The issues of compatibility and mutual synergy between the users of marine, brackish and freshwater resources and their relationship with the quality of those ecosystems are central in promoting the sustainable development of the Blue economy and aquaculture.

Traditional and emerging Blue economy sectors, currently operating in the Adriatic, Mediterranean and water bodies throughout Europe, are expected to grow and expand over the next years and to sustainably contribute to food production, biofuel and clean energy.

Nevertheless, scientific literature provides clear evidence that, according to current trends and within 10 years, our coastal and marine environment will change for sea acidification and warming, sea-level rise and coastal erosion and all water bodies will be affected by flooding, eutrophication and pollution, with important effects on ecosystem services, fish and shellfish stocks and food security.

Climate change, depletion of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, food security and safety, environmental pollution and waste represent important sustainability challenges for further expansion of European aquaculture and the ambition of the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy. It will be necessary for the sector to address these externalities, but also focus on the way in which we chose, use and re-use resources, as we move towards a circular Blue economy.

How aquaculture is facing these challenges, and the solutions put in place to develop a sustainable, responsible and productive and climate neutral European aquaculture sector for key marine and freshwater fish, shellfish and algal species are the main themes for AE2022 event in Rimini.

The AE2022 parallel sessions will cover the full scope of European aquaculture and will comprise submitted oral and ePoster presentations. AE2022 will also feature an international trade exhibition, industry forum, student sessions and activities, satellite workshops and updates on EU research.