The eagerly anticipated AlgaEurope 2023 Conference is set to take place in Prague, Czech Republic, from 12-15 December 2023.

Organised by DLG Benelux and EABA (European Algae Biomass Association), this year’s conference promises to be an extraordinary gathering of leading experts, researchers, and professionals in the field of algae biomass.

With over 450 participants expected to attend over the four-day conference, AlgaEurope 2023 aims to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation within the algae industry. The event serves as a platform for discussing the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the field.

The conference has received a remarkable response, say organisers, with 261 abstracts submitted, covering a wide range of topics. That includes, but is not limited to Biorefinery, Biostimulant, Cosmetic, Feed, Food, and Regulation.

Abstracts are being evaluated by the Conference Committee and the authors of the accepted abstracts will have the chance to present their work as a speaker or with a poster at AlgaEurope 2023. Moreover, authors whose abstracts are accepted can submit their work to the Journal of Applied Phycology, further enhancing the visibility of their research.

The conference programme is currently being curated, with plans to unveil it at the beginning of November, promising a comprehensive and engaging agenda that will include keynote presentations from renowned experts in the field. This year’s keynote speakers are Philippe Potin (France), Susanna Coelho (Germany), Angela Wulf (Sweden), and Robert Henrikson (USA), who will share their insights and expertise.

One of the highlights of the conference is the poster area, providing researchers with a platform to present their work. New this year is the Poster Presentation Award, recognizing the best posters of AlgaEurope 2023. The Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award will be nominated by the AlgaEurope Evaluation Committee, with an additional Audience Award allowing delegates to vote for their favourite poster via the AlgaEurope App.

The trade show component of the conference has generated immense interest, with more than 18 companies set to showcase their cutting-edge products and services, further highlighting the industry’s growth and innovation.

To foster networking and collaboration, the conference dinner will take place on 13 December at the iconic Municipal House (Obecní dům). This exclusive event offers delegates a unique opportunity to connect and share experiences while enjoying a memorable dinner in a historic setting.

As part of continuous improvement efforts, AlgaEurope 2023 has introduced a conference application, offering participants an efficient way to communicate, schedule meetings, and stay updated on the latest news, ensuring a seamless and engaging conference experience.

AlgaEurope 2023 promises to be a pivotal event in the algae biomass industry, driving progress and innovation forward.

For more information about the conference, registration details, and updates, please visit www.algaeurope.org

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Key players in Scotland’s rapidly growing seaweed industry will be gathering in the picturesque west coast town of Oban next month for the Annual Conference of the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association (SSIA).

The theme of the conference, which takes place from November 14-16, is “How to Scale Responsibly: Unlocking the Potential Through Best Practice.”

It will bring together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore sustainable practices and innovative strategies for scaling the seaweed industry. With a focus on responsible growth, attendees can expect in-depth discussions, engaging presentations, and valuable networking opportunities.

Highlights of the event include:

Conference Sessions: A series of expert-led sessions will delve into key topics such as animal interactions with seaweed farms, offshore wind co-location potential, market applications, and regulatory frameworks. Specialists will share their insights and experiences, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of best practices.

SAMS Nursery and Academy Tour: Participants will have the opportunity to visit the renowned Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) nursery and academy, gaining first-hand knowledge of the latest developments in seaweed research and cultivation.

Networking Reception: The conference will feature a networking reception at the historic Oban Distillery, sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC). This evening event promises to be an excellent opportunity for attendees to connect, share ideas, and establish valuable partnerships.

“We are excited to host the SSIA Annual Conference in Oban, a town known for its stunning coastal beauty and rich maritime heritage,” said Owen Stevens, Chairman of the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association. “Our theme, ‘How to Scale Responsibly,’ reflects our commitment to promoting sustainable growth of the seaweed industry. With the support of our sponsors and the expertise of our speakers, we aim to drive meaningful discussions and inspire positive change.”

The SSIA Annual Conference is expected to draw attendees from across the seaweed sector, including seaweed farmers, scientists, government officials, investors, and environmental advocates. It presents a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to come together and contribute to the industry’s sustainable future.

