Why Is the Stakeholder Perspective Important in Research on Inland Aquaculture Development?

 How can the development potential of inland aquaculture be assessed? Statistics, legal frameworks and policy documents provide essential information, but they do not always allow us to fully understand how the sector operates in practice.

The development of aquaculture involves many stakeholders with different experiences, expertise and interests. These include aquaculture enterprises, sector associations, public authorities, researchers, environmental experts and policymakers. Each of these stakeholders may view the sector’s challenges and development opportunities from a different perspective.

Continue reading “AQUA4DEV-BS Think Tank: Development of Inland Aquaculture”

AQUA4DEV-BS Research Accepted for Presentation at the EIFAAC 2026 International Symposium

The research abstract submitted under the project “Potential of traditional and recirculation inland aquaculture for inclusive and intelligent fisheries development in the Baltic States (AQUA4DEV-BS)” has been accepted for an oral presentation at the EIFAAC 2026 International Symposium, which will take place in Riga, Latvia, from 5 to 9 October 2026. Following the evaluation of submitted abstracts, the EIFAAC 2026 Scientific Committee accepted the AQUA4DEV-BS research contribution for inclusion in the scientific programme as an oral presentation.

This year’s symposium theme, “Managing and Conserving Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources in a Changing World,” is closely related to the AQUA4DEV-BS research and its focus on the development potential of traditional and recirculation inland aquaculture in the Baltic States. Continue reading “AQUA4DEV-BS News: EIFAAC 2026”

Developing Science Communication Skills through the University of Latvia Programme “Science Ambassadors”

Under the project “Potential of traditional and recirculation inland aquaculture for inclusive and intelligent fisheries development in the Baltic States (AQUA4DEV-BS)”, the non-formal education programme “Science Ambassadors” (“Zinātnes vēstnieki”) was completed from 12 to 18 June 2026, comprising 25 academic hours (1 credit point).

The training programme focused on developing science communication skills. The topics covered included the fundamentals of science communication, storytelling in science, preparation of short presentations, public speaking and presentation skills, audience engagement methods, visual communication, as well as communication through traditional and social media. Continue reading “AQUA4DEV-BS News: Science Ambassadors”

Why Is Inland Aquaculture Important for the Sustainable Development of the Baltic States?

 The discussion about the future of aquaculture is not only about fish farming. It is linked to much broader issues, including food security, the bioeconomy, climate resilience, rural development, innovation and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Inland aquaculture has considerable development potential in the Baltic States, yet realising this potential involves a range of challenges. The key question is therefore not only whether aquaculture production can be increased, but also what kind of aquaculture development do we want? Continue reading “AQUA4DEV-BS Think Tank: Development of Inland Aquaculture”

Presentation at the 4th Annual FORTHEM Conference

Under the project “Potential of traditional and recirculation inland aquaculture for inclusive and intelligent fisheries development in the Baltic States (AQUA4DEV-BS)”, participation took place in the 4^th Annual FORTHEM Conference “European Universities 2030: Building Knowledge Ecosystems for Europe’s Strategic Capacity in an Age of Polycrisis”, held on 3–5 June 2026.

During the conference, the presentation entitled “Stakeholder-Based Analysis of Inland Aquaculture Development in the Baltic States: A Preliminary Research Framework” was delivered. The presentation was given by Leila Neimane, with Santa Purviņa and Armands Pužulis as co-authors.

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From Regulation to Technology: What Shapes the Development of Inland Aquaculture in the Baltic States?

 Inland aquaculture has the potential to contribute to sustainable food production, bioeconomy development and rural resilience. At the same time, its development cannot be viewed solely as a matter of fish farming technologies or increasing production volumes. Aquaculture enterprises operate in an environment shaped by the interaction of regulatory frameworks, environmental requirements, market conditions, access to technology, financing and governance structures.

The interaction between these factors is one of the issues addressed by the AQUA4DEV-BS project – “Potential of traditional and recirculation inland aquaculture for inclusive and intelligent fisheries development in the Baltic States.”

Continue reading “AQUA4DEV-BS Think Tank: Development of Inland Aquaculture”

Salmon Stocking in the Gauja River – Perspectives on Sustainable Fisheries and Environmental Governance

On 1 May 2026, a salmon stocking event took place on the banks of the Gauja River during the Anglers’ Festival, organized by BIOR. While such initiatives are commonly associated with fish stock restoration, they also raise broader questions about the relationships among human activity, aquatic ecosystems, sustainable resource use, and environmental governance. Continue reading “AQUA4DEV-BS Think Tank: Perspectives on Sustainable Fisheries”

Small-Scale Pond Aquaculture under Climate Variability – Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Management

The recent winter became a serious test for many small water bodies and fish populations across Latvia. Following the melting of the ice cover in spring, the situation in ponds appeared highly uneven: while some ponds experienced relatively successful overwintering conditions, others suffered significant fish mortality. Shallow and overgrown water bodies proved particularly vulnerable, as oxygen depletion develops more rapidly under prolonged ice cover. Continue reading “AQUA4DEV-BS Think Tank: Pond Aquaculture under Climate Variability”

Aquaculture Europe 2026 to Take Place in Slovenia

Aquaculture Europe 2026, one of the leading European conferences in the aquaculture sector, will take place in Ljubljana, bringing together researchers, industry representatives, policymakers, and innovation experts from across Europe. Continue reading “AQUA4DEV-BS News: Conference “Aquaculture Europe 2026””

The scientific article “Forest change across the European Union: spatial patterns, drivers, and governance insights from a pan-European expert survey“, prepared within the Europe-LAND project, has been published in the journal “Annals of Forest Science”.