Aquaculture and the so-called blue economy are experiencing a boom, as evidenced by the number of specialized events, conferences, workshops, and seminars held each year in Spain and Europe. If you work in the sector, are a researcher, or are simply interested in how seafood production and ocean management are transforming, you have a busy and very interesting agenda ahead.
Over the next few months , policymakers, scientists, businesses, industry organizations, and young researchers will gather in various cities to discuss sustainability, funding, innovation, energy transition, communication, and business opportunities related to the sea. We will review, in detail and without leaving anything out, the main aquaculture and blue economy events that are shaping the landscape in Spain and Europe.
A busy schedule of aquaculture and blue economy events
Within the blue economy agenda, one of the major milestones will be the Tomorrow.Blue Economy World Congress, a meeting to be held in Barcelona from November 3 to 5, 2026, which is shaping up to be the global focal point for discussions on the sustainable future of the oceans . This congress, promoted by the city of Barcelona and with the Port of Barcelona as a global partner, will bring together international leaders who are driving the transformation of the ocean economy towards greener, more resilient, and more competitive models.
This forum is expected to draw participants from institutions, technology companies, ports, startups, and international organizations working at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and the responsible use of marine resources . While the focus is broad (the blue economy in a global sense), aquaculture and sustainable fishing will play a central role in discussions about the future of food, food security, decarbonizing the value chain, and new business opportunities in the maritime environment.
This world congress joins a long list of strategic events promoted or supported by the European Commission, national ministries, cooperation networks, and sectoral entities , all aimed at aligning policies, sharing best practices, and building joint projects. Aquaculture, as one of the pillars of the blue economy, directly benefits from this ecosystem of meetings and forums.
Furthermore, the overall agenda for the marine and aquaculture sector includes networking events, training seminars, specialized trade fairs, and workshops designed to foster synergies between science, government, and the production sector . This mix of formats allows both large institutional players and small businesses, local fishing and aquaculture associations, and local action groups (LAGs) to find their place.
European meetings on marine strategies and territorial cooperation
The European Union promotes a series of regular events dedicated to macro-regional and river basin strategies , which are essential for coordinating marine, fisheries, and aquaculture policies among member states. A key example is the EU Macro-regional and River Basin Strategy Conference 2026, which will take place on July 1 and 2, 2026, in Brussels.
These conferences will bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, and professionals working in cooperation frameworks such as the Baltic, Adriatic-Ionian, Danube, and Atlantic basins, among others. For aquaculture, these types of meetings are essential because they allow for the harmonization of regulations, the sharing of projects funded by European funds, and the addressing of common challenges such as climate change, maritime spatial planning, and data management.
In parallel, another specific session will also be held in Brussels on these same strategies and marine basins. Both events will present concrete examples of cooperation, results of ongoing projects, and new funding opportunities that could shape the future of aquaculture in different regions of Europe, including coastal areas with a strong fishing and aquaculture tradition.
Another important cooperation forum is the Interreg Europe event “Europe, Let’s Cooperate,” which in 2026 will dedicate two days to reviewing the program’s results, discussing its future, and demonstrating how interregional cooperation can improve public policies related to the environment, natural resources, and the blue economy . This type of meeting facilitates the exchange of solutions and public policy tools between regions with shared interests in aquaculture and fisheries.
Leading conferences and forums in aquaculture and sustainable fishing
Among the most important events directly related to aquaculture is the 20th National Aquaculture Congress, which the Spanish Aquaculture Society (SEA) will hold from June 1st to 4th, 2026, at the Afundación headquarters in Vigo. This congress returns to Galicia 40 years after its first edition in O Grove, giving it special significance and underscoring the historical importance of the Galician coast in the development of Spanish aquaculture.
This national congress will showcase research results, technological innovations, business experiences, and management proposals in areas such as marine species fattening and breeding, animal welfare, nutrition and feed, biosecurity, species diversification , and integration with marine renewable energies . It also serves as a meeting point for students and young researchers beginning their careers in the sector.
On the international stage, the 4th Global Sustainable Seafood Galicia Forum, organized by the Nueva Pescanova Foundation, will once again transform Vigo and Galicia into an international hub for discussions on sustainable fishing and aquaculture . This forum, to be held on April 28, 2026, will bring together stakeholders across the entire seafood value chain, from fishing and aquaculture companies to certification bodies, environmental NGOs, and government representatives.
The forum's agenda typically addresses issues such as traceability, sustainability certifications, the social impact of fishing and aquaculture, innovation in industrial processes, climate change mitigation, and the adaptation of fleets and farms . It is a key platform for aligning economic interests with increasingly stringent environmental and social demands.
Another significant milestone will be the 1st Iberian Congress of Artisanal Fisheries 2026, created to raise the profile of artisanal fisheries in Spain and Portugal. The aim of this congress is to generate shared knowledge, exchange experiences, and strengthen the relationship between science, management, and the artisanal fishing sector . Although its main focus is fishing, it has many connections with coastal aquaculture and mixed coastal resource management models.
