Sustainable Fisheries & Blue Food in the North Atlantic

On December 4–5, 2024, the AIR Centre participated in the International Conference on Sustainable Fisheries & Future Blue Food in the North Atlantic, organized by the Portuguese Ocean Decade Committee in collaboration with Norway's Institute of Marine Research (IMR), the DOCAPESCA, the Portuguese IOC Committee, and with the support of the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA). This conference brought together experts and stakeholders from fishing and aquaculture industries, scientific communities, NGOs, and policymakers to tackle pressing challenges in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture innovation, and the potential of blue foods to address global nutritional needs. Since joining the Stakeholder Forum in the scope of the Portuguese UN Ocean Decade Committee—a recognition of its pivotal role in amplifying the Atlantic's voice and fostering equitable cooperation among national and regional ocean-focused organizations—the AIR Centre has actively contributed to these discussions, championing collaborative ocean solutions and advancing SDG14 (Life Below Water), SDG2 (Zero Hunger), SDG13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for teh Goals), in alignment with the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. A key session on Sustainable Aquaculture featured Adriano Lima of the AIR Centre, who presented Shaping the Future of Aquaculture: Technology and Practice Exchange. The presentation highlighted the AIR Centre's dedication to advancing a practical and sustainable blue economy. It showcased the ASTRAL project (2020–2024), which, through international collaboration, provided innovative insights into building sustainable and resilient food systems while addressing global challenges in marine ecosystem management. The session also shared the outcomes of the Atlantic Aquaculture Forum 2024, held on October 14–15 and organized by the AIR Centre in partnership with the Regional Government of the Azores and Escola do Mar. The event highlighted the importance of cross-Atlantic collaboration in fostering a sustainable blue economy that harmonizes economic growth with environmental preservation. The participation of AIR Centre in the International Conference on Sustainable Fisheries & Future Blue Food in the North Atlantic underscored its capacity to leverage its Atlantic network to mobilize diverse stakeholders, advancing solutions that benefit Atlantic communities and beyond. It exemplifies the Centre’s commitment to its ambition of creating a sustainable and inclusive future for the Atlantic region.