New innovation hub to help boost Latvia's aquaculture sector

A new aquaculture hub is helping boost Latvia's aquaculture sector by promoting innovation and sustainable practices.

Supported by EU funding, the TOME Aquaculture Centre provides expert training, skill development, and advisory services to entrepreneurs, encouraging knowledge transfer and cross-sectoral collaboration.

As a regional hub of excellence, the centre bridges the gap between research and industry to implement environmentally sustainable solutions.

The TOME Aquaculture Centre was launched by the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment (BIOR), one of the major proponents of aquaculture research and development in Latvia.

The construction of the centre was completed at the end of 2023 and the first farming works started in 2024. The centre has initiated programs including rearing of Baltic salmon, sea trout smolts, pike perch, and other juvenile species.

The centre organises international training seminars and industry working groups, involving over 100 participants from 40 aquaculture farms across several EU Member States, facilitating knowledge exchange and joint learning opportunities.

Additionally, biannual lectures and excursions are organised at the TOME Aquaculture Centre for around 50 students from the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies and the University of Latvia.

The centre also specialises in European catfish breeding research, the implementation of saltwater recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS), and aquaculture sustainability.