The Circular IMTA-DEMO is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021–2027. Grant Number 2023JTF165.
The Circular IMTA-DEMO is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021–2027. Grant Number 2023JTF165.
List of all communications and publications associated with the project
Updated list coming soon
Operational Research Underpinning the Development of a Novel Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) Peatlands-Based System for Demonstrating the Bioeconomy.
This research paper outlines the operational research that supports the design, testing, and optimisation of a novel peatland‑based Integrated Multi‑Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system aimed at demonstrating practical pathways for developing the circular, climate‑aligned bioeconomy. The system is situated on rewetted or post‑industrial peatlands and uses the unique hydrological and ecological characteristics of these landscapes to create a low‑impact, resource‑efficient, multi‑species aquaculture platform.
https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031583
Peatlands-based demonstration of bioeconomy innovations at scale to help achieve many of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
This paper examines how peatland-based bioeconomy innovation can be demonstrated at scale to support more sustainable land use, climate action and circular production. It highlights the role of integrated peatland systems in delivering environmental, economic and social value, while also showing how sites such as Mount Lucas can contribute to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through research, innovation and real-world demonstration.
Perspective chapter: development of IMTA-based bioeconomy sites in peatlands; green innovation that promotes zero-waste, zero-pollution and climate action principles.
This chapter explores how Integrated Multi‑Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) can be adapted for rewetted and restored peatlands to create innovative, sustainable bioeconomy sites. It argues that when peatlands are managed as multifunctional wetland landscapes, rather than drained agricultural or extractive zones, they can host circular, low‑impact production systems that simultaneously restore ecosystems and support rural economies.
Rewetting peatlands for co-creating recirculating aquaculture and for driving aquatech - Quo Vadis?
This paper examines the emerging potential of rewetted peatlands as platforms for developing integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems and accelerating aquaculture technology (aquatech) innovation. It argues that as drained peatlands are restored for climate and biodiversity reasons, they simultaneously open new opportunities for water-based production, nature-based filtration and integrated bioeconomy models.
https://v4.infofish.org/media/attachments/2025/05/15/rewetted-peatlands.pdf
Quo vadis - Development of a novel peatland-based recirculating aquaculture multi-trophic pond system (RAMPS) in the Irish midlands with a global orientation.
This paper presents the development and future direction (Quo vadis?) of a Recirculating Aquaculture Multi‑Trophic Pond System (RAMPS) designed specifically for rewetted peatlands in the Irish Midlands. RAMPS is introduced as a novel, nature‑engineered aquaculture platform that integrates multiple trophic levels - plants, algae, detritivores, filter feeders and selected aquaculture species - within a restored peatland setting. The system harnesses the natural filtration, carbon storage and hydrological characteristics of peatlands to create a low‑impact, circular aquaculture model.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2024.100748
Development of a novel recirculatory multitrophic peatland system for the production of high-value bio-based products at scale embracing zero waste and pollution principles to unlock sustainable development goals.
This work presents a pioneering model for a recirculatory, multitrophic peatland production system designed to generate high‑value bio‑based products while restoring ecosystems and advancing global sustainability goals. Built on the principles of circularity, ecological engineering, and zero pollution, the system integrates multiple biological trophic levels—plants, algae, microbes, and aquatic organisms—within rewetted or restored peatland environments. The aim is to transform formerly degraded land into a productive, low‑impact bioeconomy platform.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2024.100763
Potential disruptive effects of zoosporic parasites on peatland-based organic freshwater aquaculture: Case study from the Republic of Ireland.
This paper investigates the emerging risks posed by zoosporic parasites to organic freshwater aquaculture systems operating within rewetted or naturally waterlogged peatland environments in the Republic of Ireland. As peatland-based aquaculture expands through climate‑driven rewetting and green bioeconomy initiatives, the unique ecological conditions of peatlands create environments where zoosporic parasites may thrive and disrupt production.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161495
Potential disruptive effects of zoosporic parasites on peatland-based organic freshwater aquaculture: Case study from the Republic of Ireland.
This paper examines how digital technologies are reshaping the fisheries and aquaculture sectors across the entire supply chain; from production and environmental monitoring to processing, logistics, certification and consumer engagement. It outlines the emerging tools driving this transition, the benefits they offer for sustainability and efficiency, and the challenges the sector must address as it moves toward a more digital future. The guiding question Quo Vadis? (“Where are we going?”) frames the analysis of future directions and transformative potential.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aaf.2022.06.003
Use of next generation sequencing and bioinformatics for profiling freshwater eukaryotic microalgae in a novel peatland integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system: Case study from the Republic of Ireland.
