Diseases, parasites, predators, non-indigenous species and algal or jellyfish blooms can also decrease production and challenge aquatic animal welfare. These effects may require the relocation of sites or the allocation of new sites for production. However, these changes may also provide opportunities to diversify to new species production or the combined production of species that can better mitigate effects. Opportunities also lie in the development of a clear and transparent credit system for the carbon sequestration and other ecosystem services that aquatic animal groups, whether in freshwater or coastal habitats, provide.

Taking place in the beautiful Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, AE2026 will put the focus on adaptation to climate effects, the latest research on species adaption capacity and the health/welfare/nutrition/breeding factors that underline this. While Slovenia has a low aquaculture production, it has plans for development of existing and new production methods and species and it is at the heart of central/southern Europe - adjacent to Italy, Croatia, Hungary and Austria – and hence providing a regional focus for both inland and marine aquaculture.

Aquaculture Europe 2027

Athens, Greece Date: October 18-21, 2027 Theme: Smart and Resilient Aquaculture Gold sponsor:

PRESS RELEASE - 2025.10.07

Aquaculture Europe 2027 will take place in Athens !

The Board of Directors of the European Aquaculture Society (EAS) have approved Athens as the location for its Aquaculture Europe (AE) 2027, following a successful bid from Greek stakeholders and site visit by EAS staff.

AE2027 will take place at the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre from October 18-21, 2027, and taking the theme “Smart and Resilient Aquaculture.” As every year, AE2027 will comprise a scientific conference, trade exhibition, industry forums, workshops, sector meetings, student events and receptions. AE2027 will be a showcase for Greece, but also a meeting and exchange platform for experts from around the world.

Greece is among the leading producers of Mediterranean aquaculture, particularly in sea bass and sea bream, and holds the top position in fish farming within the EU-27. Fish farming in Greece accounts for 20% of the volume and sales value of farmed fish in the EU-27. Aquaculture is therefore a major socioeconomic driver and a pillar of development. The country also has advanced research institutions and universities specializing in aquaculture sciences, and Athens serves as an aquaculture hub, bringing together the government, regulatory authorities, industry, and academia to promote aquaculture development. Key institutions include the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the Hellenic Aquaculture Producers Organization, the Agricultural University of Athens, and the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research.

EAS is also proud to announce that IRIDA will be the Gold Sponsor of AE2027. Known widely as a major aquaculture feed producer in the mediterranean, the company is also involved in fish production and speciality fish health products and services.

Nikos Papaioannou, IRIDA’s Chairman and co-founder commented that “Hosting Aquaculture Europe 2027 in Athens is a milestone for Greece—the country that first scaled Mediterranean aquaculture and still leads the EU-27. Backed by leading universities, research centres and strong governmental support, Greece continues to advance innovation and sustainability in our sector. IRIDA has been supporting Aquaculture Europe for many years, both as exhibitors and through scientific contributions from our R&D team. As Gold Sponsor, we are honoured—and feel a clear responsibility—to help make AE2027 a success, in a city that has long nurtured the birth and exchange of new ideas.”

Ismini Bogdanou from The Hellenic Aquaculture Producers Organization (HAPO), who is actively involved in the AE2027 Local Organising Committee said that “HAPO  is deeply honoured to be part of Aquaculture Europe 2027 and support this prestigious international event which will take place in Athens, Greece, a recognition of the strength, innovation, and potential of the Greek aquaculture sector. Hosting AE2027 in Athens offers a unique opportunity to showcase our industry’s progress, foster collaboration across borders, and contribute to the sustainable growth of aquaculture in Europe and beyond. We look forward to welcoming delegates to experience the excellence of Greek aquaculture and the renowned hospitality of our country”.

Marc Vandeputte, EAS President 2024-2026 also expressed his satisfaction with the EAS Board decision. “Organising our event in Greece is long overdue, with our last Aquaculture Europe event in Greece having been held back in 2011 in Rhodos. Having AE2027 in Athens will not only provide attendees with direct exposure to one of Europe’s most dynamic aquaculture sectors, but also to extensive research and innovation and a rich cultural heritage”.

Aquaculture Europe events web site https://www.aquaeas.org/