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AQUAUCLATURE
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Research and Studies 1 (1): 15-01, 2026 page of 193

hydroponics synergy elegantly solves both problems: the nutrient-rich efflu-
ent from the IMTA system, teeming with nitrogen (N) in the form of ammonia
and nitrates, and phosphorus (P) from fish excretion, is directly channeled
into the hydroponic component. Here, these dissolved nutrients, which are a
cost-effective and completely organic source of fertilizer, are readily ab-
sorbed by the plant roots (Rakocy et al., 2006). This process accomplishes a
remarkable multi-beneficial loop: it simultaneously purifies the water for re-
circulation back to the fish tanks, drastically minimizing overall water con-
sumption; it transforms fish waste into high-value, marketable crops; and it
significantly reduces, or even eliminates, the reliance on synthetic mineral
fertilizers, whose production is often energy-intensive and dependent on de-
pleting natural resources like phosphate rock (Somerville et al., 2014).
The Mediterranean region, exemplified by countries like Egypt, faces
critical agricultural challenges driven by water scarcity, rising input costs,
and environmental degradation (Abd El-Ghani et al., 2025a). Key issues in-
clude acute water scarcity, with, with over 60% of Egypt's water resources
dedicated to agriculture; environmental degradation, such as salinity in the
Nile Delta; and rising costs of inputs like synthetic fertilizers. Concurrently,
traditional aquaculture struggles with inefficient waste management and low
nutrient-use efficiency (NUE). These pressures threaten food security, eco-
nomic resilience, and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030 for sustainable aquaculture and climate re-
silience, HortiMED project is particularly vital for smallholder farmers in re-
gions like Egypt, where water scarcity and high fertilizer costs threaten live-
lihoods. By bridging the gap between research and practical application, this
innovation positions Egypt as a leader in sustainable Agri-tech, offering a
scalable model for other arid regions facing similar challenges (Vision of
Egypt, 2030 (2023)).
In response, the HortiMED project has validated a transformative solu-
tion: Smart Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaponic (IMTA) systems enhanced
with AI-driven Decision Support Systems (DSS) and renewable energy (Ibá-
ñez Otazua, et al., 2022). This innovative approach bridges the gap between
research and practical application, aligning with national strategies like