The AIR Centre hosted the Atlantic Aquaculture Forum 2026 (AAF26) on 8-9 October in Dakar, Senegal, in partnership with Senegal's Agence Nationale de l'Aquaculture (ANA), bringing together policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, investors and students from across the Atlantic to discuss the future of sustainable aquaculture. The event took place back-to-back with the RAFAQUA meeting, held on 7-8 October under the framework of COMHAFAT/ATLAFCO and the Dakar International Aquaculture Exhibition (SIAq Dakar 2026), creating a week-long programme focused on strengthening cooperation, knowledge exchange and sustainable growth in the sector.
Endorsed by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) as an official Ocean Decade Activity, the third edition of the Forum highlighted West Africa's growing role in Atlantic aquaculture and explored how the sector can contribute to sustainable development, job creation and food security.
Discussions underscored the need to strengthen links between research, governance, investment and production. Participants examined national experiences across the Atlantic, shared perspectives on innovation and capacity building, and discussed how digital technologies and artificial intelligence can support aquaculture management in data-scarce environments.
The Forum opened with remarks from AIR Centre Executive Director Miguel Miranda and ANA Director General Samba Kâ, followed by keynote contributions from representatives of COMHAFAT/ATLAFCO, Senegalese research institutions and the AIR Centre. Sessions over the two days addressed Atlantic aquaculture priorities, dialogue between investors and governance institutions, and the practical application of digital and AI-based tools to support decision-making and management.
A key outcome of the week was the invitation extended to the AIR Centre to participate as an observer in this year's RAFAQUA meeting. The invitation reflects the AIR Centre's role in fostering collaboration between African and Atlantic partners through the Atlantic Aquaculture Forum and related initiatives. RAFAQUA is the African aquaculture network associated with COMHAFAT/ATLAFCO, bringing together the national institutions responsible for aquaculture across its 22 member states.
The participation provided an opportunity to engage directly with national aquaculture authorities from across the region, exchange perspectives on shared challenges and opportunities, and explore new avenues for cooperation. It also reinforced the AIR Centre's commitment to strengthening partnerships with African stakeholders and promoting a collaborative Atlantic approach to the sustainable development of aquaculture.
[PC, 16 October 2026]
Collaboration
calendar_today October 15, 2026
The AIR Centre took part in the kick-off meeting of BlueMissionAA2030, held on 1 and 2 October in Dublin, Ireland. The meeting marked the start of a new phase of work supporting the objectives of the EU Mission Ocean & Waters through a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) covering the Atlantic and Arctic regions.
Collaboration
calendar_today October 7, 2026
The AIR Centre is taking part in the RAFAQUA meeting, taking place on 7 and 8 October in Dakar, Senegal, alongside the Salon International de l'Aquaculture de Dakar (SIAq 2026). The event brings together public authorities responsible for aquaculture and fisheries research institutions from across the Atlantic African region to discuss the sustainable development of the sector.
Innovation
calendar_today October 7, 2026
The first edition of the International Aquaculture Exhibition (SIAq) is taking place from 6 to 8 October at the Centre international du commerce extérieur du Sénégal (CICES), in Dakar. The exhibition, which opened today, brings together around 500 experts from some 30 countries, and the AIR Centre is among the participants.
