Operational Research Underpinning the Development of a Novel Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) Peatlands-Based System for Demonstrating the Bioeconomy

Featured Application: Development of an IMTA site in the peatlands will demonstrate sustainable technologies and viable bio-based products at scale along with de-risking bioeconomy investments. Developing the bioeconomy offers a critical sustainable path away from fossil fuels by using renewable biological resources to create feed, food, materials, and energy; fostering decarbonization; and supporting circular economic growth. However, the pivotal role of different demonstration facilities in unlocking viable bio-based products remains to be fully defined and appreciated. This review addresses the importance and added value of developing a novel integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) demonstration site in the peatlands as a scalable facility to support companies and end-users who are co-creating and testing appropriate bio-based products for new markets along with de-risking for investments. The operational activities necessary to develop and launch a fully functional IMTA-based bioeconomy demonstration site to meet a diversity of end-user expectations are considerable, including many unforeseen challenges that are addressed in this review. The IMTA site offers considerable potential for building a networked ecosystem of end-users (farmers, start-ups, entrepreneurs, companies, policy-makers), enabling alternative uses of land along with tailoring strategic policies for enhancing regional resilience and competitiveness with a global orientation.