This applied research Project was undertaken within the AquaReg/Interreg framework, a cooperative technological network between Galicia, Border, Midland and Western regions in Ireland and Trøndelag in Norway.
The primary aim is to develop an understanding of the requirements for the transport and storage of live crustaceans throughout the value chain, from producer to market. The project is of relevance for valuable crustaceans such as the brown crab (Cancer pagurus), spider crab (Maja squinado), velvet crab (Liocarcinus puber), lobster (Homarus gammarus), spiny lobster (Palinurus spp.), Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), etc.
The exchange of knowledge on collection, handling protocols, storage, transport and processing of these commercially valuable species is aimed at the development of new technical solutions to increase their value within the 3 participating regions.
The identification of good handling practices, the elimination of ‘nicking’, the minimization of transport-related mortalities, the quality enhancement of the final product and the widening of marketing opportunities are the main objectives of this coordinated action.
Acuinuga’s Aquaculture Division contributes with the development of water treatment technologies during stocking and live transport. Autonomous, insulated containers with water recirculation systems, capable of optimizing water quality parameters for up to 72 hr post-loading were designed for this application.