Specialized events: petfood, aquafeed and technical platforms
Within the technical and scientific sphere, the CS Petfood & Aquafeed Symposium, geared towards the pet food and aquaculture feed sectors, is of particular importance. This type of event serves as a point of contact between feed manufacturers, animal nutrition researchers, ingredient companies, and representatives of intensive and extensive aquaculture.
Innovation in aquafeed is a key driver for improving the sector's sustainability, reducing the use of fishmeal and fish oil and exploring new protein sources such as insects, microalgae , and byproducts from other industries . A symposium like this allows for the analysis of formulations, regulatory trends, costs, and performance of new feeds, which directly impacts the efficiency of aquaculture operations.
Alongside these technical events, the FAMENET network organizes several key meetings for those managing projects and funds related to fisheries and aquaculture. One example is the networking seminar in Pärnu, Estonia, specifically aimed at Local Action Groups (LAGs) working with the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFF). At this seminar, participants can explore new avenues for cooperation, learn from success stories, and forge transnational partnerships.
FAMENET has also organized an online seminar focused on the outermost regions (ORs), with the aim of launching a new learning network among the Local Action Groups (LAGs) in these territories. The objective is to build a stable exchange network that allows islands and regions far from the mainland to share specific challenges and tailored solutions , which are highly relevant to island and tropical aquaculture.
Energy transition, blue economy and major institutional events
A high-level conference dedicated to the energy transition for fisheries and aquaculture in the European Union will be held in 2026. This event will bring together key stakeholders, experts, and policymakers from the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector to discuss how to accelerate fleet decarbonization, improve the energy efficiency of aquaculture facilities, integrate renewable energy, and reduce emissions.
The energy transition is one of the most complex challenges for aquaculture operations, which must adapt their infrastructure and processes to a context of volatile energy prices, increased regulatory requirements, and rising consumer and market expectations . This conference is poised to shape the agenda for investments and public support in the coming years.
Another important event is the REGP 2026 Plenary Session, organized by the Directorate General for Fisheries and Aquaculture Management of the General Secretariat for Fisheries, in collaboration with the Directorate General for Maritime Policy and Sustainable Fisheries. For three days, from May 19 to 21, 2026, fisheries and aquaculture management officials, government technicians, and industry representatives will meet to review the current status of policies, regulations, and management plans.
The REGP (Spanish Network of Fishing Groups, or other similar structures depending on the administrative context) serves as a platform for analyzing the implementation of European funds, the results of local projects, coordination between autonomous communities, and the integration of aquaculture into coastal strategies . Plenary sessions are key to identifying common problems and adjusting lines of action.
Alongside these events, European Maritime Day 2026 will be celebrated on May 21 and 22 in Limassol, Cyprus. This annual event, organized by the European Commission, brings together the European maritime community for two days of discussion, collaboration, and action focused on a sustainable blue economy . Aquaculture is fully integrated into the program, both in plenary sessions and in thematic workshops and parallel events.
Conference on financing, innovation and Horizon Europe
The blue economy and aquaculture depend heavily on the ability to access financing and leverage European support programs. It is within this context that the “Roadshow: Financing Opportunities in the Blue Economy,” taking place on February 27, 2026, in Gijón, is framed. This event, organized by the Gijón Azul Think Tank in collaboration with Spain National Hub, will offer a comprehensive session on the various funding sources available for maritime and aquaculture projects.
During the event, resources such as the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFF) , innovation programs, financial instruments from the European Investment Bank, and potential synergies with other regional or national funds will be presented. It is a highly practical opportunity for project promoters, local authorities, marine clusters, and companies in the sector.
On the other hand, the Horizon Europe Information Days for Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment) will be held on January 22 and 23, 2026, in Brussels at the Charlemagne Conference Centre, with online streaming. These days will provide detailed information on calls for research and innovation projects related to aquaculture, fisheries, and aquatic resource management.
These sessions explain strategic priorities, participation requirements, tools for finding partners, and examples of successful proposals. For universities, technology centers, companies, and government agencies, it is practically a must-attend event if they want to position themselves in high-impact European consortia in the aquaculture sector.
Training and communication: online workshops and digital skills
Beyond major conferences, the sector increasingly recognizes the importance of communication and digital skills. FAMENET has organized an online workshop dedicated to social media communication and dissemination strategies , focused on helping projects and entities linked to FEMPA improve their online presence. This workshop addresses topics such as the use of different platforms, defining target audiences, profile management, and creating tailored content.
The workshop also offered practical guidance on overcoming limitations in time, resources, and a lack of specific communication skills —a common challenge for small Local Action Groups (LAGs), fishermen's guilds, and local entities. In addition, the InformEU network was presented, which aims to improve the visibility of European funds and strengthen the exchange of best practices in institutional communication.
Following the same training approach, an online workshop on “Applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to communication at FEMPA” has been developed. The central idea is that communication is a fundamental pillar in the fund's development: it not only serves to publicize projects, but also to bring FEMPA closer to the public, guarantee transparency, and strengthen trust in institutions.
This workshop explores practical uses of AI for generating content, analyzing audiences, automating repetitive tasks, and improving information accessibility. For aquaculture and fisheries project managers, these tools can multiply the impact of their initiatives without significantly increasing communication costs , provided they are used judiciously and in compliance with current data protection and ethical regulations.
