Alignment to Research Priority
This project aligns with Qatar's national research priorities under the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) strategy, specifically addressing food security and sustainability. By targeting aquaculture feed production through wastewater-derived biomass, the project supports the broader aim of reducing dependence on imports and enhancing local capacity in sustainable food systems.
The project directly contributes to Qatar National Vision 2030 by promoting sustainable development, environmental management, and economic diversification through innovation in the food production sector.
Our research supports QRDI's priority areas of resource sustainability, energy, and society by:
- Developing circular economy solutions that valorize waste streams
- Reducing environmental impact of food production
- Creating knowledge-based economic opportunities
- Enhancing food security and self-sufficiency
Social, Health, Economic and Environmental Impact
The proposed project holds significant implications for Qatar across multiple dimensions:
Social Impact
Enhances food security and self-sufficiency while engaging local communities and developing national expertise in sustainable aquaculture practices.
Health Impact
Provides access to safe, sustainable, and nutritious fish protein through aquaculture expansion, supporting public health and nutrition goals.
Economic Impact
Reduces dependency on imported feeds, decreases costs, and creates opportunities for local agritech and aquaculture industries.
Environmental Impact
Promotes circular economy principles, reduces waste by utilizing FSPW, lowers pressure on marine ecosystems, and saves water and land resources.
Through its multi-faceted approach, this project represents a holistic solution to food security challenges that aligns with Qatar's sustainable development goals and national vision.
Collaboration and End-user Involvement
This project builds on strong collaboration between HBKU, Shell Qatar, and local aquaculture stakeholders. Farmers and industry partners will be engaged through acceptability surveys, pilot-scale feed trials, and direct consultation to ensure that the developed feed aligns with practical needs and market realities.
Through close cooperation with stakeholders and end-users, the project will not only develop a sustainable feed solution but also ensure adoption and integration into Qatar's aquaculture sector. Key collaboration aspects include:
- Knowledge transfer between academic researchers and industry practitioners
- Co-design of solutions with end-users to ensure practical applicability
- Capacity building for Qatari professionals in sustainable aquaculture
- Development of partnerships for scaling successful technologies
This collaborative approach ensures that research outcomes will be directly applicable to Qatar's specific context and challenges, maximizing the potential for real-world impact and adoption.