On October 10, 2025, a guided visit to the new recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility took place at the Pagnacco site of the University Agricultural Company “Antonio Servadei”, established within the framework of the Interreg Italy–Slovenia Circular Rainbow project, coordinated by the University of Udine. About 60 participants attended, including students, sector operators, researchers, and institutional representatives. The event offered a unique opportunity to closely explore one of the most innovative experimental facilities in the Triveneto region, demonstrating how university research can translate into sustainable and circular solutions for the aquaculture of the future.
A Unique Facility
The updated facility, built with an investment of approximately €80,000, features 12 fiberglass tanks connected to a water recirculation system with mechanical and biological filtration, temperature regulation, and UV sterilization. The total water volume is 9 cubic meters, with a maximum capacity of 210 kilograms of trout. Each tank is equipped with automatic feeders, LED lighting, and digital probes for continuous monitoring of the water’s chemical-physical parameters, making the facility both an educational and research laboratory fully integrated with the latest IoT technologies applied to aquaculture.
A Model of Circular Economy
The facility is a true example of circular economy applied to aquaculture: wastewater and sludge are valorized through anaerobic digestion to produce biogas, while innovative insect-based bioconversion processes generate new biomass useful for other agro-industrial chains. This integration minimizes waste, improves energy efficiency, and promotes low-environmental-impact production models, in line with the goals of the Circular Rainbow project.
Cross-Border Collaboration and Research
The Circular Rainbow project, funded by the Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia program, supports the trout farming sector through the use of digitalized RAS systems capable of optimizing water use and valorizing by-products. The Pagnacco facility will be central to experimental and training activities, providing essential scientific data to assess fish welfare, system efficiency, and opportunities for a sustainable and resilient transition in trout farming.
A Network of Expertise
Daily management and monitoring of the facility are carried out by technicians Diego Capraro and Margherita Cuzzit, and Davide Paolin, a young fellowship student of the University of Udine, under the scientific supervision of Gloriana Cardinaletti. The team is supported by Alessandro Chiumenti for technical-engineering aspects, Francesca Tulli for by-product valorization, and Giovanni Cortella and Michele Libralato for energy monitoring. During the guided visit, participants engaged with the research team and learned about the project’s development phases, which combine academic expertise, technological innovation, and cross-border cooperation with Slovenia.
Statements and Perspectives
During the event, university representatives highlighted the strategic value of the facility. Francesco Pitassio, Delegate for Research at the University of Udine, stated: “This facility and the European Circular Rainbow project represent a concrete example of sustainability in food and energy supply, combining education, research, and innovation.”
The Department Director, Edi Piasentier, emphasized: “Cross-border collaboration allows the integration of scientific expertise and territorial presence, involving sector operators and businesses.”
Guido Fellet, Director of the University Agricultural Company, remarked: “The realization of the facility is a source of pride for the Department and demonstrates the dedication and expertise of the technical and research staff involved.”
Finally, Gloriana Cardinaletti, the project’s Scientific Coordinator, noted: “The facility is a tangible example of how aquaculture can integrate with other agro-industrial chains, strengthening the sector’s competitiveness.”
To see the moments of the day, visit the dedicated photogallery.
