ProRMAS is a pioneering international research and innovation project coordinated under the Green ERA-Hub initiative, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme. The project unites multidisciplinary partners from Germany, Italy, and Lithuania, including the Klaipėda Science and Technology Park (KSTP), working together to develop circular and resource-efficient food production systems based on Recirculating Multitrophic Aquaponic Systems (RMAS).
Vision and purpose
As Europe faces the twin challenges of water scarcity and food security in the context of climate change, the ProRMAS project aims to demonstrate how otherwise underutilised saline water resources can be transformed into high-value proteins and organic fertilizers through fully integrated aquaponic systems. These systems are designed to close nutrient cycles, maximise water efficiency, and contribute to a more resilient, self-sufficient food production landscape aligned with the goals of the European Green Deal.
At the core of ProRMAS is a circular Recirculating Multitrophic Aquaponic System (RMAS) that integrates shrimp farming with polychaetes, algae, and halophyte plants in a closed-loop saline water system. Nutrients from shrimp production are reused to cultivate additional biomass, while organic residues are converted into biofertilizers. This integrated approach maximizes water and nutrient efficiency, reduces waste, and creates multiple high-value outputs within a single sustainable production system.
KSTP’s Role in ProRMAS
As one of the core partners, the Klaipėda Science and Technology Park plays a pivotal role in implementing experimental trials of the RMAS model. KMTP’s contributions include:
- Establishing infrastructure and adapting recirculating aquaculture systems to support experimental workflows.
- Developing and validating operational protocols for shrimp and polychaete cultures under controlled saline conditions.
- Coordinating nutrient recovery and biofertilizer production trials, and preparing pilot deployments in Lithuania and partner countries.
- Supporting knowledge exchange and integration across the international consortium to refine system design and production workflows.
These activities position KSTP at the forefront of circular aquaculture innovation and support its broader mission to advance marine technology adoption and sustainable food solutions in the Baltic Sea region.
Expected Outcomes and Impact
ProRMAS is designed to deliver both scientific and practical outcomes that contribute to Europe’s sustainable food strategy:
- Demonstration of economically viable RMAS solutions suitable for saline or water-limited environments.
- Generation of new knowledge on nutrient cycling, feed alternatives, and high-value protein production.
- Conversion of aquaculture byproducts into biofertilizers, enhancing soil health and reducing external fertilizer inputs.
- Strengthened collaboration between research institutions, innovation centres, and industry partners from multiple EU countries.
- Creation of demonstration installations that serve as outreach platforms for education, training, and wider technology adoption.
Funding and Duration
The ProRMAS project is funded under Grant Agreement No. 101056828 from the EU’s Horizon Europe programme and runs from March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2027. Support also comes from national ministries in Lithuania, Germany and Italy, underlining the project’s strong transnational collaboration.
Contact person:
Erika Zavackienė
erika.zavackiene@kmtp.lt
Website
https://kmtp.lt/prormas/
