The BluenetCat : the catalan reference network for the knowledge transfer in blue economy

The blue economy is an essential sector to accelerate the green transition and to comply with the most important European and international regulations (e.g., the Blue Growth Strategy and the European Green Deal, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals). In Catalonia, the blue economy accounts for about 5.8% of total employment and 3.4% of GVA. Due to the crucial location of the region within the Mediterranean Basin, and its scientific and technological capacity, Catalonia may be among the leaders in terms of innovation in blue economy, with huge potential to export innovation and to provide the whole society with huge benefits and positive impacts. In 2018, Catalonia was among the first regions in Europe to adopt a maritime strategy according to the EU directives and regulations. Within the Catalonian Maritime Strategy, the technological transfer of innovation in blue economy plays a key role. Thus, the BlueNetCat (“Xarxa d’R+D+I Marítima de Catalunya” in Catalan, www.bluenetcat.eu) was designed as a tool to foster the technological transfer - in all the disciplines affecting the blue economy sectors - from the Catalan universities and research centers toward the market and the society. Nowadays, the BlueNetCat (“Xarxa d’R+D+I Marítima de Catalunya” in Catalan) is an open innovation multidisciplinary community, accounting for more than 700 researchers, trainees, and technicians. The network is constantly growing and currently is composed by 67 research groups belonging to 5 Catalan universities (University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, University of Girona, Rovira i Virgili University) and 2 research institutions (the Spanish National Research Council, CSIC, with three different research centers, and the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology, IRTA).Peer Reviewe

Study of fish swimming activity using Acoustical Doppler Velocimetry (ADV) techniques

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Study of consecutive resuspension and sedimentation processes in aquacultural biosolids using an oscillating grid

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Comparative analysis of flow patterns in aquaculture rectangular tanks with different water inlet characteristics

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Evaluation of spatial distribution of flatfish by laser scannig

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Evaluation of sole (Solea senegalensis) preferences for different substrate textures and colours

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Acoustic doppler velocimetry allows determining daily swimming activity of sea bass (dicentrarchus labrax, I)

Peer Reviewe

Influence of tank bottom surface on growth and welfare of Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis)

Tank bottom surface is an important question to take into account in flatfish aquaculture considering the intimate contact that the fish have with it. The most usual materials in aquaculture tank surfaces are inert materials such as epoxy resins or plastics with null porosity, and cement that presents a high alkalinity, roughness and porosity. To improve the cement characteristics, silica fume admixture is usually added in construction industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three types of tank bottom surfaces on growth and welfare over a Solea senegalensis population. Moreover, the degree of fin erosion, the appearance of skin lesions and malpigmentation patterns were also monitored. The bottom surfaces tested were plain cement (CE), the same plain cement blended with silica fume (10%) (SF) and epoxy coated surface (EP). Specific growth rate for each bottom surface were compared. The Image Processing Activity Index (IPAI) was used to evaluate the Senegalese sole welfare. Higher SGR and lower IPAI values were obtained in the surface of cement with silica fume, suggesting a higher welfare. The use of plain cement affected negatively the performance of fish, probably due to the high pH and alkalinity of the water in direct contact with fish skin. The null porosity of EP seems to be related to the main cause of higher activity level of fish kept on it outcoming in lower growth. Silica fume that is frequently use to improve the mechanical characteristics of plain cement, also provides benefits in terms of fish welfare.Postprint (author's final draft

Strategies to revitalise agro-food value chains in medium sized cities: the case of Vilanova i la Geltrú

In recent years, large and medium-sized cities around Spain and other European countries have developed strategies to contribute to the recovery of local agro-food value chains. Through approaches that pursue bottom-up participation and the empowerment of local agro-food stakeholders, these strategies aim to preserve and develop local food production and consumption. The present study intends to contribute to the existing literature, through a case study in the municipality of Vilanova i la Geltrú (Catalonia). Two aspects add to the study’s distinctiveness: Firstly, it shows the potential of a specific workshop methodology, the World Café, to promote new idea generation and contribute to the bottom-up formulation of the agro-food strategy. Secondly, the municipality is a coastal, medium-sized city where rapid urbanisation has put pressure on the continuity of agro-food activities.Postprint (published version