The main idea of the integrated system is to recycle the excretions of fish stocks into feed for other valuable products such as oysters and clams.

In this integrated system, species are cultured separately, permitting intensification and optimization of production as well as better control of nutrient flow and uptake. Two similar pilot systems will be set up and evaluated. One in Egypt, on the Mediterranean coast, will be managed by researchers from the Egyptian National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries. The other system, in the Red Sea, will be led by researchers from the Israeli National Center for Mariculture.

The project is sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and is focused on enhancing mutual cooperation between scientists from Egypt and Israel. The late Dr. Robert Abel, a longtime CMS research staff member, brought the participants together and it is through him that Stevens maintains the responsibility for the overall coordination of the project.