Innovative solutions in a changing world
The issues of compatibility and mutual synergy between
the users of marine, brackish and freshwater resources
and their relationship with the quality of those ecosys-
tems are central in promoting the sustainable develop-
ment of the Blue economy and aquaculture.
Traditional and emerging Blue economy sectors, current-
ly operating in the Adriatic, Mediterranean and water
bodies throughout Europe, are expected to grow and ex-
pand over the next years and to sustainably contribute to
food production, biofuel and clean energy.
Nevertheless, scientific literature provides clear evi-
dence that, according to current trends and within 10
years, our coastal and marine environment will change
for sea acidification and warming, sea-level rise and
coastal erosion and all water bodies will be affected by
flooding, eutrophication and pollution, with important
effects on ecosystem services, fish and shellfish stocks
and food security.
Climate change, depletion of natural resources, loss of
biodiversity, food security and safety, environmental
pollution and waste represent important sustainability
challenges for further expansion of European aquaculture
and the ambition of the European Green Deal and the
Farm to Fork Strategy. It will be necessary for the sector
to address these externalities, but also focus on the way
in which we chose, use and re-use resources, as we move
towards a circular Blue economy.
How aquaculture is facing these challenges, and the solu-
tions put in place to develop a sustainable, responsible
and productive and climate neutral European aquacul-
ture sector for key marine and freshwater fish, shellfish
and algal species are the main themes for AE2022 event
in Rimini.
The AE2022 parallel sessions will cover the full scope of
European aquaculture and will comprise submitted oral
and ePoster presentations. AE2022 will also feature an
international trade exhibition, industry forum, student
sessions and activities, satellite workshops and updates
on EU research.