Insights from the Atlantic Aquaculture Forum

The Atlantic Aquaculture Forum 2024, held between October 14 and 15, in Angra do Heroísmo and Horta, Azores, brought together national and international experts to discuss the development of aquaculture in the Atlantic, including most of the flagship aquaculture units in the Portuguese mainland, Azores and Madeira regions. The event, organized by AIR Centre and in cooperation with the Regional Government of the Azores and the "Escola do Mar", focused on promoting collaboration in this expanding economic sector. Miguel Miranda, Executive Director of the AIR Centre, emphasized the organization's commitment to developing a realistic blue economy. He stressed the importance of cooperation between the economic sector, universities, and the government to make the Atlantic a major aquaculture producer while reducing pressure on traditional fisheries and preserving fish stocks. Miguel Miranda also highlighted several critical aspects of aquaculture development in the Atlantic, stating, "It's not possible to implement a large-scale aquaculture plan without the role of universities. There's genetic improvement work to be done." Miguel Miranda also drew attention to the challenges posed by rising sea temperatures in the Atlantic, noting that this summer, the Azores experienced the highest water temperatures in eight decades. "Warming is here to stay, and each year we'll see slightly higher temperatures than the previous one," he cautioned. Despite these challenges, the Executive Director of the AIR Centre underscored the crucial role of aquaculture in enhancing food sustainability and self-sufficiency in the region. He asserted that developing aquaculture could simultaneously contribute to protein production and increase the wealth of Atlantic countries, positioning it as a key component of a sustainable blue economy. Artur Lima, Vice-President of the Azores Regional Government, highlighted the archipelago's potential for aquaculture development. Studies have identified potential cultivation areas in eight of the nine Azorean islands. Artur Lima emphasized the government's role in regulating and promoting this activity, while calling for increased involvement from the private sector and academic research in advancing aquaculture. "The government's role is to regulate and promote this activity, but partnerships with private entities and research institutions are essential," Artur Lima noted. The event also addressed environmental concerns, with Susana Mira Leal, Rector of the University of the Azores, pointing out potential risks such as water pollution and the impact on native species. The session was attended by the Ambassador of Senegal, the National Aquaculture Director of the Government of Angola, the Honorary Consul of Cape Verde in Portugal, the Director-General of Maritime Policy and the Rector of the University of the Azores, among representatives of various research centres and private companies.

As aquaculture continues to grow as a complement to traditional fishing activities, events like the Atlantic Aquaculture Forum play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Atlantic nations, aiming to balance economic opportunities with environmental stewardship in the blue economy.