European aquaculture is moving forward this week on several complementary fronts: stronger institutional dialogue, new models for sharing marine space and professional training for a more digitalised sector.
The misPeces Aquaculture Radar brings together three developments which, while not representing major market shifts on their own, help slow where some of the sector’s priorities in Europe are heading.
EATIP calls for aquaculture to be recognised as a strategic sector in future EU R&I funding
Brussels, 28 May 2026 | EATIP and other European Technology Platforms have called on the European Parliament and the Council to recognise agriculture, aquaculture and food systems as strategic sectors within the European Competitiveness Fund and the next EU research and innovation framework programme.
The statement warns that these sectors risk being underrepresented in emerging EU competitiveness instruments, despite their role in food security, economic resilience, the bioeconomy and Europe’s strategic autonomy.
For aquaculture, the message underlines the need to secure dedicated support for applied R&I, technology transfer and production-oriented innovation.
Read here the statement
Italy updates its sustainable aquaculture certification scheme to strengthen traceability and market value
Rome, Italy, 26 May 2026 | Italy has updated the standard governing its sustainable aquaculture certification scheme, introducing new requirements on origin, traceability, technical farm management, animal welfare and environmental impact.
The revision strengthens the assessment of environmental footprint using the PEF methodology, introduces progressive improvement plans and foresees a reduction in CO₂ emissions within five years.
The scheme supported at sector level by the Associazione Piscicoltori Italiani, aims to improve the market visibility of certified production and consolidate Italian aquaculture as part of the Made in Italy agri-food sector.
In a Mediterranean market under pressure from costs, imports and growing demand for verifiable sustainability, certification could become a tool for business differentiation, provided the label is recognised by retailers, foodservice operators and consumers.
Anna Pyc takes over as FEAP President at an assembly focused on the future of European aquaculture
Limassol, Cyprus | The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) held its Annual General Meeting in Limassol, hosted by the Cyprus Mariculture Association, bringing together producer representatives, European institutions and international organisation to discuss the future of European aquaculture.
The meeting included contributions from Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, as well as representatives from EATiP, FAO and WWF, who shared perspectives on the main challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
Issues highlighted durin the meeting included fish health and welfare, climate and environmental pressures, innovation, communication and the strategic development of European aquaculture.
The assembly also marked an important institutional transition with the election of Anna Pyć as the new President of FEAP, succeeding Lara Barazi Geroulanou, whose leadership and contribution to European aquaculture were recognised during the event. The meeting was also saw Jacek Juchniewicz received the FEAP Award in recognition of his lifetime contribution to the European aquaculture sector.
AAC and MAC to mark ten years of advisory work for aquaculture and seafood markets in Brussels
The Aquaculture Advisory Council (AAC) and the Market Advisory Council (MAC) will hold a joint event in Brussels on 10 June to mark their tenth anniversary. The event will review the evolution and achievements of both bodies and discuss sustainable aquaculture production in the European Union and the EU market for fisheries and aquaculture products.
The event will include the participation of European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis; Manuel Barange, Assistant Director-General of the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division; representatives of national administrations and sector organisations.
The full programme is available here
AquaWind survey stakeholder view on multi-use platforms combining floating wind and aquaculture
The Aquawind project has launched a survey to assess perceptions of multi-use platforms combining floating offshore wind and aquaculture. After almost four years of work, the initiative, coordinated by the Canary Island Agency of Research, Innovation and Information Society (ACIISI), has moved from concept to the installation of a physical prototype in the Atlantic, at the PLOCAN test site.
The consultation comes at a time when the main challenge for this type of development appears to be shifting form technology to regulation, administration and social acceptance.
Against a backdrop of growing competition for maritime space and progress in offshore wind in Spain and across Europe, AquaWind aims to collect input from industry, academia, public administration and citizens to help shape the future of hybrid models linking aquaculture and renewable energy.
AQUATECHinn 4.0 to launch online training platform for Aquaculture 4.0
The AQUATECHinn 4.0 learing platform will be officially launched on 17 June during the project’s final conference at the University of Algarve, in an event organised by the Centre of Marine Sciences of the Algarve (CCMAR).
Developed under the European project of the same name, the platform aims to strengthen the skills of aquaculture professionals and students as the sector moves towards more digitalised, automated and sustainable production systems.
The free, online certified programme will consist of three modules totalling 120 hours of learning and will cover aquaculture technologies, sustainability, animal health, biosecurity, welfare, nutrition and reproduction.
The platform will include multimedia resources, interactive assessments, digital tools, virtual reality experiences and gamified applications, and will be available in English, French, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, Greek and Turkish.
The full information is available here
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