Seaweeds in Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture: Environmental Benefits and Bioactive Compounds Production

Based on its proved environmental and economic benefits, the development of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) represents one of the most promising industrial sector to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of the aquaculture industry. Supported by a biotechnological approach, in accordance with the European Blue Growth strategy, the identification of co-cultivable extractive species to optimize the productive performances through the extraction of high commercial value bioactive compounds, is a key point in the aquaculture sector development and in ensuring consumer acceptability. In this context, seaweeds cultivation in IMTAs is rapidly increasing, due to their capacity to absorb and reutilize dissolved nutrients in the water column and due to the growing interest shown by research in seaweeds as sources of natural compounds with bioactive properties, in order to replace the use of synthetic substances in cosmeceutical, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical fields. Numerous studies highlighted how the co-cultivation of seaweeds in IMTAs supports the aquaculture industrial sector ensuring high levels of productivity and sustainability.