For registration and additional information about the conference, please visit ssia.scot/conference

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The Fishmongers’ Company is hosting a free one-day conference in London on Thursday 30 November, to turn the spotlight on nature-positive shellfish and seaweed farming. The aim is to showcase the many benefits of this form of aquaculture and to highlight the exciting potential for investment in a growing industry.

The Company said the event is for anyone seeking a nature-positive, carbon-friendly addition for their funding portfolio, and anyone with an interest in this dynamic sector.

Dr Eleanor Adamson, Fisheries Programme Manager at the Fishmonger’s Company said: “The conference will enable professionals, policymakers, government, researchers, aqua farmers and industry experts to get together to discuss and strategise how to accelerate low-trophic aquaculture in the UK.

“This is a priority in the UK Multi Annual National Plan, and the English Aquaculture Strategy, yet major funding institutions have yet to gain sufficient confidence to provide finance for future projects.”

The event, which will be held at Fishmongers’ Hall on London Bridge, will look at the vision for aquaculture in the UK; explore the UK’s marine policies, strategies, and the burgeoning potential for blue investments; and focus on the strategies enhancing ecological aspects of aquaculture, with an emphasis on biodiversity, restoration, and diverse farming ecosystems.

It will also investigate cutting-edge innovations in aquaculture, spanning nutrient trading, market development and commodity potential, and look at progressive dialogues on global conservation frameworks, pioneering models for sustainable aquaculture, and the influence of major market distributors.

A panel discussion on the opportunities, challenges and collaboration opportunities in the UK’s aquaculture sector will round off the day.

A first-class panel of expert speakers from science, finance, government, Crown Estate, marine industries, tech and nature conservation is being lined up to ensure the event makes its mark.

One of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London, the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers has been closely linked to London’s Fish Trade for well over 700 years. Today the Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust supports a wide range of projects and grants spanning education, conservation, fisheries, aquaculture and the seafood trade.

More information about the event can be found on the conference page, on the Fishmongers’ Company website. Entry to the conference is via the waiting list, also on the website.

Fishmongers’ Hall, London

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The second edition of Seagriculture USA 2023, a leading event for the seaweed sector, gathered 293 participants from 185 companies and 18 countries for two days of insightful discussions, knowledge exchange, and networking, from September 6-7.

Hosted in the picturesque city of Portland, Maine, the event brought together a broad spectrum of participants, including seaweed cultivators, processors, distributors, technology providers, investors, academic institutions, research organizations, and government agencies. The conference aims to foster discourse, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s potential and challenges.

An outstanding feature of Seagriculture USA 2023 was the trade show showcasing 19 exhibitors, each representing prominent enterprises contributing to the development of the seaweed industry and local Maine businesses. The dynamic trade show served as a platform, fostering international expansion opportunities and allowing delegates to stay informed about the most recent developments in the seaweed field.

Seagriculture USA 2023 waterfront tour

This year’s Seagriculture featured new opportunities for networking, including the Cocktail Reception which took place at the Portland Museum of Art, providing an informal and relaxed setting for delegates to unwind, connect, and interact.

Speakers at the conference included Professor David Siegel, University of California Santa Barbara (pictured); Jang K.Kim, Professor, Incheon National University, South Korea; and Eliza Harrison, Director of California Operations, Ocean Rainforest, USA.

Julie Decker, Executive Director of Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation closed the conference, along with a video message of Mike Dunleavy, the governor of Alaska. They extended an invitation to all attendees to visit Ketchikan, Alaska for Seagriculture USA 2024. Alaska’s breathtaking natural landscapes with its extensive coastlines and pristine marine environments offer a unique backdrop for the conference.

Afterwards, delegates had the choice of two tours each, exploring Portland and its coastal charm: a Waterfront Tour to learn more about Portland’s working waterfront and a boat tour to see beautiful Casco Bay. The grand finale was held in the Hús, a hubspot for those active in the Blue Economy.

Seagriculture events in 2024:

• Seagriculture EU, 18 – 20 June 2024, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
• Seagriculture USA, 11 – 12 September 2024, Ketchikan, Alaska

The post Seagriculture USA: the Maine event appeared first on Fish Farmer Magazine. By Editors

The Marine Stewardship Council’s annual awards event this year will once again recognise excellence in aquaculture.

