Organized By
Supported by
Aquaculture Europe 2026
Welcome to Ljubljana ! You will be enchanted !
Ljubljana is the capital and largest city of Slovenia, located along a trade route between the northern Adriatic Sea and the Danube region. The city's symbol is the Ljubljana Dragon. It is depicted on the top of the tower of Ljubljana Castle, in the Ljubljana coat of arms and on the Ljubljanica-crossing Dragon Bridge. It represents power, courage, and greatness.
The city centre is traffic-free and very easy to walk. Many bridges, including
the famous triple-bridge cross the Ljubljanica river and the river is lined with
cafés, bars and restaurants. It is dominated by the Ljubljana Castle, which is
accessible on foot, by bus or by funicular and gives fantastic view of the city.
AE2026 will take place at the Gospodarsko Razstavisce Exhibition and Congress Centre, about 20 minutes walk from the city centre.
Ljubljana Jože Pucnik Airport is 24 km to the northwest of the city and most European cities are within 1-3 hours flying time. It is also possible to fly to Venice and rent a car from there.
Engaging with Industry
The Aquaculture Europe events are all about communication with the sector. AE2026 will feature a trade
exhibition, where regional and international companies will present their latest products and services. Standard
and Corner booths are available, and each booth is 6m (2x3m) and features walls, carpet, two chairs and one
table, spotlights, one power outlet, fascia identification sign and include two full conference registrations.
Additional staff can register through our exhibitor portal at significantly reduced rates.
The AE events also feature special forums for industry, where presentations and panel discussions focus on
relevant and timely issues for the sector. Other industry-oriented events will take place around the trade
exhibition, and technical tours will be organised.
The AE event is a focal point for meetings of European associations, satellite workshops of EU projects and other events. We can provide options for your meeting.
28 - 1
September - October 2026 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Aquaculture in Global Change
Plenary Speakers
Jurica Jug-Dujakovic
MJD Consulting, Croatia
Jurica Jug-Dujakovic
MJD Consulting, Croatia
Aquaculture - from Sustainability to Resilience
Despite being one of the fastest-growing food sectors, aquaculture faces serious threats from global change that will inevitably affect its productivity and sustainability. Climate change will obviously have direct and indirect effects – not only on cultured species, but also on supply and product prices, including feed ingredients as well as goods and services required by aquaculture producers.
As we move from "Sustainable Aquaculture" to "Resilient Aquaculture" the presentation will assess cultured species and the resilience of production systems, reviewing new technologies, production methods, and management strategies as a first step towards enhancing aquaculture production in response to climate change...
Jurica Jug-Dujakovic is the head of the Biotechnology Department at MJD Advisory and Development, with a career spanning scientific research, education, and innovative leadership in aquaculture. After roles at the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (Split), FAO, and Integrated Food Technology Inc. (USA), he returned to Croatia as a Professor at the University of Dubrovnik. He is a World Bank expert on aquaculture and the seafood market, and has published more than 200 scientific and professional papers.
For full details on all plenary speakers, see this document.
Larisa Lewis
SALT, UK
Larisa Lewis
SALT, UK
Breaking the Bubble: Making Aquaculture's Stories Go Global
Despite rapid advances across farming systems, nutrition, health and technology, much of the sector's progress remains largely invisible outside industry and research circles. This combined presentation explores how aquaculture stories can move beyond this industry bubble – and what happens when they do.
Part 1 – Larisa Lewis explores how aquaculture knowledge can be translated into formats designed for different audiences, from designing the user experience of knowledge platforms to producing film-led storytelling about the sector. Producing knowledge is only one part of impact – designing how it is structured and presented becomes an essential part of how research and innovation reach wider audiences...
Larisa Lewis is a marine biologist working at the intersection of aquaculture, marketing and storytelling. Her career began in research, developing cultivation protocols for low-trophic aquaculture species across the UK, Sweden and Norway. She later led social and editorial strategy at The Fish Site, and is now Head of Operations at SALT, where she helps build purpose-led brands for the producers and innovators feeding the world.
For full details on all plenary speakers, see this document.
James Sibley
Aquaculture Creator, USA
James Sibley
Aquaculture Creator, USA
Breaking the Bubble: Making Aquaculture's Stories Go Global
Despite rapid advances across farming systems, nutrition, health and technology, much of the sector's progress remains largely invisible outside industry and research circles. This combined presentation explores how aquaculture stories can move beyond this industry bubble – and what happens when they do.
Part 2 – James Sibley draws on filming experiences across Scotland, New Zealand, Australia and The Falklands to share practical lessons from bringing aquaculture to large public audiences. His films translate complex farming systems, technologies and research into visual stories that reach millions of viewers – exploring where misconceptions arise and how research can be explained clearly while maintaining scientific credibility...
James Sibley is a digital storyteller specialising in global aquaculture and seafood systems, with over half a million followers across social media platforms. Originally trained in biology (B.S., Northeastern University), he has worked directly within the aquaculture industry including a role with Mowi Scotland focused on novel communications and global engagement. He produces documentary-style content from farms, hatcheries, and processing sites worldwide.
For full details on all plenary speakers, see this document.
Callum Howard
Senior Consultant, MRAG, UK
Callum Howard
Senior Consultant, MRAG, UK
Towards Net Zero by 2050 and energy efficient EU aquaculture production
The climate crisis poses fundamental challenges for aquaculture, reshaping not only what, how, and where we farm, but placing the sector under pressure to meet legally mandated greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets. Meeting these targets demands cross-cutting action across the entire value chain, requiring coordinated efforts from researchers, industry, and policymakers alike.
This presentation examines the pathways to achieving net zero in EU aquaculture, drawing on recent European Commission studies on emission reduction costs and pathways, and challenges and opportunities for the implementation of lower trophic production in Europe...
Callum Howard is a Senior Consultant at MRAG, specialising in bridging research, policy, and commercial practice. His work focuses on advancing sustainable aquaculture technologies, supporting evidence-based policy, and strengthening the commercial viability of aquatic food systems. He holds a PhD and MSc in Aquaculture from the University of Stirling and has worked across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, and the Middle East, advising clients including the World Bank, UNIDO, and the European Commission.
For full details on all plenary speakers, see this document.
Aquaculture Europe 2026 Schedule
Official Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Travel Information
All participants are required to pay their own accommodation and travel expenses
Transportation
TBD
Hotel
Aquaculture Europe 2026 – Accommodation
The organisors blocked hundreds of hotel rooms for the participants and exhibitors. Please have a look below and contact the hotel of your choice.
Hotel Information