The proposed project aims to develop a land-based Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system using saline groundwater, a resource that is abundant in the Yucatan Peninsula. L’AMTI est une pratique innovante dans laquelle différentes espèces cohabitent de sorte que les sous-produits d’une espèce peuvent être recyclés en nutriments pour une autre. It’s a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly form of aquaculture, because less feed is needed, and the water is naturally purified by the organisms in the “circuit”.

The aim of the project is to explore the potential of this innovative land-based aquaculture and promote the development of this technology to protect the Caribbean’s fragile marine ecosystems (mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass beds). The wealth of saline groundwater would enable aquaculture sites to be relocated up to 100 km from the coast in this region.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers from three institutes and local stakeholders, the project seeks to explore innovative solutions that will lead to the development of sustainable technology packages and a pilot plant.

In addition, the development of this IMTA system would not only foster a new economic activity managed by local and marginalized inland communities, but also enhance food security for the region’s inhabitants.