in Villagarcia de Arousa.
Organized by AVEBIOM in collaboration with PTEPA, OPMEGA, and local innovation consultant INXENIA, the workshop attracted over 40 participants, including OPMEGA members, mussel processing plants, and providers of disruptive innovations.
During the workshop, various disruptive solutions were presented, focusing on addressing key challenges faced by mussel producers. These solutions, already applicable and ready for adoption, included:
- Conversion of mussel cooking broths into fresh water and concentrated broth for the agroalimentary market.
- Utilization of mussel cooking broth to produce PHA as a precursor for bioplastics.
- Incorporation of mussel shells into bioplastics used in mussel aquaculture.
- Production of vermicompost and innovative products from mussel shells for circularity.
- Implementation of IoT for water quality monitoring and plastic hardness improvement.
- Use of Copernicus satellite services for prevention and measurements in mussel rafts.
- Comprehensive environmental analysis by the Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC) regarding carbon balance and CO2-based environmental use of mussel by-products.
Following these presentations, participants engaged in co-designing solutions tailored to their needs and priorities. Divided into four tables, discussions revolved around topics such as water quality, bioplastics, incorporation of mussel shells, and waste water treatment.
The outcome of these discussions was a set of proposed actions for pilots and new innovation lines, which will be reviewed as potential projects for OPMEGA members. Moreover, the workshop proved invaluable for the providers of innovations, who gained insights to further develop disruptive products and services for the sector.
The workshop in Galicia exemplifies a collaborative approach towards sustainability and innovation in the mussel industry, setting a precedent for similar initiatives across Europe. Thank you to all organisers and participants for your support and dedications, towards advancing circular bioeconomy in European rural areas!
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