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General Objective:

ATLAS-PRO has sought solutions to the challenges facing aquaculture in the 21st century, using knowledge to gain competitive advantages and adopt advanced knowledge management practices. ATLAS-PRO has analysed the present and future of ocean aquaculture in the waters of Spanish sovereignty based on innovative methodological approaches that allow the identification of macroalgae farming opportunities, assess the effect of climate change on marine aquaculture farming opportunities and analyse the viability of aquaculture on a local scale.

Specific objectives:

1. To analyse the opportunities for the cultivation of macroalgae in Spanish coastal and marine waters.

2. Assess the effects of climate change on fish and macroalgae.

3. Design cultivation parks on a local scale.

4. To disseminate and disseminate the opportunities offered by the Spanish maritime area for the cultivation of aquaculture species.

This project has made it possible to analyse the present and future of ocean aquaculture in the waters of Spanish sovereignty, based on innovative methodological approaches, evaluating the effect of climate change on marine aquaculture farming opportunities.

The main conclusions of the project are:

• Spanish coastal waters do not offer good opportunities for the cultivation of macroalgae, due to the high level of uncertainty. The species with the best options is Himanthalia elongata , which, in the Cantabrian Sea, has a surface area of 2,200 km², with moderately suitable conditions for cultivation.
• In the time horizon 2070 – 2100 there are changes in the biological suitability for the cultivation of macroalgae and fish species. The results show very different patterns for the 15 fish species studied. Spanish waters will present very good conditions for bluefin and mujil tuna. Colder water species, such as cod, sea bream and salmon, will lose suitable area for farming. On the other hand, sea bass and sea bream, species currently widely cultivated on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, will gain cultivation areas in the Atlantic and north of Cabo de la Nao (Mediterranean coast). In this same time horizon, most of the Spanish waters will not be suitable for the cultivation of macroalgae species.
• In El Campello, the most viable fish species for farming, and compatible with human uses and activities, as well as with protected natural areas, are the yellowtail, the mujil, the grouper, the dentex, the sea bass and the sea bass. The most viable area for its cultivation is located between an area located at a distance of between 5 and 10 km from the coast.

It should be noted that the project has been presented at national and international events and APROMAR has involved the sector in its progress.