Key Takeaways:
- AquaFarm’s seventh edition, a significant international conference on aquaculture and sustainable fishing, is scheduled for 14th-15th February 2024 in Pordenone, Italy.
- In light of climate change altering aquatic habitats, AquaFarm will focus on pressing industry challenges, emphasizing collaboration and networking as tools for addressing these issues.
- Climate-induced changes have seen a surge in blue crab populations by 2,000% in certain areas, significantly affecting shellfish production in regions like Veneto and Emilia-Romagna.
- The upcoming conference will explore various topics, from research and innovation to sustainability certification and animal welfare, complemented by an expansive international exhibition area.
The world of aquaculture and the sustainable fishing industry is buzzing with excitement as the dates for the seventh edition of the AquaFarm conference and trade show have been announced. Set to take place on the 14th and 15th of February 2024 in Pordenone, Italy, this international gathering has become a focal point for industry insiders, researchers, and enthusiasts.
AquaFarm has unveiled a new logo that now features a mussel in addition to a fish. This subtle but significant change underscores the vast realm of shellfish farming, a critical aspect of the global aquaculture sector.
However, the industry today grapples with multifaceted challenges. The aftermath of the global pandemic caused a slump in seafood product purchases. Moreover, the escalating effects of climate change, with rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells, alter aquatic habitats. These changes bear significant repercussions for breeding farming across diverse water environments.
Pier Antonio Salvador, the Italian Fish Farmers Association President, emphasized the mounting challenges. He remarked, “The effects of climate change and the ecological transition are our industry’s new challenges. Industry stakeholders must collaborate, and AquaFarm is the quintessential networking hub.”
Indeed, the consequences of climate change are glaringly evident. In some regions, the blue crab population has skyrocketed by a staggering 2,000%. This surge has wreaked havoc on shellfish production, particularly in Italy’s north-east coast, encompassing areas like Veneto and Emilia-Romagna. Highlighting the crucial role of research in these trying times, Luigino Pela, President of the Mediterranean Aquaculture Association, commented, “AquaFarm provides a platform to underscore the pressing need to anticipate and combat the repercussions of these climatic shifts.”
The seventh edition promises to be a melting pot of discussions on climate change, research, innovation, sustainability certification, and animal welfare. Furthermore, technology and nutrition will be under the spotlight. Attendees can look forward to an expansive international exhibition area, a unique section dedicated to universities, and the much-anticipated show cooking arena.
Renato Pujatti, President of Pordenone Fiere, expressed his enthusiasm and belief in the potential of AquaFarm. He said, “AquaFarm is pivotal for the future trajectory of Pordenone Fiere. With its global reach, deep expertise, and scientific undertone, we believe it offers exhibitors unparalleled growth prospects, benefiting the local region as well.”
Since its inception in 2017, AquaFarm has seen remarkable growth. The previous edition witnessed a 62% increase compared to 2022 and a 25% rise from the last pre-pandemic edition. The event, organized by Pordenone Fiere in collaboration with other prominent entities, attracted 130 exhibitors, with 35% hailing from abroad and almost 7,000 sq m of exhibition space.
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