The Board of Directors of the European Aquaculture Society (EAS) have approved Dublin as the location for its Aquaculture Europe (AE) 2028 event, following a successful bid from Irish stakeholders and site visit by EAS staff.
AE2028 will take place at the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) from October 2-5, 2028, and taking the theme “Innovation in a changing world: Adapting production in our waters.” As every year, AE2028 will comprise a scientific conference, trade exhibition, industry forums, workshops, sector meetings, student events and receptions. AE2028 will be a showcase for Ireland, but also a meeting and exchange platform for experts from around the world.
The theme of this conference could not be more timely. As the world faces increasing challenges from global warming, geopolitical unrest, water and food shortages, we must innovate like never before to ensure stable and sustainable food production. Policy and entrepreneurship must be aligned and collaborate to deliver real and lasting progress in areas such as production technologies, feed additives, fish health and breeding programmes. Ireland is developing a “best in class” Aquatech sector with an ambition to become a global leader in aquaculture technology.
Ireland’s aquaculture sector employs more than 1,700 people and is valued at €210 million. Ireland is home to some of the world’s most distinctive aquaculture regions, where organic salmon, oysters, mussels, seaweed and trout are farmed. These production areas oFer exceptional growing conditions around the coast of Ireland and in its freshwater systems. Delegates will have the opportunity to visit a number of Ireland’s leading farms and meet the producers behind them.
A report published by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s seafood development agency, in 2025 estimates that Irish aquaculture produces more than 154 million meals each year. It identifies the sector as a low-carbon, resource-eFicient form of food production that delivers substantial quantities of food from a relatively small area.
Initiatives such as BIM’s ‘Taste the Atlantic’ and Aquaculture Remote Classroom (ARC), supported by the Government of Ireland and the EU as part of the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, highlight Ireland’s commitment to advocating for sustainable aquaculture and its benefits to coastal communities. Innovation and sustainability are at the
core of the sector ensuring economic benefit and sustainable nutritious food for future generations.
Key institutions partnering in the development of the event include BIM, the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) Aquaculture division, the Marine Institute (MI), the Atlantic Technical University, Trinity College Dublin and Goatsbridge Trout all of whom are represented on the AE2028 Organising Committees.
EAS is delighted to announce a special partnership with BIM to ensure the success of AE2028. Richard Donelly, BIM CEO, said,
“We’re delighted that the European Aquaculture Society has selected Dublin as the host city for Aquaculture Europe 2028. This event provides an important platform to showcase Ireland’s world-class aquaculture sector, our rich maritime heritage and our growing strengths in aquaculture innovation, research and sustainable seafood production. The conference theme is particularly timely, reflecting the challenges and opportunities facing the global aquaculture industry. Ireland is well placed to contribute to these discussions through its expanding aquatech ecosystem, internationally recognised research capability and increasingly collaborative approach across industry, government and academia. Aquaculture Europe 2028 will also provide an opportunity to strengthen international partnerships and highlight Ireland’s role in shaping the future of sustainable food systems”
IFA Aquaculture Executive, Teresa Morrissey, also actively involved in the AE2028 Local Organising Committee said that
“having Aquaculture Europe 28 being hosted in Dublin comes at a timely moment for the Aquaculture sector and its stakeholders, providing an opportunity to showcase all that Irish Aquaculture and Irish hospitality has to oFer while keeping the focus on the huge potential oFered by an innovative and sustainable food producing sector”.
Marc Vandeputte, EAS President 2024-2026 also expressed his satisfaction with the EAS Board decision.
“Organising our event in Ireland is long overdue, with our last Aquaculture Europe event in the Emerald Isle having been held way back in 1991 – following the forced (COVID) cancellation of Cork in 2020. Having AE2028 in Dublin will not only correct that but will also provide attendees with direct exposure to one of Europe’s most dynamic aquaculture sectors, to extensive research and innovation and to a rich cultural heritage in one of Europe’s most welcoming capitals. ”.
