At this year’s European Maritime Day (EMD) in Cork, OLAMUR project partners were invited to participate in the CINEA exhibition stand, providing ample opportunities to connect and share insights with over 900 delegates in attendance, including our Associate Regions partner SimplyBlue Group, Robert Flynn, headquarters also based in Cork. CINEA was also pleased to welcome the EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, to the stand.
OLAMUR, along with AquaWind and ULTFARMS, also participated in a CINEA-hosted workshop focused on the ‘Role of Aquaculture in the Multi-Use of the Sea’. The workshop led by Vincent Favrel, Head of Unit at CINEA, offered an interactive platform to discuss the innovative approaches being tested offshore. The sustainable solutions presented, aim to transform the concept of multi-use into reality while navigating the regulatory and spatial challenges that have been encountered so far.
During the panel discussion, the European Maritime Spatial Planning Platform and EU Aquaculture Assistance Mechanisms were identified as key enablers for scaling up these efforts.
Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors worldwide. This session allowed us to share developments from each project, emphasising Mission Ocean’s goal to demonstrate how aquaculture can coexist in shared marine spaces—particularly alongside offshore renewable energy. Such coexistence not only generates renewable energy but also supports sustainable low-trophic seafood production (e.g., seaweed and shellfish) while minimising environmental impacts.
The workshop concluded with a lively Q&A session that sparked valuable insights and positive reactions from the audience. There is no doubt that ongoing collaboration and long-term planning are essential for achieving success.
On behalf of all OLAMUR partners, a big thank you to CINEA for giving us the opportunity to work together at this event alongside our multi-use colleagues from AquaWind and ULTFARMS and to share the new board game with all!
Next year’s EMD will be held in Limassol, Cyprus 21-22, May 2026!