Between 4th and 7th October, the international conference Aquaculture Europe 2021 was held in Funchal under the motto "A Sea of Opportunities". This conference, organized by the European Aquaculture Society, took place for the first time in Portugal, and focused on solutions for the development of a sustainable, diversified and quality aquaculture.
Around 1200 participants attended the scientific communications in the simultaneous daily sessions, covering the most distinct aspects of European aquaculture. In this context, the project "Mobile Station", funded by the EEA Grants Blue Growth Programme was presented. João Correia of Flying Sharks, the project's promoter, presented the recent advances in the transport of live fish, and explained how they intend to change this transport in the future, with the funding received. Also attended the event the project Algacycle from the promoter Necton – Companhia Portuguesa de Culturas Marinhas, and the project Minimize microplastic contamination in onshore (RAS) meagre farming, from the promoter SEAentia-food.
Associated with the conference was also an international exhibition where about 100 companies and other institutions related to the sector participated. The Director-General for Maritime Policy, operator of the Blue Growth Programme, joined this event, integrated in the Portuguese representation of the Ministry of the Sea. In addition to disclose the funding opportunities currently open, a multimedia presentation of the projects funded, related to aquaculture, was also exhibited.