This research paper investigates how next‑generation sequencing (NGS) combined with bioinformatics can be used to characterise the diversity, composition and ecological roles of eukaryotic microalgae within a novel peatland‑based IMTA system in the Republic of Ireland. The study focuses on understanding how rewetted peatland environments influence algal communities in a multi‑trophic aquaculture setting designed for low‑impact, circular bioeconomy development.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158392
Peatland-based innovation can potentially support and enable the sustainable development goals of the United Nations: Case study from the Republic of Ireland.
This research paper examines how peatland‑based innovation, particularly in the context of large‑scale rewetting and transition efforts in the Republic of Ireland, can contribute to achieving multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study argues that restored and sustainably managed peatlands can function not only as ecological assets but also as platforms for climate action, green enterprise and rural socio-economic transformation.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2022.100251
Effects of climate and environmental variance on the performance of a novel peatland-based integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system: Implications and opportunities for advancing research and disruptive innovation post COVID-19 era.
This research paper examines how climate variability and environmental fluctuations affect the functioning and productivity of a novel peatland‑based IMTA system, developed on rewetted peat soils in the Republic of Ireland. By analysing seasonal, hydrological and weather‑driven dynamics, the study highlights both the vulnerabilities and the adaptive strengths of IMTA systems situated in peatland environments, landscapes increasingly important for climate mitigation and green innovation. It also considers how lessons from the post‑COVID‑19 era can shape future research and disruptive aquaculture innovation.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153073
Digital transformation of peatland eco-innovations (‘Paludiculture’): Enabling a paradigm shift towards the real-time sustainable production of ‘green-friendly’ products and services.
This research paper explores how digital transformation can accelerate and enhance the development of peatland eco‑innovations, particularly those associated with paludiculture, the sustainable use of rewetted peatlands for biomass, ecosystem services and green production. The paper argues that integrating digital technologies into peatland management and paludiculture can create a paradigm shift, enabling real‑time monitoring, improved productivity, circular resource use and transparent supply chains for “green‑friendly” products and services.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156328
Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture; Analysing Contributions of Different Biological Compartments to Nutrient Removal in a Duckweed-Based Water Remediation System.
This research paper investigates how different biological compartments within an Integrated Multi‑Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system contribute to nutrient removal, focusing on a duckweed‑based water remediation model. The study quantifies the roles of duckweed, microbial communities, suspended algae and detrital organisms in removing key nutrients, primarily nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), from aquaculture effluent. The goal is to understand how multi‑trophic interactions can improve water quality, enhance system efficiency and support more sustainable aquaculture designs.
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11223103
A novel multitrophic concept for the cultivation of fish and duckweed: A technical note.
This technical note presents a novel multi-trophic cultivation concept designed to integrate fish production with duckweed (Lemna spp.) cultivation in a single, ecologically engineered system. The aim is to explore how nutrient-rich aquaculture effluent can be utilised to support duckweed growth, while duckweed simultaneously contributes to water purification and provides a potential feed resource, forming a simple but effective Integrated Multi‑Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) model.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.132881
Wastewater valorisation in an integrated multitrophic aquaculture system; assessing nutrient removal and biomass production by duckweed species.
This research paper evaluates how duckweed species can be used to valorise aquaculture wastewater within an Integrated Multi‑Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system. The study focuses on quantifying both nutrient removal efficiency (particularly nitrogen and phosphorus) and biomass production of different duckweed species when exposed to nutrient‑rich effluent. The aim is to determine how duckweed can function as a high‑value, zero‑waste bioproduct while simultaneously acting as a natural water purification component.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119059
Novel use of peatlands as future locations for the sustainable intensification of freshwater aquaculture production – A case study from the Republic of Ireland
This research paper explores the innovative potential of peatlands, particularly rewetted or post‑industrial peat extraction sites, as new locations for sustainable freshwater aquaculture. Using the Republic of Ireland as a case study, the paper evaluates how these landscapes can support ecologically aligned, low-impact and scalable aquaculture models that contribute to rural development, climate action and sustainable intensification of food production.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136044