EUROPE

FEAP's 57th Annual General Meeting in Stockholm Champions Sustainability, Innovation and Leadership in Aquaculture

Stockholm, 29 May 2025 – The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) held its 57th Annual General Meeting in Stockholm under the theme "Action, Excellence and Legacy"

FEAP Anual MeetingFEAP

The event brought together aquaculture professionals, national associations, and policymakers to explore the key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of fish farming in Europe.

The event emphasised aquaculture's strategic role in the European Commission's Ocean Pact, calling for the full integration of sustainable fish farming into this flagship initiative. FEAP stressed the sector's potential to contribute to food security, coastal economies, and the protection of marine ecosystems.

One of the focal points was FEAP's contribution to the development of the 2040 Vision for Aquaculture and Fisheries. The federation urged the Commission to acknowledge that EU aquaculture production has remained largely stagnant since 2000, and proposed a forward-looking strategy that embraces competitiveness, environmental sustainability, social acceptance, and generational renewal.

Delegates also addressed the urgent need for a European Cormorant Management Plan. In collaboration with EIFAAC and the European Anglers Alliance (EAA), FEAP presented preliminary findings from a joint survey on predation-related losses affecting aquaculture operations and inland fisheries. These results will inform upcoming policy discussions at the Poland25eu Conference.

Climate change adaptation featured prominently on the agenda, with FEAP announcing its involvement in two Horizon Europe-funded projects: OCCAM, aimed at piloting innovative, low-impact aquaculture practices, and ACTFAST, focused on developing climate-resilient technologies and strategies. Both projects seek to enhance sustainability and long-term viability in European aquaculture.

John Stephanis - FEAP

A standout moment was the presentation of the FEAP Award for Excellence in European Aquaculture to John Stephanis, a trailblazer in the sector. From his founding leadership at Selonda Aquaculture S.A. to his transformative presidency at FEAP and co-founding role in EATiP, Stephanis was recognised for his lifelong dedication to modernising and internationalising European aquaculture. "I am a very happy person, because all my life, I have worked on what I love," he shared during an emotional acceptance speech.

Sweden, as the host nation, took centre stage throughout the meeting. Contributions from Ola Öberg (President of RecirkFisk PO) and representatives from the Swedish Board of Agriculture highlighted national advances in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and youth engagement. Attendees also enjoyed a tasting of Swedish aquaculture products and a networking dinner at Stockholm's iconic "House of People".

FEAP President Lara Barazi closed the event by reaffirming the federation's commitment to strengthening Europe's aquaculture sector through sustainability, innovation, inclusion and generational renewal.