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.
About Kurzeme Planning Region
Kurzeme Planning Region is one of five planning regions in Latvia, established in June 2006 to promote sustainable regional development by ensuring development planning and coordinating cooperation between municipalities and state institutions. The decision-making body of the region is the Development Council, while the executive body is the Administration.
The region comprises eight municipalities: two state cities – Liepāja and Ventspils – and six municipalities: Dienvidkurzeme, Kuldīga, Saldus, Talsi, Tukums, and Ventspils Municipality.
More information about the Kurzeme Planning Region, its functions, and implemented projects is available at:
www.kurzemesregions.lv
For additional information:
Anete Jansone
Project Manager of “SymbioSea Baltic”
Kurzeme Planning Region
Anete.jansone@kurzemesregions.lv
