Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food industry in the world, addressing food security while limiting some environmental consequences of conventional agriculture and livestock farming. However, it faces challenges including nitrogen and phosphorus (N+P) emissions, sizeable waste streams and unsustainable feed sources. The EU-funded AQUAPHOENIX project aims to address these with a new ‘SludgeCollect’ system that reduces N+P emissions while valorising sludge into renewable energy, sustainable fertilisers and food/feed ingredients. The system will be demonstrated at seven aquaculture sites in Norway and Finland. Supported by political will and key aquaculture networks, the project aims to lead global change, ensuring healthy seas and advancing Europe’s zero pollution by 2050 agenda.