| Project title: | Synergizing Multi-Use Innovations for Sustainable Offshore Aquaculture |
|---|---|
| Project short title: | SymbioSea Baltic |
Join the Marine Synergy Forum in Liepāja on 16 April 2026: Sea, Wind Energy and Aquaculture in Multi-Use Marine Development
On 16 April 2026 at 12:00, the international Marine Synergy Forum: Sea, Wind Energy and Aquaculture in Multi-Use Marine Development will take place in Liepāja, Latvia, at the concert hall “Great Amber” (8 Radio Street). The forum aims to bring together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and other sectoral experts to discuss the sustainable development of marine space in Latvia and the Baltic Sea region, while also inviting other interested stakeholders to participate.
The forum is dedicated to advancing multi-use solutions in the Baltic Sea region, with a particular focus on integrating offshore wind energy and low-trophic aquaculture within a shared marine space. This includes the cultivation of macroalgae and mussels, which utilise nutrients available in the marine environment while simultaneously contributing to water quality improvement. The objective is to foster dialogue on more efficient use of marine space, combining economic development with environmental enhancement.
The programme will feature expert presentations on the multi-use of marine space, integration of aquaculture and offshore wind energy, and innovation development within the blue economy. The forum will host speakers and panellists from Latvia and abroad, representing institutions and initiatives such as Riga Technical University Liepāja Academy, the Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), and the ELWIND project, as well as international partners from Germany, Sweden, Lithuania, and Estonia. Participants will gain insights into international project experience and current research, and will engage in discussions on the practical preconditions for implementing these solutions in Latvia. The forum will conclude with an expert panel discussion on cooperation opportunities between the public sector, industry, and research institutions, followed by networking opportunities.
In addition to the forum, participants will have the opportunity to join a morning site visit to the Port of Liepāja (09:00–11:30), offering insights into the daily life of coastal fishermen and the transformation of the former fishing kolkhoz “Boļševiks” into a multifunctional coastal development example.
Registration
Participants are invited to register for the forum by 7 April 2026 by completing the application form: https://ej.uz/marine_synergies
Link to the forum registration formThe number of places is limited.
Programme
A preliminary version of the programme is available here and is subject to change.
Forum programme available for download in PDF format
The working language of the forum will be Latvian, with simultaneous interpretation provided to ensure accessibility for international experts and participants.
The Marine Synergy Forum is organised by the Kurzeme Planning Region within the framework of the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme project “Synergy of Multi-Functional Innovations for Sustainable Open Sea Aquaculture” (SymbioSea Baltic). In Latvia, the project is implemented by Riga Technical University Liepāja Academy, the Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, and the Kurzeme Planning Region, with the aim of developing multi-use solutions by integrating low-trophic aquaculture with offshore wind energy, while enhancing the Baltic Sea ecosystem and creating new economic opportunities in the region.
How to get to Liepāja
Planning your journey to the Marine Synergy Forum?
We have prepared a practical overview of travel options to Liepāja, including connections by air, public transport and ferry.
For additional information:
Anete Jansone
Project Manager of “SymbioSea Baltic”
Kurzeme Planning Region
Anete.jansone@kurzemesregions.lv
Objective
to assess the potential for integrating low-trophic aquaculture (LTA) – such as macroalgae and mussel cultivation – within the planned ELWIND Latvia–Estonia offshore wind farm area, with the aim of simultaneously improving the ecological status of the Baltic Sea and creating new economic opportunities for the region. The project is closely aligned with the Horizon Europe project ULTFARMS, which demonstrates multi-use solutions (offshore wind + LTA) across various European pilot sites.
SymbioSea Baltic ensures the transfer of knowledge from ULTFARMS pilot sites by adapting their technical, ecological, and organisational solutions to the Latvian context. ULTFARMS provides access to pilot data, methodologies, technology configurations, and an expert network, while SymbioSea Baltic contributes regional context, evaluates potential multi-use implementation scenarios, and develops practical recommendations.
Implementation
01.12.2025. – 31.05.2026.
Financing:
The total project budget is €100,000.00, funded under Horizon Europe.
Project Manager
Anete Jansone
+371 26355733
Anete.jansone@kurzemesregions.lv
