Icelandic aquaculture and ocean forum

invite-only Conference

The Icelandic Aquaculture and Ocean Forum (IAOF) is an exclusive, invite-only platform bringing together leading investors, policymakers, industry executives, researchers, and key stakeholders to discuss the future of aquaculture, capital markets, and the evolving global seafood economy.

As Iceland’s aquaculture sector continues to grow—already representing a significant share of the nation’s exported fishery products—the Forum provides a timely meeting place to engage with the sector’s expansion, sustainability goals, and innovative technologies shaping tomorrow’s seafood industry.

IAOF offers participants the opportunity to:

  • Connect directly with industry pioneers and investors

  • Explore the latest trends in sustainable aquaculture and blue growth

  • Understand how global dynamics are reshaping seafood markets

  • Engage in meaningful dialogue and one-on-one meetings with key stakeholders

For more information or to inquire about attendance, please contact iaof@iaof.is

the icelandic aquaculture and ocean forum 2026

Scaling Sustainable Aquaculture: From Local Strength to Global Impact

The forth Icelandic Aquaculture and Ocean Forum, will take place in Reykjavík May 21-22, 2026, at Arion Bank Headquarters.

Aquaculture is one of Iceland’s fastest-growing industries, strengthening coastal communities, driving innovation, and supporting long-term economic resilience. As global demand for sustainable protein continues to rise, Iceland is uniquely positioned to lead in clean, responsible, and technology-driven aquaculture.

The IAOF–Arion Bank Conference 2026 brings together investors, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore how Iceland can scale sustainable aquaculture—from strong local foundations to global impact.

Conference programme

Day 1 - May 21st

Shaping the future of Sustainable Aquaculture in Iceland

09:00–11:00

The Blue Economy’s Growth Engine: Algae, Shellfish and Circular Value 

  • Positioning shellfish, micro- and macroalgae (seaweed and kelp) cultivation not only as environmental solutions, but as scalable low-cost and high-impact investment opportunities within the global blue economy.

13:00–17:00

Exploring Iceland’s role in building a resilient, science-based and community-supported aquaculture industry.

  • Economic and social impact of aquaculture

  • Policy and governance frameworks - Supporting long-term industry development

  • Regional development and social license

  • Renewable energy as the base for sustainable growth and competitive advantage

  • The rapid growth of seaweed/kelp cultivation - Iceland’s unique potential to lead in large-scale production value added processing.

Day 2 - May 22nd

Global Outlook, Geopolitics, Capital Markets and Innovation

08:30–12:30

Global perspectives shaping the future of aquaculture investment and innovation.

  • Macro outlook, geopolitics and global seafood markets

  • Capital flow into aquaculture

  • Global food security and protein demand

  • Trade systems, tariffs and geopolitical risk

  • Institutional investor perspectives

  • Technology, AI, feed innovation and genetic engineering

  • Lessons learned- Practical insights from operating companies

13:00–18:00

Site visits

  • Site visits will be offered following the conference.

  • Participation requires prior registration.

  • Further details will be made available closer to the event.

Meet IAOF 2026 speakers

 

Hanna Katrín Friðriksson
Minister of Industries
Iceland

Aleks Engel
Partner at Novo Holdings on the
Planetary Health Investments team

Maarten Bijl
CEO of Skretting

See all speakers

Tim Kennedy
President & CEO of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA)

Sponsors

Contact us

Interested in attending the Icelandic Aquaculture and Ocean Forum?

For inquiries regarding participation, sponsorship, partnership or investment opportunities, please reach out to us at iaof@iaof.is.

Our team will be happy to assist you.