
With less than three weeks to go until AquaFarm 2025, the organisers have released details of the conference themes, which promise to highlight the latest advancements in Mediterranean aquaculture. Scheduled for 12-13 February at Pordenone Fiere, Italy, the event is set to be a key meeting point for researchers, industry leaders, and producers dedicated to sustainability in Mediterranean aquaculture.
AquaFarm 2025 features a comprehensive programme covering a wide range of global and regional topics, including decarbonisation, biodiversity protection, circularity, and innovative technologies. These themes underscore the industry's commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while meeting the growing demand for sustainable seafood.
The programme opens with a session on energy self-sufficiency, showcasing advancements in biogas production and floating photovoltaic panels aimed at reducing energy costs and supporting the European Union's decarbonisation objectives.
Alfonso Macías Dorado from the Andalusian Marine Farmers’ Association (ASEMA) will present the FAO SIPAM proposal for the Bay of Cadiz, a project focused on balancing aquaculture with cultural and environmental preservation. This initiative is expected to inspire other regional producers operating in areas rich in aquaculture tradition.
Over the two days, the event will also highlight research projects such as the SUPERTROUT initiative, which focuses on breeding disease-resistant trout, and CircularRainbow, which aims to achieve sustainability through water recirculation and sludge reuse in trout farming. Another key focus will be the impact of European funding, with sessions exploring how initiatives like FEAMPA have driven innovation in the sector.
Cutting-edge technologies will be central to the agenda, with discussions on Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA), haloponics, and aquaponics systems. These methods integrate species across trophic levels and combine vertical farming with aquaculture, closing resource loops to enhance efficiency and reduce waste. Sessions on artificial intelligence, robotics, and nanotechnology will illustrate how digital innovation is transforming the industry, improving resource use and enabling real-time environmental monitoring.
A dedicated session will delve into circularity in aquaculture, focusing on reducing waste and utilising byproducts for feed production and other purposes. Highlights include the Win4Feed project, which leverages food processing waste for insect-based fish feed, and advancements in biogas plants for producing microbial proteins for aquaculture.
The exhibition area will complement the conference sessions, offering attendees a hands-on opportunity to explore innovative technologies and sustainable solutions from leading companies.
AquaFarm 2025 is poised to position the Mediterranean as a hub of innovation, blending tradition with modernity to tackle the challenges of responsibly feeding a growing global population. With its comprehensive programme, the event will provide an essential platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and practical solutions in sustainable aquaculture.