AWARE Project Update – Advancing aquaponic solutions for climate-resilient food systems.
Mohtas Modier | Research Fellow at LabGov
On the 7th of September 2025, I had the opportunity to attend an inspiring training session at Castellana Grotte, led by partner Loïc Le Gouëff, chief engineer at Green in Blue, focusing on the large-scale recirculation aquaponic system developed by Green in Blue for the AWARE project. This innovative approach is designed to combat climate change by integrating fish and vegetable production while reusing wastewater in a sustainable loop.
During the training, I had the privilege of engaging with a diverse group of individuals, including Aquasoil staff, where the plant is located, and Professor Gian Pietro di Sansebastiano of Salento University, both of whom are affiliated with the AWARE partnership.
Furthermore, I had the opportunity to interact with Loïc Le Gouëff, the chief engineer and trainer from Green in Blue.
This experience proved to be highly valuable as I collaborated with such esteemed professionals within the field.
Training Highlights.
The session provided detailed insights into:
- Fish Care Protocols – maintaining optimal health and nutrition for aquatic species.
- System Monitoring – methods for tracking system performance, ensuring water quality, and identifying early signs of imbalance.
- Environmental Regulation – understanding daily, weekly, and monthly operational checks to ensure optimal growing conditions for both fish and plants.
- Plant care protocols include giving the fertilizer schedule, pest control, and watering tips, and from Greenhouse, it shares best practices from university or EU protocol inspection routines, disease prevention, etc.[1]
This training has deepened the team’s technical knowledge and strengthened its capacity for operating and maintaining large-scale aquaponic facilities.
This hands-on experience has deepened my understanding of how aquaponics can be scaled for both food production and climate resilience.
Furthermore, I would like to articulate that this period can be characterised as one in which technology enthusiasts intersect with an individual who shares a profound enthusiasm for innovation.
Prototyping in Progress.
We have also begun prototyping vegetable planting in collaboration with Professor Gian Pietro Di Sansebastiano of the University of Salento, also a partner to the AWARE project, experimenting with optimal growth conditions within the integrated system. It is exciting to see theory come to life in practice.
So far, progress has been promising. Each session boosts my confidence in my skills, increasing my familiarity with the system and strengthening my connection to the project’s mission.
Next steps: Include continuing to refine the prototype, expanding the project’s datasets, and sharing our findings to encourage others to join the movement for climate-resilient food systems.
The lessons learned at the plant will directly contribute to optimising the system and transferring knowledge within the AWARE network.
The Green in Blue system represents a significant step toward achieving climate resilience, food security, and resource efficiency, key pillars of the AWARE Project.
Outcomes: The outcomes encompass the cultivation of safe-to-consume fish and vegetables through sustainable and environmentally responsible practices by conducting accurate food safety trials to ensure compliance with national and international health and agricultural standards.
The project will implement a comprehensive educational and outreach program designed to inform the community about food safety practices and promote awareness of sustainable farming. Techniques, and engage stakeholders in meaningful dialogue and reciprocal exchange of knowledge.
Furthermore, the project aims to influence and shape future regulations related to food production and safety, ensuring that they are grounded in scientific evidence and best practices to protect public health and the environment.[2]
[1] https://eu-cap-network.ec.europa.eu/projects/good-practices-self-controlled-and-sustainable-management-ornamental-nurseries-autofitoviv_de?utm_source=chatgpt.com
[2] Rao, Madhura Ramchandra. “Safe and sustainable valorisation of food waste in the european union: Reconciling public ambitions with private interests.” (2023).