TRAINING

New Mediterranean Aquaculture Demonstration Centre Opens in Crete

Crete, Greece, 26 June 2025 | The new demonstration centre offers a unique platform that combines scientific research, technical training, and practical application

Creta demonstration Centre

The Mediterranean region has taken a significant step forwards advancing sustainable aquaculture with the inauguration of the Mediterranean Finfish Aquaculture Demonstration Centre in Heraklion, Crete. The centre opened with a five-day hands-on training programme attended by researchers and national authorities from Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia.

Developed through a partnership between the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean Marine Research, the facility is the seventh and most advanced of its kind in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region. The Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture also contributed to the initiative.

Located on the HCMR campus, the new demonstration centre offers a unique platform for scientific research, technical training and practical application aimed at supporting innovation and best practices in marine finfish aquaculture.

“After decades of cutting-edge research, and thanks to the support and spectacular development of the Greek aquaculture sector, which now has a leading role in marine fish production in the European Union, we would like to transfer this knowledge to other countries and interested stakeholders, in order to sustainably advance in the era of aquaculture-produced healthy seafood”, said Constastinos Mylonas, director of the HCMR.

One of the defining features of the centre is its collaboration with the European Union Reference Centre for the Welfare of Aquatic Animals (EURCAW-Aqua), coordinated by the University of Crete. This partnership brings together production, research and welfare under one roof, creating a benchmark for climate-resilient and ethically-driven aquaculture.

“The EURCAW-Aqua was established in January 2024 and envisioned as a global gold standard for services provided to national competent authorities in the European Union Member States and addressing the main goal of improving the welfare of aquatic organisms. Priority is given to farmed aquatic species of economic significance for European aquaculture, advancing both welfare and sustainability through science across the Mediterranean region,” explained Professor Michail Pavlidis, director and coordinator of EURCAW-Aqua.

Fostering Regional Cooperation and Inclusion

The centre is part of a wider General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean Marine Research strategy to establish Aquaculture Demonstration Centres across the Mediterranean and Black Sea, with each centre tailored to the specific needs of its subregion. These centres aim to advance research, disseminate best practices and support capacity building among key stakeholders-including women, youth and small-scale farmers.

“The training was an enriching and highly practical experience. I believe participants gained hands-on skills in modern aquaculture, supported by expert trainers and excellent facilities at the ADC. I’m grateful to the GFCM and the Heraklion ADC team for this inspiring opportunity,” said Amany Ahmed Mohamed, General Manager, Veterinary Affairs, Lake and Fish Resources Protection and Dvelopment Agency, Egypt.

As the Mediterranean and Black Sea aquaculture sector grows-currently producing 1.38 million tonnes annually, valued at USD 4.5 billion and providing over 100,000 direct jobs-the MMF-ADC stands as a timely resource. Its emphasis on regional cooperation, knowledge transfer and sustainability aims to equip stakeholders with the tools to drive inclusive and responsible aquaculture development across the basin.