BlueActionAA joined the latest edition of the Atlantic Aquaculture Forum

Project Description

BlueActionAA participated in the Atlantic Aquaculture Forum (AAF) 2025,
held in Terceira Island, Azores, on November 12-13.

Representing the project, AIR Centre team member Alessandro Colombo participated in the panel “From Spatial Planning to Operation,” which addressed practical challenges of implementing marine spatial planning strategies that support both aquaculture development and ecosystem conservation. His presentation introduced BlueActionAA and highlighted how the project mobilizes regional and local communities across the Atlantic and Arctic regions as agents of change in efforts to restore and protect marine and freshwater ecosystems.

By fostering community-led initiatives and collective collaboration for innovation, BlueActionAA seeks to advance all objectives of the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030.” The presentation emphasized how community engagement can support sustainable aquaculture practices while advancing ecosystem restoration—themes directly aligned with the Forum’s focus on balancing economic development with environmental protection.

The second edition of the Atlantic Aquaculture Forum brought together leading aquaculture experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the Atlantic region to address how to meet growing global seafood demand while ensuring environmental sustainability and food security. AAF 2025 featured distinguished speakers from multiple continents, including representatives from the European Commission and experts from Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, and Senegal, reflecting the Forum’s commitment to fostering cross-border knowledge exchange and collaborative solutions for sustainable aquaculture development across the Atlantic.