IGNITION (Improving Green Innovation for the Blue Revolution), a cutting-edge Horizon Europe project, aims to revolutionize the aquaculture sector by addressing the rising demand for high-quality animal protein while ensuring environmental sustainability and animal welfare in a changing climate. One of the main objectives of IGNITION is the development of effective antigen-based vaccines to combat major diseases, such as tenacibaculosis and infectious salmon anemia virus, which pose significant challenges to intensive aquaculture systems. These innovative vaccines will promote animal health, reduce disease susceptibility, and improve the overall sustainability of the aquaculture industry by relying less on antimicrobials. IGNITION will also focus on enhancing stress and disease resilience through the development of new feeds, formulated to provide essential nutrients and bioactive compounds that boost the immune system and mitigate stress factors in farmed aquatic animals. By bolstering stress and disease resistance, the project aims to improve animal welfare and enhance the sector’s overall productivity. To further support animal welfare, IGNITION will focus on the development of non-invasive stress and health biomarkers and biosensors and on defining operational welfare indicators. All these will offer real-time insights into animal welfare and health. Based on the data obtained, IGNITION will employ machine learning techniques and disease prediction software to improve decision-making and facilitate proactive management practices.
Overall, IGNITION’s visionary effort aims to transform aquaculture practices, fostering a sustainable, responsible, and thriving future for the industry by providing a wealth of knowledge and innovative solutions for the European aquaculture sector and beyond.