The World Aquaculture Society (WAS) is excited to announce that World Aquaculture 2025 (WA2025), one of the leading global events for the aquaculture industry, will take place in Qingdao, China, from April 24-27, 2025, at the Qingdao International Convention Centre. This marks the second time the event has been hosted in China, following the successful World Aquaculture 2002 conference in Beijing more than 20 years ago.
The event will feature prominent plenary speakers, cutting-edge research presentations, and an exhibition showcasing innovations in the aquaculture sector. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network, share knowledge, and collaborate on addressing key challenges and opportunities facing both Chinese market and the global aquaculture industry. As China is a global leader in aquaculture WA2025 event in China will offer unique opportunity to engage with a country that plays a major role in the industry and to highlight advancements and innovations in aquaculture.
The conference will be chaired by Prof Zhenmin Bao (President of China Society of Fisheries, China) and Prof. Patrick Sorgeloos (Ghent University, Belgium) with Dr. Qingyin Wang (Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences) and Prof. Yeong Yik Sung (UMT, Malaysia) serving as the Program Chairs. Together, they will oversee the development of a diverse and comprehensive program that reflects the latest research and trends in the aquaculture industry.
Plenary Speakers
WA2025 is proud to announce that Dr. Manuel Barange from FAO will be serving as a plenary speaker at this year’s conference. With a distinguished background in aquaculture, he will share his insights and experience that will be invaluable to attendees.
Dr. Manuel Barange is Assistant Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Director of its Fisheries and Aquaculture Division. He is an Honorary Professor at the University of Exeter, UK, and a visiting Professor of the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute (CAFS), Qingdao, China. Prof Barange was the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Director of Science at the Plymouth Marine Laboratory and Chair of the scientific committee of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). He is a global fisheries and aquaculture expert, with particular focus on climate and anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems and on the role of aquatic foods in ending hunger and poverty. He has over 130 academic publications, and in 2010 was awarded the UNESCO-IOC Roger Revelle Medal for his contributions to ocean science.
The plenary session will take place on April 25,2025 at 9:00am and will focus on the event theme “Aquaculture Transformation: Action Towards High Quality and Food Security,”
WAS-APC Student and Women Participation Travel Awards
To support the next generation of aquaculture professionals, WA2025 is pleased to offer Student Travel Awards. These awards aim to help students attend the conference, providing them with the invaluable opportunity to present their research, submit an abstract, participate in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. The award funds will be given to the recipient to assist with travel expenses to attend the conference and present their abstract.
Applications for the Student Travel Award are now open. For more information on how to apply, please visit the WAS-APC website at https://www.was.org/APC, or contact the WAS-APC Chapter Executive Officer at apcsec@was.org.
Abstract Submission Deadline
Researchers, academics, and professionals are invited to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations at WA2025. The abstract submission deadline is January 31, 2025. This is a great opportunity to share cutting-edge research and innovations with a global audience and we look forward to seeing the innovative work that will be presented.
Hotel and Travel Information
For attendees traveling to Qingdao, WA2025 has partnered with a selection of hotels offering special rates for conference participants. Information on hotel accommodations, travel options, and transportation details can be found on the WA2025 website. We recommend booking early to secure your accommodation and take advantage of early rates.
Early Bird Registration Reminder
Please be reminded that the Early Bird discount registration including the special discount for participant from Asian countries, closed on March 1st, 2025. However, late registrations are still being accepted, but please note that they will not be eligible for the discounted price.
Exhibition and Networking Opportunities
WA2025 will feature an exhibition with leading companies showcasing the latest products, technologies, and services in the aquaculture industry. The event will also offer numerous networking opportunities, including meet-ups, special session, and dedicated time for connecting with industry leaders, researchers, and potential collaborators. Please reserve your booth early to secure the best spot. Booth assignments will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sponsors
WA2025 is proudly supported by Blue Genetics, as our gold sponsor, whose contributions make this event possible. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Blue Genetics for their continued support in advancing the aquaculture industry and helping to make WA2025 a landmark event in the field.
About World Aquaculture 2025
World Aquaculture 2025 is the premier international event for the global aquaculture community. With a focus on advancing sustainable practices, technology, and research in aquaculture, the event brings together industry professionals, researchers, and innovators to share knowledge and collaborate on the future of the industry. For further details, registration, exhibition, sponsor, travel, submit the abstract and more information about WA2025 in Qingdao, please visit through the official WA2025 website at https://was.org/meeting/code/WA2025
For conference management inquiries, contact Mr. John Cooksey at worldaqua@was.org
For booth and sponsorship details, reach out to Mr. Mario Stael at mario@marevent.com.
For General inquiries, contact WAS-APC Executive Officer at apcsec@was.org
We look forward to seeing you in Qingdao, China.