Offshore, the new frontier of aquaculture

Description. The AE2025 Industry Forum is a half-day event organised by the Spanish Aquaculture Farmers Association (APROMAR). As global demand for aquatic food continues to rise, the need for responsible, resilient, and innovative aquaculture solutions becomes ever more urgent. Offshore aquaculture is emerging as a promising frontier, pushing the boundaries of technology, policy, and environmental stewardship. This session of AE2025 brings together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore the opportunities and challenges of moving aquaculture further offshore. Join us as we navigate this dynamic landscape and shape the future of aquaculture beyond the coastline.

Moderator: Javier Ojeda (APROMAR)

14.00 Opening

14.15 Panel 1

Presentations:

• Bela H. Buck. Head of the research group "Marine Aquaculture" at the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) and professor at the Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences:
  Differentiating and defining ‘exposed’ and ‘offshore’ aquaculture and implications for aquaculture operation for extractive species.
• Hans V. Bjelland. Research Director of Aquaculture at SINTEF Ocean:
  Offshore aquaculture - next step for an already large scale salmon industry? Implications for other species and regions.
• Cees de Bruin. Managing Director of Avobone Holding SA (Indofin Group) and Partner at Ocean Aquaculture Global (OAC):
  Beyond the Horizon: Advancing Aquaculture with Established Technology.
• Ghada El Serafy. Senior Specialist of Data sciences in marine and coastal systems at Deltares the Netherlands:
  (Presentation title pending).

Open discussion

15.45 Panel 2

Presentations

• Roberta de Palma. Senior Circular Economy Advisor at the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO):
  Introducing SMART feeding systems for a resource-efficient aquaculture in the Mediterranean.
• John Holmyard. Offshore Shellfish Ltd:
  Offshore Mussel Farming - the realities.
• Arne Vagle. Vice President of Technology Moreld Aqua:
  Moreld Aqua - Moving aquaculture further from the coast.
• Peter Beringer. Mariculture Systems Portugal Lta:
  (Presentation title pending).

Open discussion

17.15 Closing remarks