Innovation ‘is key to unlocking wider potential of aquaculture’
Scientists focus on diversifying species at major conference in Vienna
An increase in the number of species produced by fish farmers, along with diversification in feed ingredients and other areas of aquaculture, is at the centre of a major conference being held in Vienna this week.
Aquaculture Europe 2023, organised by the European Aquaculture Society (EAS), is bringing together scientists, industry leaders and entrepreneurs, governmental bodies, and regulators from all over Europe. The EAS is expecting close to 2,000 attendees and will host more than 540 oral presentations.
More scientific work will also be presented on electronic posters.
The conference theme, “Balanced Diversity in Aquaculture Development”, will be reflected in 32 scientific sessions over three days ranging from genomics to socioeconomics, covering the full scope of European aquaculture scientific disciplines and species. The event starts tomorrow and ends on Thursday.
AE2023 will also feature an international trade exhibition
with close to 170 booths, student sessions and activities, satellite workshops
and updates on EU research.
New ideas
“Since global aquaculture production is dominated by a few dozen species, major efforts are being made to promote species diversity. To succeed, we need responsible use of resources, circular food systems, improved efficiency, and increased resilience against future challenges such as diseases and climate change. [These are] all issues that require further diversification in aquaculture also beyond species level,” wrote EAS president Bente E Torstensen in her introduction to a 1,640-page book of abstracts submitted for the event.
“AE2023 will provide a great opportunity for discussing new and innovative ideas to address challenges and opportunities as well as up scaling already proven concepts and solutions of diversification in aquaculture industry.”
The three-day conference, which begins tomorrow, includes an Innovation Forum dedicated to new innovations on the theme of balancing diversity within aquaculture and the wider blue economy. The forum includes a series of specific pitching sessions, showcasing research-driven innovations as well company-driven initiatives that lead to innovation for the benefit of the entire sector.
“The program is exciting for all of us with a passion for knowledge that is used by and make an impact for industry and society,” wrote Torstensen, who is chief executive of Norwegian research institute Nofima and a former global team leader for fish feed in the R&D and technical department of the world’s biggest Atlantic salmon farmer, Mowi.
