Through the EU co-funded e-AQUAF project, ICARE is driving innovation to build a more sustainable, competitive, and technology-enabled aquaculture sector

The International Center for Agribusiness Research and Education (ICARE) is implementing the e-AQUAF (Smart Aqua Farming) project under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme 2021–2027, co-funded by the European Union.

Bringing together partners from six countries—Romania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, and Ukraine—the project is driving forward a new vision for sustainable, technology-enabled aquaculture across the Black Sea region.

Through e-AQUAF, ICARE is at the forefront of introducing innovative, eco-friendly solutions to modernize fish production and address key environmental and economic challenges. The project focuses on:

• deploying advanced technologies and real-time monitoring systems
• strengthening skills and knowledge through targeted capacity building and training
• fostering strong partnerships between research institutions, businesses, and public authorities
• enhancing policy dialogue and regional cooperation

Among its flagship outputs are the development of a smart aquaculture digital platform, installation of environmental monitoring stations, and creation of a shared knowledge and policy framework to support long-term sector growth.

By leading the implementation in Armenia, ICARE is playing a key role in shaping a more resilient, competitive, and future-ready aquaculture sector, while strengthening the country’s integration into regional innovation and cooperation networks.