Italia-Croatia

From 22 to 24 May 2026, the Italian Oyster Fest in La Spezia will host a series of scientific, promotional and public engagement activities dedicated to sustainable aquaculture and the future of European flat oyster production in the Adriatic Sea. 

As part of the festival programme, partners of the Marinet project will organise a free technical workshop in particular for SMEs, public outreach activities and guided tastings aimed at promoting innovation, sustainability and consumer awareness in the aquaculture sector.
The central event will be the workshop entitled “Flat oyster production and integrated mariculture for biosecurity, sustainability and competitiveness in the Adriatic” that will be held on: 
📅 Saturday, 23 May 2026
⏰ 09:00 – 10:00
📍 Pala Oyster, Passeggiata Costantino Morin, La Spezia – Italy
The workshop will bring together researchers, aquaculture experts, veterinary specialists and sector representatives from Italy and Croatia to discuss the opportunities and challenges linked to the sustainable development of the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) and integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA). The event will present innovative approaches developed through cross-border cooperation, including:
•    advanced environmental monitoring systems,
•    digital tools and AI applications for aquaculture management,
•    biosecurity and health monitoring strategies,
•    bioeconomic models for competitiveness,
•    sustainable oyster farming techniques,
•    and communication strategies to improve consumer perception of aquaculture products.
The workshop agenda includes contributions from representatives of the University of Udine (UNIUD), the Croatian Veterinary Institute (VEINST), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), University of Rijeka – Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management (FTHM), Associazione Mediterranea Acquacoltori (AMA), and the Chamber of Trades and Crafts of Istria (OK ISTRE).
The workshop will be held in Italian and is organised in collaboration with AMA – Associazione Mediterranea Acquacoltori and API – Associazione Piscicoltori Italiani. Mirror event has been done during the Crofish fair in Poreč, Croatia in November 2025 for the Croatian operators and will be also held this year. 

Activities throughout the Festival
During the three-day festival, visitors will also be able to visit the information area at the AMA Stand and the Miticoltori Spezzini Refreshment Area, open daily from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
The stand will host:
•    presentation of the Good AquaFood Campaign,
•    educational and promotional activities,
•    public quizzes with prizes,
•    dissemination materials,
•    and direct interaction with project partners and aquaculture professionals.

On Saturday, 23 May, visitors will additionally have the opportunity to participate in free guided tastings of European flat oysters paired with wine and traditional Ligurian focaccia.

Agendas in Italian and in English are in attachment. 

The Italian Oyster Fest represents an important opportunity to connect science, innovation, sustainable food production and public engagement in one of Italy’s most important events dedicated to oyster culture and responsible aquaculture.