Networking

Through a dedicated poster, MARMADE showcased its approach to marine biomass valorisation, from mapping crustacean and seaweed resources to exploring innovative biorefinery processes for food and feed applications.

The event also offered an opportunity for consortium partners to connect, with Natasha meeting Dr Gaurav Rajauria and Aadil Ashraf from the University College Cork (UCC).

Last week, MARMADE was represented at Aquaculture Europe 2026 in Ljubljana, where Dr Erik-jan Malta from CTAQUA presented the project’s poster and shared our work with the aquaculture community.

Another great opportunity to bring MARMADE’s research on marine biomass valorisation to an international audience and connect with experts across the sector.

MARMADE research was presented at the 43rd National Conference of the Organic Chemistry Division of the Italian Chemical Society (CDCO 2026), held in Naples, Italy.

Dr. Claudia Pasqualini from the University of Camerino presented “Novel Hydrophobic to Hydrophilic Switchable Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents and their Application for the Selective Extraction of Astaxanthin from Blue Crab Shell Waste.”

The research explores the use of switchable Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NaDES) for the selective extraction of astaxanthin from blue crab shell waste, connecting directly with MARMADE’s work on greener extraction approaches and the valorisation of marine biomass.

MARMADE was represented at the 4th International Aquatic Biotechnology Symposium - AQUABIOTECH 2026, taking place in Naples, Italy, from 9–11 September 2026.

Representing the University of Camerino and the MARMADE project, Dr. Germana Borsetta and researchers Fardin Abdi and Elettra Della Ceca are contributing to the scientific exchange at AQUABIOTECH 2026 through oral presentations and a related-topic poster.

Fardin Abdi presented “Evaluation and valorization of shrimp shell waste for astaxanthin recovery: Effect of drying and extraction methods”, while Elettra Della Ceca presented “From waste to value: Eco-friendly astaxanthin extraction from blue crab shell”. Both contributions were part of the session Biotechnology of Aquatic Sustainable Aquaculture.

Dr. Germana Borsetta contributes with a related-topic poster, “From invasive species to economic resource: Valorization and market perspectives of the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus)”, exploring the valorisation and market perspectives of this invasive species.

MARMADE was proud to participate in the CBE JU Cluster Workshop on Bio-based Food and Feed Ingredients in Brussels, bringing together researchers, industry representatives, policymakers and bioeconomy stakeholders from across Europe.

As part of the session dedicated to aquatic feedstocks, MARMADE joined fellow projects PROTEUS, MULTIPLY, ALLIANCE and CLEANALGAE2VALUE in showcasing the potential of algae and marine biomass to support the development of sustainable food and feed ingredients.

The discussions highlighted the importance of circular value chains, innovative biobased solutions and cross-sector collaboration to accelerate the transition towards more resilient and resource-efficient food systems.

The MARMADE project was presented at the 22nd International Conference on Renewable Resources & Biorefineries, held in Leuven, Belgium, from 1 to 4 June 2026.

Representing the project, Erik Malta from CTAQUA showcased MARMADE's work on marine biomass sourcing, highlighting the project's two value chains, targeted bioactive extracts, and their potential applications in food and feed sectors.

Looking back at the CBE JU Stakeholder Forum 2026 in Brussels, the MARMADE project had a key opportunity to engage in discussions on the future of Europe’s bioeconomy and the challenges of scaling up bio-based innovations.

The forum highlighted crucial challenges and opportunities in the sector, from the transition “from lab to fab” to full-scale commercialisation, and emphasised the need for strong industrial ecosystems, better access to finance, and supportive policy frameworks.

At the 31st AGROTICA Expo in Thessaloniki, ena Development Consultants showcased MARMADE, bringing marine-based innovation into the spotlight of the agri-food sector.

Throughout the event, #enateam engaged with producers, businesses, and stakeholders, presenting how marine biomass, such as crustacean residues and seaweed, can be transformed into high-value ingredients for food and feed through circular, bio-based solutions.

At AquaFarm 2026 (Italy), BIOCHICA represented MARMADE, carrying out dissemination and stakeholder engagement activities on behalf of the project.

During the event, BIOCHICA presented MARMADE’s approach to the sustainable valorisation of marine biomass, highlighting circular solutions to transform shellfish by-products into high-value ingredients for food and feed applications.

AquaFarm provided a valuable platform to connect with stakeholders from the aquaculture, fisheries, and algae sectors, share MARMADE’s vision, and foster collaboration across the blue bioeconomy value chain.

We are proud to announce that MARMADE has been selected among 14 European projects in aquaculture and fisheries to participate in the SBEP Thematic Portfolio a strategic 2-year initiative fostering collaboration across the Blue Economy ecosystem.

The kick-off meeting took place in Bucharest (10–12 February), jointly organized with the 2nd SBEP Symposium. MARMADE was represented by Germana Borsetta (Università degli Studi di Camerino -UNICAM), who joined project coordinators, blue economy stakeholders and EU institutions for an intensive exchange of knowledge and perspectives.

The meeting offered a concrete opportunity to:

🔹 Connect with leading Blue Economy initiatives

🔹 Strengthen collaboration across projects

🔹 Explore synergies and joint actions

🔹 Co-create shared goals and long-term vision

Through networking activities, workshops and poster sessions, the SBEP Thematic Portfolio is building a strong community driving sustainable innovation in aquaculture and fisheries.