Local strenght—strengthening the rural areas, by adding competencies (39086)

The overall aim the project "Local strength" was to demonstrate how the supply of knowledge and skills to a rural area with low income, high unemployment and decreasing job opportunities can stimulate local industries and companies and thereby prepare it for the necessary development and adaptation into a national and international context. 
The objectives of the project were based on innovation and change within the sustainable exploitation and production of shellfish in the western part of the Limfjorden because this part of the country is the main area for shellfish production. 
The specific objectives were: - To strengthen the overall shellfish industry through networking and joint activities within shellfish businesses and a R&D institution on common issues like e.g. food safety. - Adaptation of the shellfish fishery into a more sustainable and competitive fishery by developing new methods and forms of production, e.g. by the development of relay cultures, documentation of environmental impact and creation of buffer zones around eelgrass beds. - Develop cost-saving methods for mussel farming in relation to e.g. buoy handling, optimal socking etc.- Creating added value through development of new mussel and oyster products. - Create broader revenue for the mussel farmers by development of new species e.g. seaweed. - Establish a generic branding of shellfish from the Limfjorden.
This project was coordinated by DTU Aqua and funded by Danish Business Innovation fund, The North Denmark Region and Morsø Municipality.
Research area: Shellfish and SeaweedResearch area: Coastal Ecology