The Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG) has signed a bilateral cooperation agreement with institutions from Egypt and China, along with a Brazilian company, to develop and commercialize sustainable technologies for shrimp and tilapia farming. The initiative focuses on Biofloc Technology (BFT), which promotes nutrient recycling and reduces effluents, aligning with the principles of the circular bioeconomy.

The agreement involves the Central Laboratory for Aquaculture Research (CLAR) in Egypt, the Fisheries College of Ocean University of China, FURG, and the Brazilian company Chiesa & Frighetto Cia Ltda. The project aims to optimize biofloc systems to achieve near-zero waste production, convert biofloc solids into high-value vermicompost, and develop probiotics to improve water quality and animal health.

The cooperation includes knowledge exchange, joint research, workshops, shared publications, and technology transfer. The project is funded by research agencies from each participating country: STDF (Egypt), MOST (China), and Finep (Brazil).

The agreement, with an initial duration of three years, reinforces FURG’s role in international scientific cooperation and in the development of innovative and sustainable solutions for global aquaculture.