CTA (Technological Corporation of Andalusia) took part in the 4th edition of the Oceans and Environment Week (SOMA), held from April 21 to 27 and organised by the Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences at the University of Cádiz, presenting the European project ULTFARMS. The event brought together students from the Master’s in Aquaculture and Fisheries, researchers, and industry professionals to explore the future of the blue economy in Europe.

During the session, key topics were addressed such as the evolution of the blue economy concept within the framework of the European Union and the proposal of a chromatic economy, which incorporates social, environmental, and ethical values into the traditional economic analysis. These approaches allow for a redefinition of the marine production model from an integrated and sustainable perspective.

Technology for the blue economy

Similarly, the ULTFARMS project, funded by the Horizon Europe programme, was presented, highlighting its objectives, mission, vision, and values. This initiative promotes the development of multi-use ocean platforms that combine aquaculture, marine renewable energy, and environmental conservation, aiming to optimise the use of marine space and reduce environmental impact.

The CTA team was represented by Rafael Dueñas Sánchez and Carla del Cerro Maestre, innovation consultants. Rafael Dueñas presented the overall objectives of the ULTFARMS project and addressed the scientific and technological aspects, detailing how these platforms contribute to advancing towards a more efficient, resilient, and responsible blue economy model.

For her part, Carla del Cerro presented CTA’s role in the project’s communication strategy, focusing on actions aimed at improving public perception of these new infrastructures. In this context, she highlighted the launch of the “Social Acceptance of Ocean Multi-Use” survey, designed to gather public opinion on multi-use platforms and guide future awareness-raising campaigns.

The session served to bring students of the Master’s in Aquaculture and Fisheries closer to the opportunities that marine innovation offers within the European ecosystem, and reinforces CTA’s commitment to the sustainable development of the marine environment through a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach.