New strategic partnership for HAPO and the Hellenic Center for Marine Research
The Hellenic Aquaculture Producers Organization (HAPO) and the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (HCMR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, towards the development of scientific knowledge justifying Greek Aquaculture’s sustainable activities, the protection of the Greek seas biodiversity and the reduction of the environmental impact. The main goal of this collaboration the development of scientific knowledge that will promote Greek Aquaculture’s sustainable activities, along with the protection of the Greek seas and the reduction of the environmental impact.
This new strategic partnership heads HAPO’s effort for the distinction of the Greek Aquaculture, the strengthening of competitiveness for the sector’s companies, and the creation of synergies between scientific research and business action.
The collaboration of HAPO and HCMR will focus on 3 main axes:
– The joint undertaking and implementating of national, European, and international research programs and innovative initiatives in the field of scientific research on Mediterranean aquaculture.
-Οrganizing scientific conferences, symposiums, and events for Greek aquaculture, as well as employee training programs for companies in the industry, starting with the Marine and Inland Water Research Symposium, in the fall of 2022.
-Ρroviding consumers with accredited, scientifically substantiated information on Greek aquaculture products, through articles, interviews, and social media posts.
The scientific representative of HCMR for the Memorandum of Cooperation is Dr. Konstantinos Mylonas, Director of the Institute of Marine, Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC). The other two HCMR institutes represented on the Cooperation Coordination Committee are the Institute of Oceanography, and the Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters.
Dr. Mylonas commented: “Aquaculture plays an important role in the nutrition of the population and the country’s economic development. For years, we have been supporting the industry’s growth through our studies on Mediterranean farmed fish species, and the development of innovative farming methods and high-yield foods to produce an excellent product for Greek and European consumers. We also systematically study the level of environmental impact due to aquaculture activity and make appropriate recommendations for its sustainable development. This close relationship with aquaculture is sealed today with a stable and long-term cooperation that will be the basis for new research projects and innovative initiatives in the field, always guided by the competitive and sustainable production of high nutritional value fish, and the protection of the marine environment. “
HAPO President, Mr. Apostolos Touralias, also commented: “The cooperation with a leading, specialized scientific body such as HCMR will increase the industry’s worth, establishing our business with stronger documentation, and open new horizons. I am confident that our member companies, geared towards innovation and with a strong commitment to the principles of sustainable development, will make the most of the synergies that will be developed, while prioritizing the protection of the marine environment, the superb quality and high nutritional value of Greek aquaculture fish.”