For the third consecutive year, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is sponsoring a range of dedicated awards at the MSC event, which is set to take place at the historic Fishmongers’ Hall in London on Thursday, 26 October 2023.

The MSC UK Awards celebrate outstanding achievements and performance in sustainable seafood across the UK. The programme has been running for 10 years.

The ASC awards will recognise the importance of responsibly farmed seafood for UK consumers and honour the remarkable retailers and brands driving sustainability within the supply chain.

Previous winners include leading UK retailers Sainsbury’s and Lidl, and major global supplier, Mowi Consumer Products. The companies were commended for their significant commitment to expanding the availability of responsibly farmed seafood in the UK.

Submissions and nominations are now open. The 2023 ASC awards include three categories, including ASC UK Brand of the Year (the first time this category has been included), and previous categories ASC UK Retailer of the Year and ASC UK Retailer Supplier of the Year.

Entries will be assessed by a panel of industry experts and cover the period from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.

The deadline for submissions and nominations closes at 5pm on Friday, 8 September 2023.

Lorraine Gallagher, ASC Market Development Manager UK and Ireland, said:  “The ASC awards are a brilliant opportunity to recognise and reward the significant progress of our UK partners in supporting the ASC’s mission to transform the UK seafood market towards responsible aquaculture.”

The post ASC awards open for entries appeared first on Fish Farmer Magazine. By Editors

The second edition of Seagriculture USA will take place on 6-7 September in Portland, Maine on the US east coast.

A packed programme aims to celebrate innovation and enterprise in the growing seaweed sector, highlight the latest developments, nurture collaborations, and foster a sense of community within the industry.

As last year, the event is once again being supported by the State of Maine and its following state agencies; Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), Maine Technology Institute (MTI), Maine International Trade Center (MITC) and Maine Office of Tourism. With a spotlight on seaweed investments and scaling up the seaweed industry on one hand, and indigenous communities who will share their stories about working with seaweed on the other hand, this year’s event stands out for its innovative perspectives. The event’s accompanying trade show is a key highlight, offering companies within the seaweed industry an exceptional platform to showcase their innovative products and services to other industry professionals. The trade show will facilitate valuable networking and collaboration opportunities, allowing attendees to stay informed about the most recent developments in the field.

Enhancing the conference experience, Seagriculture USA 2023 places a strong emphasis on fostering direct exchanges between conference delegates. In addition to networking coffee and lunch breaks and the trade show, attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to participate in the Speed Networking, a Cocktail Reception and a networking event called “Networking by the Bay”.

Wade Merritt, President of Maine International Trade Center (MITC) and State Director of International Trade within the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming conference: “We are pleased to welcome global seaweed innovators and industry leaders to gather once again in Maine. Seagriculture USA2023 offers a diverse range of sessions and networking opportunities, making this a must-attend event for anyone looking to grow their business in the seaweed industry.”

Registration for Seagriculture USA 2023 is open, and more information can be found on the conference website www.seagriculture-usa.com.

Cookery demonstration, Seagriculture USA 2022

The post Seagriculture USA 2023: Chances and changes in the seaweed industry appeared first on Fish Farmer Magazine. By Editors

Preparations for the upcoming AFRAQ2023 – the 22nd Annual International Conference and Exposition of the African Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) – were given a boost last week following signature of the hosting agreement by Zambia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

The conference will take place on 13-16 November 2023 in Lusaka, Zambia.

The Government of Zambia has fully committed to collaborate with WAS in ensuring smooth organisation of the event through financial commitments, support to the hiring of convention centre, appointment of State Officials to the conference’s National Organising Committee, national promotions, high-level officiation to the event among other roles and commitments.

The hosting agreement was signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Dr. Anna Songolo in the presence of the Minister, Hon. Makozo Chikoti, also witnessed by other senior officials from the Ministry. From WAS’s side, the President of the African Chapter of WAS co-signed the agreement. Representatives from the Africa Union and Southern Africa Development Community also witnessed the occasion.

The organisers say that more and more institutions, companies and organisations have continued to express their interest to participate at AFRAQ2023.

