The fourth Mission Arena took place from 28 to 30 April 2025 in the seaside city of Sopot, Poland, held in conjunction with the Blue Economy Baltic Forum and under the auspices of the Polish EU Council Presidency. Building on the momentum of the previous three Arenas, this edition brought together participants from across Europe to focus on the Baltic region—including Poland, Eastern Germany, Denmark, and Southeastern Sweden.
Throughout the event, the AquaLoop project stood out as a key contributor to discussions shaping the future of sustainable blue growth. During the Blue Foods Workshop, organized by TETRAS BSR, AquaLoop partners—the Fish Market Development Association and the University of Gdańsk—presented insights into seafood consumer preferences and introduced the potential of whiteleg shrimp farming in Poland. These findings, drawn from the AquaLoop Interreg South Baltic project, point toward a transformative path for European aquaculture, offering innovative and environmentally sound solutions.
AquaLoop was also featured in the educational workshop Shaping Future Blue Leaders, co-hosted by Cool Blue Future and the Blue Bio Techpreneurs project. Here, educators and researchers from the University of Gdańsk highlighted how fisheries diversification, regenerative ocean farming, and progressive educational strategies are redefining the blue economy.
Over the course of one and a half days, AquaLoop representatives together with over 300 participants delved into the region’s most pressing maritime challenges, from port development and maritime security to sustainable food systems and the protection of marine ecosystems. The event concluded with a collaborative effort to shape a regional roadmap aligned with the objectives of the EU Mission “Restore Our Ocean and Waters,” setting a shared vision for a thriving, sustainable Baltic blue economy.
More to come on the organizers webpage!