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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Aquaponics is an innovative and potentially sustainable method of producing vegetables and fish, enabling local,
inland fish production, and vegetable production without the need for artificial fertilization. With the aim to
analyze the potential development of commercial aquaponics in Portugal, a group of Portuguese stakeholders
and experts were interviewed to capture their understanding of the challenges faced by the emerging Portuguese
aquaponics sector. The paper evaluates and discusses the main issues experienced by stakeholders, proposing
solutions to overcome barriers and restrictions. Legal and administrative barriers were identified, and it is
recognized that aquaponics requires its own legal and administrative framework. Bureaucracy is duplicated in
licensing processes, authorizations for sale, and permits. Exotic fish species, such as tilapia (Tilapia spp.) face
legal barriers to their use in aquaculture. The freshwater aquaculture species to consider for integration into
aquaponics systems are largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), pikeperch (Sander lucioperca), and eel (Anguilla
anguilla). To address barriers to the organic certification of aquaponics products, producers need to collaborate
and establish their own certification schemes.
Description
Keywords
Aquaculture Aquaponics Mediterranean diet Hydroponics Portugal Sustainability
Citation
Mata, F. & Dos-Santos, M. (2025). Analysis of the policies and constraints limiting the aquaponics industry in Portugal. Aquaculture Reports, 40, 102572.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqrep.2024.102572
Publisher
Elsevier