BlueAquaEdu is a project co-funded under the EMFAF-2023-BLUECAREERS, and aims to explore the potential of gamification in aquaculture education for teenagers (15-18) and students (18+) interested in aquaculture, post-harvesting value chain, and processing by-products sectors. By developing a serious game, BlueAquaEdu seeks to revolutionize aquaculture education, offering an immersive learning experience to engage and motivate learners. The integration of gamification tools into educational programs is envisioned to enhance the knowledge, skills and readiness of future professionals in the blue economy, enabling them to address the complexities of sustainable aquaculture practices effectively. As technology evolves, serious games present an innovative and efficient means of training the next generation of aquaculture experts. The creation of a virtual Aquaculture Educational Network (v- AquaEduN ) is a central component of this endeavour. This network, comprising academics, aquaculture industry representatives, and public authorities, is dedicated to establishing and nurturing connections between education and the aquaculture industry. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, v-AquaEduN aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that educational programs remain relevant and responsive to the needs of the aquaculture sector.
BlueAquaEdu capitalize on the results from previous relevant projects in the region, such as the MENTOR- “Blue Career Centre for Eastern Mediterranean & Black Sea” and “EU-CONEXUS RFS” to promote transferability of the results in other geographical areas. Special attention will be given to the knowledge triangle approach. Following this rationale, partners from France, Greece, Portugal and French Guiana join forces to identify and map all the accredited training programmes (both academic degrees and vocational education and training - VET ) in the region, including the training programmes provided there-in.
A m apping of the provided training programmes for aquaculture in Europe identified Universities and VET providers for aquaculture . The survey focused on information in each BlueAquaEdu Country as well as in selected EU Countries (Belgium , Bulgaria , Croatia , Cyprus , Denmark , Finland , Germany , Ireland , Italy , Malta , Norway , Poland , Romania , Spain, and The Netherlands while the survey was made in the EU outermost region in the Atlantic (Guadeloupe , Martinique , Mayotte and Reunion ). This mapping will create a network for dissemination purposes as well as for the creation of a wider Blue network that would support the creation of synergies with the e-platform. The BlueAquaEdu mobile game aims to educate the target audience on how fish farms function, the risk involved in such facilities and their environmental footprint on the planet. The game enhances and promotes the digital learning experience of the students with a special online learning content, to make it fun and engaging and encourage learners to explore and learn as they try to achieve a goal.