On 10 September 2026, the AQUABATOR Launch Conference was held at Karin Dom in Varna, organised by BATTI.
The event brought together 21 participants, who were introduced to the main objectives, planned activities and expected results of the AQUABATOR project, as well as to BATTI’s role in the implementation of key project activities.
Supporting Sustainable Aquaculture in the Black Sea Basin
AQUABATOR aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for the development of aquaculture in the Black Sea Basin.
The project addresses several important challenges faced by the sector, including the need to strengthen research and innovation capacity, improve access to modern technologies and enhance cooperation between:
- research organisations;
- businesses;
- public institutions;
- other relevant aquaculture stakeholders.
The overall objective is to support a more innovative, connected and sustainable aquaculture sector across the region.
AQUABATOR Web Platform
A major focus of the conference was the AQUABATOR web platform, in the development of which BATTI plays a key role.
The platform was presented in detail, including its initial design, planned structure and main functionalities.
It is being developed as a centralised digital environment that will provide access to:
- relevant information and resources;
- stakeholder and technology databases;
- good practices;
- modern aquaculture technologies;
- training materials;
- knowledge and resources supporting the development of the sector.
The platform is expected to become an important digital tool for facilitating knowledge exchange, cooperation and technology transfer within the aquaculture ecosystem.
Mapping the Aquaculture Ecosystem
Among the key results of the AQUABATOR project is the comprehensive mapping of the aquaculture ecosystem.
This work includes the development of an interactive stakeholder database, designed to bring together organisations, companies, institutions, experts and other actors involved in aquaculture across the Black Sea region.
The project is also developing a dedicated database of modern fish farming technologies, with particular attention to Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and their potential for more efficient and sustainable production.
Smart Aquafarms and Digital Twins
AQUABATOR also introduces innovative technological solutions through the planned establishment of two demonstration smart aquafarms in Türkiye and Ukraine.
These demonstration facilities will showcase modern approaches to aquaculture management and technological innovation.
The project also foresees the development of digital twins, which can support improved monitoring, analysis and management of aquaculture facilities through the use of digital data and modelling.
International Cooperation and Technology Transfer
The Launch Conference at Karin Dom provided an opportunity not only to present the progress of the project, but also to highlight the importance of international cooperation, innovation and technology transfer for the sustainable development of aquaculture.
By bringing together different stakeholders and creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, the project seeks to strengthen connections between research, business and public institutions.
BATTI’s Contribution to AQUABATOR
Through its participation in AQUABATOR, BATTI contributes to the development of a more modern, sustainable and competitive aquaculture sector.
Its work within the project supports key areas such as digitalisation, innovation, knowledge transfer and transnational cooperation, helping to create stronger connections within the Black Sea aquaculture ecosystem.
