Sustainable and innOvative blUe food pRoduCtion under one hEalth approach

The SOURCE project was born with the aim of promoting more sustainable, safe and innovative aquaculture systems, through the application of integrated and nature-based strategies, in line with the One Health approach. This approach recognizes the close interconnection between human health, animal health, and ecosystem protection, aspects that are now central to the development of more responsible and resilient food systems.

The context

Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing sectors in global food production, but its intensification can lead to worsening water quality, the emergence of infections in farmed organisms, and the resulting use of antibiotics. Extensive or incorrect use of these compounds may contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance and generate potential risks to the environment, animal health, and food safety.

Methodological approach

SOURCE proposes the study of organic feed additives, in particular essential oils and related bioactive compounds, as possible sustainable alternatives to conventional antibiotic-based approaches. The project will evaluate the antibacterial potential, ecotoxicological profile and biological effects of these compounds on commercially relevant aqueous species of bivalve fish and molluscs, combining in vitro and in vivo approaches with microbiological, biochemical, histological, pharmacokinetic and metabolomic analyses.

Final goal

The ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of responsible aquaculture models capable of improving the health and resilience of farmed organisms, reducing the environmental impact of production practices, and supporting the transition to safer and more sustainable blue food production systems. SOURCE also intends to foster dialogue between scientific research, the productive sector, policy makers and civil society, promoting innovative solutions consistent with the Blue Growth Agenda and the Common Fisheries Policy.

Contacts

For information about the project, to report cases of interest, or to propose a collaboration: 

Prof. Lucia De Marchi, PhD (MVET 04-A)

Department of Veterinary Sciences
University of Pisa
Email: lucia.demarchi@unipi.it