The EcoeFISHent project, aiming to promote sustainable practices and innovation in the fish industry, recently participated in the Innovation Village organized within the Ocean Race event. “The Ocean Race Genova -The Grand Finale 2022-23″ is a renowned international sailing event that promotes sustainability and eco-friendly practices, providing an ideal platform for the EcoeFISHent project to raise awareness about its vital objectives.
The project partners showcased laboratory activities to a diverse audience, inspiring change and driving progress towards a more sustainable and responsible fishing industry.
One of the key laboratory activities presented at the Innovation Village was “From the Sea to Cosmetics: The Role of Fishing Derivatives.” (Project’s partners involved: University of Genoa, Angel Consulting and Ardes). Visitors were introduced to the fascinating concept of repurposing fish side-streams to produce cosmetic creams. Participants were engaged in the preparation of emulsions, the most common form of cosmetics, from natural extracts. The objective is to demonstrate how fish-derived ingredients, such as hydrolyzed collagen, can be incorporated into cosmetic creams. The process not only adds value to fish waste but also promotes sustainable sourcing in the cosmetics sector.
Another compelling activity that captured the attention of the Innovation Village participants was “Ghost Gears: Recovery and New Life.” (Project’s partners involved: PROPLAST, Portofino MPA). The project highlighted the detrimental impact of abandoned fishing gears on marine ecosystems and presented innovative solutions for their recovery and recycling. During the event, samples of benthic organisms affected by the ghost gears were displayed, creating a stark visual reminder of the urgency to address this pressing issue. Moreover, various stages of recycling of fishing and aquaculture nets were shown, demonstrating how these materials can be transformed into useful products. By incorporating circular economy principles and sustainable practices, the project aims to mitigate the environmental damage caused by ghost gears and contribute to the preservation of marine biodiversity.
Samantha Caputo
Ticass scrl - Tecnologie innovative per il controllo ambientale e lo sviluppo sostenibile
