Following the record-breaking success of Aquaculture Europe 2025 in Valencia, Spain – which attracted 3,115 participants from 97 countries – the European Aquaculture Society (EAS) has announced that its next annual event will take place in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
The event will run from 28 September to 2 October 2026 and will be hosted at the Gospodarsko Razstavisce Exhibition and Congress Centre, located just 20 minutes’ walk from the city centre.
The organising committee is chaired by Nives Ogrinc from the Jožef Stefan Institute, while the steering committee includes Daniel Żarski (Polish Academy of Sciences) and Irena Fonda (Fonda Fish Farm). Programme co-chairs are Simona Sušnik Bajec (University of Ljubljana) and Tanja Šegvić Bubić (Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split).
Taking the theme “Aquaculture in Global Change”, the conference will address how climate change is transforming food systems and posing new challenges to aquaculture worldwide.
The 2026 edition will hold particular significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the EAS.
According to the organisation, the plenary sessions will focus on the impact of global warming on inland and coastal production, particularly for small and medium-sized operators with limited capacity to adapt. Discussions will explore how rising temperatures, fluctuating oxygen levels, and changes in salinity and pH affect species performance, animal welfare and productivity.
These environmental shifts could drive diversification in species, site relocation, or the creation of new production areas. They may also open opportunities, including the development of carbon credit systems recognising the ecosystem services provided by aquatic organisms.
AE2026 will highlight the latest research on species adaptation, breeding, nutrition, health and welfare in the face of climate change. Although Slovenia’s aquaculture sector remains small, the country has plans to develop existing operations and new production methods. Strategically located between Italy, Croatia, Hungary and Austria, Slovenia provides a central meeting point for both inland and marine aquaculture in southern Europe.
Alongside the scientific conference, AE2026 will feature a major trade exhibition where regional and international companies will present their latest products and innovations.
Industry-focused forums and panel discussions will address current challenges and opportunities in the aquaculture sector. Technical tours, association meetings and workshops linked to EU projects will also form part of the programme.
Students will be offered a full registration package that includes a dedicated workshop and social reception. EAS membership remains free for students, who are required to present a valid student ID to qualify for discounted rates.
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