Seafood Expo Global to launch aquaculture innovation zone in Barcelona

Seafood Expo Global is introducing a dedicated "Aquaculture Innovation Zone" when it returns to Barcelona from 21 to 23 April this year, creating a new area within the exhibition focused on technology and services for fish farming.

The organiser, Diversified, said the space is intended to bring together companies developing tools for farm management, fish health, water treatment and RAS technology.

“As aquaculture continues to outpace other food production sectors, the Aquaculture Innovation Zone provides a critical focal point for buyers and investors,” said VP for seafood events, Brenna Hensley. “The zone will host a diverse range of companies and offerings including suppliers, startups, and researchers showcasing breakthrough solutions in farm management, fish health and water treatment, attracting a highly targeted global audience of hatchery professionals, investors and policymakers.”

Several companies have confirmed they will exhibit in the new section. Apollonia Trade, based in Hong Kong, plans to present feed formulations tailored to farms in Europe and other markets, while Malta-headquartered AquaBioTech Group is expected to highlight consultancy, training and contract research services, along with its work designing and delivering recirculating aquaculture systems.

Meanwhile, French company Bioceanor will showcase its data-driven water quality monitoring tools, which it says are used in salmon farming operations in Norway, Chile, Canada and the UK. China’s Hishing Smart Equipment intends to display modular RAS units and an internet-of-things platform for farm management, and Norway’s LiceDefence AS will present a system that uses light to attract and remove sea lice without chemicals, which the company says reduces lice pressure without affecting fish welfare. Indian manufacturer Sagar Aquaculture is also due to exhibit in this space, showing an automated aeration system designed to cut electricity consumption while maintaining dissolved oxygen levels.

In addition to the exhibition stands, the zone will include an Innovation Theatre for product presentations and networking sessions. One scheduled speaker is Tony Chen, chief executive and co-founder of Manolin, who is set to discuss the practical use of artificial intelligence in seafood operations and what he sees as the gap between expectations and current applications.

Seafood Expo Global and its co-located Seafood Processing Global event are billed as the largest seafood trade show in the world, and attract buyers and suppliers from throughout the supply chain. Last year's event was estimated to have generated more than €156 million for the city of Barcelona over its three-day run, and featured over 2000 international exhibitors, with over 35,000 visitors attending.