Aquaculture is the world’s most diverse farming practice in terms of number of species,
farming methods, intensity level and environments used. Significant efforts have been
made to promote species diversity since global aquaculture production is dominated by a few dozen species. The needs for responsible use of resources, improved efficiency and increased resilience against future challenges such as diseases and climate change require further diversification in aquaculture beyond species level.

However, diversification in aquaculture should be well balanced taking into account area specificities, available natural resources, social realities and needs of circular economy. Diversification should be appropriately maintained for local conditions, market access and resilience. Balance between small- and large-scale aquaculture en- terprises and activities of various water users for exam- ple are salient issues in future aquaculture development.

Taking place in the iconic Austrian capital, Vienna, AE2023 will be a perfect meeting place for this focus on diversification, and while Austria has a low aquaculture production, it has plans for development of existing and new production methods and species and it is at the heart of central Europe, adjacent to Germany, Hungary, Czech Republic, Italy and other European countries focussing on aquaculture development.

Diversification is of course also especially relevant to the marine sector and the AE2023 parallel sessions will cover the full scope of European aquaculture scientific disciplines and species and will comprise submitted oral and poster presentations. AE2023 will also feature an inter- national trade exhibition, industry forum, student ses- sions and activities, satellite workshops and updates on EU research.