HAPO develops two new environmental research projects, in partnership with the University of Patras
The Hellenic Aquaculture Producers Organization (HAPO) officially announces the implementation of two new research programs concerning the environment, in partnership with the University of Patras, sector General, Marine Geology & Geodynamics and Associate Professor Mr. Pavlos Avramidis as Scientific Officer.
The first project concerns the assessment of the environmental footprint in greenhouse emissions for the entire production and distribution process of fish aquaculture and the interdependent functions of the sector, using the Life Cycle Analysis, for HAPO and its Members’ Greek farmed fish.
The second project includes the development of guidelines and protocols for monitoring the impact of fish farming facilities on the marine ecosystem and the development of an applicable environmental simulation model for use in the daily production process. During the pilot phase of this model’s application an attempt at evaluating the environmental footprint in the marine ecosystem will be made, in selected facilities of HAPO’s network.
The overall purpose of these research programs is the development of Good Practice Guidelines for the industry, in compliance with the United Nations Environment Programme, HAPO’s own General Principles on Environmental Policy, the requirements of Greek legislation, the European Water Directive 2000 / 60EC and the International Environmental Sustainability Standards. With the above projects, Members of HAPO will have the opportunity to continuously access and control their business environmental impact at every stage of the production process of sea bream, sea bass, meagre and pagrus major (from fish hatchery, to packaging and transfer to points of sale), and to identify opportunities to further reduce the impact of Greek fish farming on the environment.
HAPO, whose mission is, among others, to establish Greek aquaculture locally and internationally, through the development of responsible practice guidelines based on sustainable blue and circular economy for every sector of the industry, systematically invests in its collaboration with the country’s Scientific and Academic Community. While furthering research programs and scientific studies, HAPO also supports its future partners, the country’s current students, providing them with the opportunity to explore the constantly evolving technology of the industry.
