INNOAQUA was present at Seagriculture EU 2026, a leading conference dedicated to seaweed and macroalgae value chains. The event brought together researchers, industry representatives, and policymakers to explore the growing role of macroalgae in sustainable aquaculture and bio-based applications.
Bringing together 229 delegates from 28 countries, the 2026 edition highlighted the scale of interest in macroalgae and its increasing relevance for the future of aquaculture.
Presenting Results from INNOAQUA’s Portuguese Pilot
INNOAQUA was brought to Seagriculture EU 2026 through the participation of project partner A4F – Algae for Future. Dr Rui Pereira, Director of the Centre for Innovation in Macroalgae, joined the scientific programme with a poster presentation showcasing the project’s work.
The poster, titled “INNOAQUA – Land-Based IMTA Pilot in Portugal, with Sole & Macroalgae”, presented results from the project’s demo site in Portugal. It highlighted the development of a SMART-IMTA (Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture) unit, combining fish production with macroalgae cultivation to improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
At the core of the system is the integration of species at different trophic levels, enabling nutrients from fish farming to be reused within the production cycle. In the INNOAQUA pilot, macroalgae play a central role by capturing these excess nutrients and transforming them into valuable biomass, closing the loop within the system.
Contributing to Key Sector Discussions
Seagriculture EU 2026 provided a strong platform to explore innovation in algae cultivation, sustainable ingredients, and circular production models, all closely aligned with INNOAQUA’s work.
Through the poster presentation and exchanges at the event, the project contributed to discussions on the integration of macroalgae into aquaculture systems. The SMART-IMTA approach showcased how multi-species systems can enhance resource efficiency and support more sustainable production.
The event also offered the opportunity to gather insights on emerging technologies and market developments, helping ensure that project activities remain aligned with sector needs.
Strengthening Scientific Exchange
Seagriculture EU is a key meeting point for stakeholders across the macroalgae value chain. Participation in this event allows INNOAQUA partners to connect with experts from research, industry, and policy, and to position project developments within a rapidly evolving sector.
Through A4F’s contribution, INNOAQUA reached a specialised audience focused on algae innovation. These interactions support the visibility of project results and reinforce the role of collaboration across the consortium in advancing sustainable aquaculture solutions.
