Quo vadis - Development of a novel peatland-based recirculating aquaculture multi-trophic pond system (RAMPS) in the Irish midlands with a global orientation

Abstract

Development of peatland-based, recirculating freshwater aquaculture that is efficient and economically viable presents considerable benefits for society including supporting communities transitioning to low-carbon economies. This case study constitutes the first peatland-based process that uses fish cultivation waste to produce duckweed and microalgae biomass which are potential sources of high-value proteins, bioactives and further products that can be extracted using a biorefinery approach. The novel site has successfully supported freshwater aquaculture production using an effective circularity model and highlighted the potential of supporting new innovation such as biorefining bioactives from some 2000 indigenous peatland microalgae species for potentially beneficial health and adjacent applications. Additionally, it has demonstrated the appropriateness of digital transformation such as connecting on site monitoring with living-laboratory analysis. This paper details the challenges of food security given the impact of climate variance on open ecosystem performance. The findings of this case study inform key strategic polices governing food sustainability, bioeconomy and climate action from a bottom-up perspective. Key technical bottlenecks are discussed. Future research will consider efficiencies in biomass production and value-streams for new business innovations, including use of appropriate digital technologies though integrated multi-actor HUB framework enabling precision paludiculture for end-to-end monitoring, sustainable products/services and bespoke training.

Keywords

• United nations sustainability development goals
• Food security
• Bioeconomy
• Just transition
• Land change use
• Paludiculture