S2AQUA – Collaborative Laboratory, Association for Sustainable and Intelligent Aquaculture, leads the European project DigiATLA – Building Digital Capacity for Innovation in Atlantic Aquacultureco-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Program 2021–2027, with an overall budget of 2.1 million euros, 75% financed by the European Union, through the ERDF.
The project, which aims to accelerate the digital transformation of the aquaculture sector in the Atlantic region, formally began in January 2026. The operational start was marked with the kick-offheld on the 3rd and 4th of February, in Olhão, where the partners aligned the strategic objectives, work plans and the first actions to be implemented.
Digital transformation of Atlantic aquaculture
DigiATLA aims to strengthen aquaculture’s digital capabilities, promoting more sustainable practices, precision nutrition and the adoption of technologies associated with Industry 4.0. The project responds to structural challenges in the Atlantic sector, such as the reduced integration of digital solutions, production inefficiencies and environmental impacts, factors that limit the competitiveness and resilience of the activity.
The DigiATLA consortium includes seven partners from countries in the Atlantic region, bringing together research, innovation and business entities: S2AQUA, as project leader, IPMA – Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera, the Algarve company SPAROS, the Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM) of the University of Vigo, the University of Galway, INRAE and the Institut Agro Rennes-Angers, both from France.
Coordination, training and sustainability
As a coordinating entity, it ensures coordination between partners, as well as technical, administrative and strategic monitoring of the project throughout the 30 months of execution, between January 2026 and June 2028.
Throughout the implementation period, training actions, pilot activities, training sessions and dissemination initiatives will be developed, with the aim of bringing digital innovation closer to the real needs of the production sector and contributing to a more efficient, sustainable Atlantic aquaculture prepared for future challenges.
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