20 Apr ThinkInAzul: A collaborative effort to conserve marine ecosystems in the context of the blue economy

Imagine a future where the sea and humanity coexist in harmony, where science, the blue economy and innovation come together to make responsible use of all that the sea has to offer. This is the essence of ThinkInAzul, Spain’s joint strategy for marine science research and innovation to address new challenges in marine monitoring and observation, climate change, aquaculture and other sectors of the blue economy in a sustainable way. ThinkInAzul is an ambitious project funded by the European Union in which seven autonomous communities (Andalusia, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, Valencia, Galicia and the Region of Murcia) join forces and share initiatives in scientific and technological challenges to create a network of excellence capable of becoming an international benchmark in the sustainable management of the sea.

If we look at ThinkInAzul in the Valencian Community, we will find more than 400 scientists from 39 research groups from leading universities and public centres in the Valencian Community, organised in 7 research work packages and 1 coordination work package (WP8), working towards common objectives.

Three pillars for the future: marine monitoring, sustainable aquaculture and the blue economy.

The programme is structured around three main areas of work:

1. Observation and monitoring of the marine and coastal environment. This priority focuses on creating a comprehensive ocean monitoring system based on real-time ocean observations to provide accurate data on the adaptive capacity and resilience of marine ecosystems. Artificial intelligence will be used to provide essential data for decision making in environmental management, biodiversity protection and climate change mitigation (WP1).
2. Sustainable, intelligent and precise aquaculture. The aim is to develop aquaculture that is more efficient, environmentally friendly and adapted to the challenges of climate change. To this end, new technologies will be developed to produce fish and shellfish in a sustainable manner, focusing on high quality products that meet market needs without compromising the planet. New strategies will be adopted to detect and prevent diseases to ensure a healthy environment and animal welfare, and cutting-edge technologies will be developed to monitor farming systems in real time to improve their efficiency, paving the way for a future where innovation drives responsible development. (WP2, WP3, WP4, WP5 and WP6).
3. Blue Economy: Innovation and Opportunities. ThinkInAzul is also committed to transforming scientific knowledge into innovation, promoting the development of sectors such as sustainable tourism, marine energy and biotechnology in the context of the Blue Economy. ThinkInAzul seeks not only to generate knowledge, but also to share it with society. For this reason, it is committed to bringing citizen science into the adventure and involving society in the management of the sea through dissemination, training and collaboration between researchers, companies and public administrations. The programme aims to create new business opportunities for Valencian companies and a prosperous future for all (WP7).

ThinkInAzul: a direct benefit to the region

ThinkInAzul’s holistic approach to monitoring, sustainable aquaculture, animal health, seafood quality and technological innovation is fundamental to the sustainable development of the region and the conservation of marine resources in a context of climate change. This programme will not only benefit the regions where it is implemented, but will also contribute to the advancement of marine research at national level and the promotion of more sustainable practices in the various sectors of the blue economy.

The ThinkinAzul programme is an outstanding example of scientific and technological collaboration that addresses critical challenges in marine research and the blue economy, showing the world that science can influence the sustainability and conservation of our precious marine resources.