VeriFish participated in the International Fisheries and Aquaculture Conference held on September 25-26, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. The event, organized by Eurofish International Organisation in collaboration with Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, focused on exploring circular economy practices within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. VeriFish had the opportunity to introduce its ongoing work on developing verifiable sustainability indicators and engage with experts and key stakeholders from over 29 countries and international organisations.

The International Fisheries and Aquaculture Conference was a important moment for VeriFish. Bringing together industry leaders, governmental authorities, and international organizations, the conference provided a platform for important discussions on how to enhance the sustainability of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. For VeriFish, this event was significant as it allowed us to showcase our efforts in building a framework for verifiable sustainability indicators, which will be critical in supporting more informed and responsible seafood consumption.
Throughout the two-day event, the focus on circular economy practices was evident. Experts from across Europe and Central Asia shared innovative solutions and good practices, particularly on the potential of using side-streams and by-products in aquafood production. This concept was reinforced by second-day moderator Søren Espersen Schrøder, who highlighted the importance of maximizing resource use by saying, “Calling them waste, is a waste of time.” This approach aligns with VeriFish’s mission of promoting responsible and sustainable seafood production that considers not only primary resources but also those that might otherwise be overlooked.
As the global demand for seafood continues to rise, ensuring the sustainability of our oceans and marine resources is more important than ever. Responsible fisheries and aquaculture practices are essential to preserving marine ecosystems, supporting local economies, and securing long-term food supply. The conference discussions, particularly around by-products and circular economy principles, have reinforced the need for innovative solutions to build a sustainable seafood industry.
VeriFish’s participation in this event allowed us to connect with a wide array of stakeholders and learn from their expertise, further strengthening our mission to drive positive change within the seafood industry. Our focus on sustainability indicators will continue to evolve, incorporating the valuable insights gained from this conference, particularly regarding circular economy practices and resource efficiency.

The International Fisheries and Aquaculture Conference highlighted the critical importance of sustainability and circular economy principles in seafood production. For VeriFish, the event was an important step forward in engaging with stakeholders and gathering insights to refine our sustainability indicator framework. As we continue to develop innovative solutions for a more sustainable seafood industry, the discussions and collaborations from this conference will be instrumental in shaping our approach.
We look forward to sharing more updates as VeriFish continues its journey toward supporting responsible aquaculture and fisheries practices worldwide.