INSEAFOOD - Innovation and valorization of seafood products: meeting local challenges and opportunities  - is one of the three research lines of INNOVMAR project, funded by NORTE 2020 through FEDER and aims to enhance CIIMAR scientific competences in the area of Aquaculture and Seafood Quality, that are relevant for the implementation of the North Portugal Smart Specialization Strategy.

Research effort will be focused on economically important and well established shellfish (Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas) and finfish species (European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax) that play a major role in the Portuguese aquaculture sector. The project will also monitor marine algae and natural populations of sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus). The production and promotion of innovative seafood products of high value is expected, such as high quality sea urchin gonads or added nutritional value fish, in order to better exploit Portuguese marine resources and boost the economic and social sectors.

INSEAFOOD involves an exceptional team of CIIMAR researchers complemented with the inclusion of new scientific posts, young researchers and doctoral students that will reinforce the capacity to compete in the aquaculture and seafood quality research areas.