A circular transition model for the European aquaculture sector

The present study introduces a conceptual model for the circular transition of European aquaculture farms. The model under consideration comprises two distinct sections for evaluation, namely circular readiness and circular maturity. The first component focuses on the key aspects the aquaculture companies need to understand to be ready to begin the transition process. The second component delineates the strategic road map to be embraced to advance within the circular maturation journey from non-existent to advanced level across different focus areas: Operations, Product and Service, Culture and Organization and Ecosystem. This study attempts to fill the research gap regarding the non-existence at the European level of a transition model integrating the multiple aspects of circularity by offering a generalized framework that can be applied to different aquaculture farms. The findings could enhance farmers’ awareness while helping policymakers to monitor the sector’s ongoing efforts.