Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA)

Farming species at multiple trophic levels together so waste from one species becomes food for another - the most ecologically balanced aquaculture approach.

Sustainability: ★★★★★ Scale: Medium FCR: 1.5

📖 Overview

IMTA co-cultures fed species (finfish) with extractive species (shellfish, seaweed) that consume the waste. Uneaten feed and fish feces feed mussels and scallops. Dissolved nutrients feed kelp and seaweed. The result is polyculture that mimics natural ecosystem processes and reduces environmental impact of monoculture.

🐟 Species Commonly Farmed

Atlantic salmon + blue mussels + sugar kelp (Canada). Sea bream + oysters + macroalgae (Mediterranean). Various regional configurations.