International events on oceans and the blue economy
Also noteworthy in the European landscape are the European Ocean Days 2026, conceived as a full week of dynamic and interconnected sessions focused on major ocean-related issues. Their purpose is to engage all relevant stakeholders and advance towards a shared vision that combines economic prosperity, global competitiveness, security, and the sustainability of the seas.
Throughout these sessions, policies, initiatives, and projects are analyzed in areas such as marine protection, the blue economy, ocean research, spatial planning, technological innovation, and international cooperation . Aquaculture emerges as a key element in discussions on sustainable food, food security, and the efficient use of marine resources.
Another event with a strong social component is WIN-BIG Atlantic, focused on empowering women in the Atlantic Blue Economy. This gathering will take place in Málaga on March 25 and 26, 2026, at La Térmica, and will bring together leading women, innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals with a clear commitment to the ocean . The goal is to move towards a more inclusive, innovative, and diverse blue economy.
For two days, discussions will focus on skills development, networking, support mechanisms for female entrepreneurship, and increasing the visibility of women's talent in fishing, aquaculture, marine research, biotechnology, and other emerging sectors of the blue economy . For the aquaculture ecosystem, the diversity of profiles and the presence of women in leadership positions are factors that contribute to innovation and resilience.
Trade fairs and exhibitions specializing in aquaculture and related sectors
Among the trade fairs, AquaFarm 2026 stands out, an event that brings together leading figures in research and innovation in aquaculture, algae farming, and sustainable fishing each year . At this fair, technology manufacturers, production companies, research centers, and service providers come together to discuss trends, present new products, and finalize business agreements.
Algae cultivation and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture are recurring themes at AquaFarm, as they allow for the exploration of more circular production models with a smaller environmental footprint . Digital solutions, automation, facility sensors, and real-time environmental monitoring are also addressed. Algae cultivation also serves as an example for new value chains and local revitalization.
In a different sphere, but with clear links to the blue economy, is AULA 2026, the International Student and Educational Opportunities Fair. It is aimed at students in their fourth year of ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education) and Bachillerato (Upper Secondary Education), as well as families, teachers, and guidance counselors. The General Secretariat for Fisheries participates in this fair, showcasing academic and professional opportunities related to fishing and aquaculture , as well as other studies linked to the sea, biology, technology, and even maritime engineering.
This presence at AULA helps to showcase aquaculture as a stable, technologically advanced career path with a strong focus on innovation , overcoming stereotypes and improving the public perception of the industry. At the same time, it promotes generational renewal in a sector that needs to incorporate young talent with new digital, environmental, and management skills.
Aquaculture Day in the Region of Murcia: a themed week
Beyond the major European and national forums, aquaculture has its own specific celebrations designed to bring it closer to the public. A prime example is the series of events organized in the Region of Murcia to mark Aquaculture Day 2025. From November 24 to 30, the region will host the main events of this national commemoration , with the Naval Technology Center (CTN) serving as the central venue, in collaboration with the Spanish Aquaculture Society (SEA), the driving force behind the initiative.
Throughout the week , technical conferences, exhibitions, workshops , informative talks, and gastronomic events will be held to highlight the role of aquaculture in food production, the regional economy, and scientific innovation. The goal is to raise awareness of the industry, educate the public about its challenges, and demonstrate how it can contribute to a more sustainable food system.
Among the most outstanding activities are the NORA6 International Meeting, which will bring together experts and entities linked to aquaculture and the marine environment; a fair of projects focused on aquaculture and related topics; and a large exhibition in the Port of Cartagena under the title "Aquaculture, source of life", intended to show in an accessible and visual way how different species are cultivated and what benefits the activity brings.
The program also includes the 4th "Cartagena with a taste of the sea" Conference, which combines education and gastronomy to highlight the aquaculture and fishing products of the area; a tuna cutting demonstration as a culinary and technical showcase; and an open house at the IEO Marine Farming Plant in Murcia, which will allow the public to see firsthand the research and production facilities, as well as the scientific advances behind each farmed fish fillet.
This week will also see the SEA General Assembly of Members and the SEA Young Researchers and Students Assembly (JIE-SEA), reinforcing the role of the scientific community and the new generations. On the main day, November 27th, at the CTN, the SEA will present the Award for the Best Doctoral Thesis defended in 2024, as well as a special recognition to Paloma Carballo Tejero for her outstanding professional career and her continued support of aquaculture and the SEA itself . The full program can be found on the official event channels.
Taken together, all these events, conferences, workshops, and activities create a highly dynamic ecosystem where aquaculture, sustainable fishing, and the blue economy share the spotlight . From major international forums in cities like Barcelona, Brussels, Vigo, Limassol, and Málaga to thematic weeks in regions like Murcia, as well as online workshops and seminars for Local Action Groups (LAGs) and fund managers, the sector has numerous opportunities to discuss, learn, collaborate, and engage with society. Taking advantage of this agenda is key to staying current, building alliances, and contributing to a fairer, more innovative, and more sustainable marine future.
