IMTA (Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture)
D4. Fisheries, aquaculture, blue economy and marine resourcesDefinition
Aquaculture combining species at different trophic levels.
Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture co-cultures species from different trophic levels so that the wastes of one become inputs for another: fed finfish supply nutrients to filter-feeding shellfish and extractive seaweed grown alongside. The aim is to recycle nitrogen and phosphorus that would otherwise enrich surrounding water, turning effluent into harvestable crops. IMTA improves the environmental balance of open-water farming but adds operational complexity in matching species ratios and harvest cycles.