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Project Code [2017-NC-PhD-2]

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Project title

Redefining waste as a resource when increasing marine food production

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Environmental Protection Agency

Lead Organisation

University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)

Lead Applicant

Jennifer Murphy

Project Abstract

Approximately 90% of nitrogen fertilizer applied on land to guarantee high harvest yields enters the environment as waste, polluting water bodies and affecting the ecosystem services they provide. Hence we face a dilemma: while nitrogen deficiency leads to less food security, excess affects ecosystem services upon which food security depends. In Ireland, increasing food production as predicated by the Food Harvest 2020 strategy will likely result in excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) accumulating in coastal marine ecosystems. This threatens ecosystem services, upon which for example aquaculture relies, hence negatively feeding back into the economy. However, potential exists for excess nutrients to become a resource in sustainably increased production through aquaculture. Aquacultured organisms benefit from excess nutrients in coastal systems. Cultivation of a carefully selected combinations of species (polyculture) is already used to recycle excess nutrients in intensive aquaculture, with the added benefit of higher yields. This study will determine the optimal geospatial pattern of polyculture to minimise environmental impacts of increased nutrient input hence maximizing sustainability of natural capita

Grant Approved

�96,000.00

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Natural capital and ecosystem services including soils and biodiversity

Start Date

01/10/2016

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/09/2020