The INNOAQUA project, represented by project coordinator NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, participated in the prestigious Aquaculture Europe 2025 conference, held in Valencia, Spain, from September 22 to 25, 2025. The event gathered more than 3,000 participants from across the globe, including researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and students, to discuss the future of aquaculture in Europe and beyond.
Aquaculture Europe 2025 showcased the diversity of species, technologies, and markets that define modern aquaculture. The event promoted a vision of aquaculture that is environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially inclusive—aligned with INNOAQUA’s core values. With parallel scientific sessions, an international exhibition, industry forums, student activities, and networking events, AE2025 served as an unparalleled opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate and innovate towards a sustainable future.
INNOAQUA was showcased at a dedicated booth, where project representatives shared the latest materials including factsheets and folders highlighting the project’s objectives, ongoing research, and results. Throughout the event, the booth served as a hub for discussions on the integration of algae-based solutions within aquaculture systems, drawing strong interest from visitors across academia, industry, and government sectors. All distributed materials were quickly collected by attendees, reflecting the growing curiosity around circular and sustainable practices in aquaculture.
Scientific Contribution: Integration of Microalgae and Salmon
During the scientific sessions, Hanna Böpple (NORCE) delivered an engaging presentation introducing the INNOAQUA project and its advancements in integrating microalgae with salmon aquaculture. Her talk, attended by approximately 50 participants, highlighted how algae integration can enhance fish welfare, resource efficiency, and environmental performance in aquaculture operations. The presentation underlined INNOAQUA’s ambition to bridge ecological innovation with practical industrial application, contributing to the EU’s broader goals for sustainable food systems.
Gender Balance and Diversity in Aquaculture
In addition to the technical sessions, INNOAQUA’s presence extended to the panel debate ‘Women in Aquaculture – Attracting New Talents in Aquaculture: Think Out of the Box, Be Disruptive and Inclusive!’ This inspiring session, part of the European Aquaculture Society meetings, emphasized the importance of inclusivity, innovation, and gender balance in shaping the future of the aquaculture sector. By representing INNOAQUA in this discussion, the project also reinforced its commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women within research and innovation activities.
The participation of INNOAQUA at AE2025 not only strengthened its visibility among international peers but also contributed to spreading awareness of algae’s role in advancing a more circular and resilient aquaculture sector.