Aller Aqua Ltd is the Gold Sponsor of AFRAQ2023. Additional sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are still available.  More information is available on www.was.org/meeting/code/AFRAQ23

The post Zambian government signs AFRAQ23 hosting agreement appeared first on Fish Farmer Magazine. By Editors

Seagriculture USA 2023 will take place in Portland (ME), USA from September 6-7, 2023.

The Seagriculture USA conference was successfully launched last year. More than 270 delegates from 12 countries took part in the first edition.

Dive into the world of seaweed and join us for a two-day exploration featuring six plenary sessions, a panel discussion, an accompanying trade show and other networking events such as the Cocktail Reception and the Networking by the Bay experience.

The Seagriculture USA 2023 conference program is designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the seaweed industry, from the latest research to practical applications in the marketplace. The conference gathers top speakers who will share their know-how within seaweed for feed, food, offshore cultivation, investment and business aspects as well as biorefinery of seaweed and much more.

Seagriculture conference 2022

With a diverse range of sessions, the conference provides an opportunity for attendees to learn from experts in the field, network with industry professionals, and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the seaweed industry.

This year the organizers offer a unique networking experience within Seagriculture USA: Networking by the Bay. This event takes place on September 7, 2023 from 3.30 pm – 7.00 pm.

Networking by the Bay is a side program offered within Seagriculture USA 2023 to explore Portland and its coastal charm as well as the opportunity to exchange with the other conference delegates outside the conference room. Within this experience, the organizers offer TWO very exciting tours and you can DECIDE WHICH ONE you would like to join: The Walking the Waterfront Tour OR a Boat Tour in Casco Bay. Both tours will end up at the Hús at 5.30 pm for a final get-together with some drinks and seaweed snacks.

Seagriculture conference 2022

Find out more about the Networking by the Bay event: https://seagriculture-usa.com/networking-by-the-bay/

Please be aware that there are a limited number of places available for the Networking by the Bay experience. So be quick and sign up for Seagriculture USA 2023 and the Networking by the Bay event: https://seagriculture-usa.com/registration/

More information about the highlights and the conference program of Seagriculture USA 2023: https://seagriculture-usa.com/

The post Exciting networking opportunities at Seagriculture USA 2023 appeared first on Fish Farmer Magazine. By Editors

The Scottish Pavilion at the Aqua Nor 2023 trade show in Trondheim this August is offering a packed programme of events and presentations.

Team Scotland’s presence at Aqua Nor is being co-ordinated by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Marine Directorate of the Scottish Government.

Tuesday 22 August, the first day of the show, begins with the official opening of the Scottish Pavilion with Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands. The first day also features presentations from Richard Beesley, Chief Commercial Officer, OTAQ Group on an early warning system for harmful algal blooms; from DSM on its sustainability service, Sustell; from Douglas Martin of MiAlgae on an alternative source of Omega-3 for aquafeed; and Genuswave on the company’s Target Acoustic Startle Technology and Sea Lice Defence Technology.

Wednesday kicks off with Innovation Nations, a panel discussion exploring how different aquaculture-producing nations fund, drive, adopt and commercialise innovation. International panel members will share their experience, challenges and opportunities, and discuss how collaborative approaches towards innovation will drive forward sustainable growth in aquaculture.

It will be followed by a VIP brunch reception with Mairi Gougeon and guests.

Mairi Gougeon, Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands at the ASSG Conference

Presentations in the afternoon will feature Professor Simon MacKenzie of the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture; and Rhona Macdonald and Bill Roy of Moredun Scientific.

Thursday, the final day of the show, sees presentations from James R Dick of the University of Stirling; Fabio Cervellione of DSM on the company’s Digital SalmoFan; and Laura Elphick, Ecosystem Manager, European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) Food.

Fish Farmer magazine will also be hosting a daily draw with bottles of Scotch whisky to give away.

For details of the programme see www.sustainableaquaculture.com/scotland-at-aqua-nor-2023-programme/#gotopavilion-programme-details

Find the Scottish Pavilion at Stand D-334, Hall D in the Trondheim Spektrum exhibition centre. Aqua Nor takes place over 22-23 August.

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