Aquaculture Europe 2026 calls us to consider how food systems, including aquaculture, are being challenged by changes resulting from global warming. Innovation, research and knowledge transfer will play a deciding factor in how the aquaculture industry responds to production challenges in a time of global change.

Co-organised by the European Aquaculture Society (EAS), European Aquaculture Technology & Innovation Platform (EATiP) and the European Commission (CINEA Sustainable Blue Economy Unit), the 2026 Innovation Forum addresses the theme of global change in three parts:

1. A stand-alone morning session, where we consider the development of an Open and Responsible Research and Innovation (ORRI) Tool tailored for aquaculture stakeholders. Supported through the Reinforcing Project, the ORRI concept seeks to move research and innovation to a new paradigm, where responsibility and openness drive actions to ensure a genuine co-creation process, engaging actors across the quintuple helix to improve inclusion in addressing transition and change.
2. After lunch, keynote addresses focus on thematic areas of scale, alongside considering case studies and pilots and application at the local scale. This introductory afternoon session addresses themes of AI & digitalisation in aquaculture, the application of satellite technologies and opportunities for matchmaking industry with Earth observation technology providers and ongoing research work in the field of climate change.
3. A second afternoon workshop addresses Circular Economy in EU Aquaculture, organised by the CINEA Sustainable Blue Economy Unit, addressing the question, "how can aquaculture turn waste into value?" The transition towards a circular economy is a key priority for ensuring the sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness of the EU aquaculture sector. Building on the Strategic Guidelines for EU aquaculture and emerging policy frameworks, circular approaches—such as the valorisation of side-streams, resource efficiency, and closed-loop production systems—offer significant environmental, economic, and social benefits. The EU Aquaculture Assistance Mechanism (AAM) has recently (2026) developed a background paper that consolidates state-of-the-art knowledge, good practices, and policy recommendations on circular economy in aquaculture which will be presented to the Forum. In addition, numerous EU-funded projects under LIFE, Horizon, and EMFAF are piloting innovative circular solutions across the value chain.

10:30 - 10:35 Welcome

by David Bassett, General Secretary, EATiP.

10:35 - 12:00 Theme 1: Open and Responsible Research and Innovation (ORRI) Special Session

Developing a tool to promote ORRI within the aquaculture sector.

12:00 - 14:00 Lunch (on your own) and trade show visit

14:00 - 15:00 Theme 2: Aspects of global change and aquaculture

• Dr. Lars Ebbesson. Chief Scientist, Senior Aquaculture Advisor, NORCE:
  Innovation in Artificial Intelligence & Digitalisation.
• Dana Levy. CEO & Co-founder, Oceano Platónico LDA:
  Innovation in Food Security Case Study: Application of AI in European Oyster Production: Biology, Pathology, Conditioning and Optimisation of Growth.
• Professor Dr. Manuel Lopez Martinez. Senior Technology Officer, Market Downstream and Innovation Department, European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA):
  Innovation in Earth Observation: EUSPA Initiatives to support the use of Earth Observation in Aquaculture.
• Professor Alessio Bonaldo. Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Board Member, European Aquaculture Society:
  Innovation for climate mitigation and adaptation in aquaculture: EU funded Horizon projects addressing climate change for aquaculture: ACTFAST and OCCAM research and innovation actions, pilots and case studies for mitigation & adaptation.

15:00 - 17:20 Theme 3: Circular Economy in EU Aquaculture

• Lorella de la Cruz Iglesias. Deputy Head of Unit – Blue Economy Sectors, Aquaculture and Maritime Spatial Planning, DG MARE, European Commission:
  An EU Policy Context: EU policy on circular economy and aquaculture, including in the context of the European Ocean Pact.
• Alicia Martinez Varela. Business Consulting Manager, NTT Data:
  EU Aquaculture Assistance Mechanism: Circular Economy in Aquaculture – presenting key findings from the circular economy background paper.

Audience feedback / Interactive element

EU Circular Economy Project Pitch Session

• Fish waste – VALORISH (Horizon Europe):
  Akanksha Mishra / Marta Franco
• Sludge valorisation – AQUAPHOENIX (Horizon Europe):
  Dorinde Kleinegris
• Algae byproducts – CIRCALGAE (LIFE22-ENV-IT-LIFE / Horizon Europe):
  Amparo Jimenez Quero / Kasra Mashhadi
• Bivalve shells – GREENLIFE4SEAS (LIFE):
  Grazia Masciandaro
• Educational – BlueAquaEdu (EMFAF):
  George Triantaphyllidis
• Plastic valorisation – LIFE MUSCLES (LIFE):
  Marzia Mattioli

Audience Feedback / Interactive element

Panel Discussion, Q&A and Interactive Dialogue

17:20 - 17:30 Closing Remarks

David Bassett, General Secretary, EATiP