NoAH

The North Sea shrimp is of enormous economic and cultural significance to the countries bordering the North Sea. It is often regarded as a symbol of the maritime culture and identity of these regions. It is closely linked to fishing traditions and maritime heritage and helps preserve local cuisine and traditions. North Sea shrimp are thus a symbol of the cultural identity and economic value of the coastal regions where they are caught. The associated value chain for this product extends from the coastal regions to beyond Europe.

In addition, the North Sea shrimp also plays a crucial role in the North Sea ecosystem. They serve as food for other marine animals and help maintain balance in the marine food chain. Because they are essential for a healthy ecosystem in coastal regions, North Sea shrimp are considered a “keystone species.” In some countries, this shrimp species is fished sustainably to preserve stocks and minimize environmental impact. Fisheries management measures such as catch quotas, closed seasons, and minimum sizes help protect stocks and ensure sustainable use.

The availability of North Sea shrimp as a food source depends on various factors, such as environmental conditions, fishing methods, legal and regulatory controls, and ultimately demand, which is determined by consumer behavior and market prices. However, the demand for North Sea shrimp as a food source can no longer be met solely through sustainable fisheries. Here, North Sea shrimp aquaculture offers potential for the sustainable production of this sought-after shrimp species and can thus contribute to resilient value chains.

However, North Sea shrimp aquaculture is still in the development phase. The innovation of the project therefore lies in the development of a demonstrator that brings together and expands upon the findings from laboratory-scale studies and tests them in real-world applications to enable the closure of the production cycle for North Sea shrimp in recirculating aquaculture systems and to ensure the preservation of a true cultural asset of Schleswig-Holstein.