On 11 March 2026, the German ULTFARMS ream participated in the Baltic Blueprints Expo 2026 in Kiel, an regional event dedicated to sustainable sea farming and regenerative aquaculture across the Baltic Sea region. The expo brought together researchers, innovators, policymakers, and industry representatives to exchange insights and showcase emerging solutions shaping the future of marine aquaculture.
Showcasing Low-Trophic Aquaculture and Offshore Multi-Use
The event was hosted by the Baltic MUPPETS, COOL BLUE, and AlgaeFood, who have been driving regenerative ocean farming in the Baltic and North Seas for the last 3 years, focusing on low-trophic cultivation, ecosystem restoration, local jobs, and community engagement.
Attended by many EU projects working on advancing low-trophic aquaculture and strengthening viable pathways to market, the event offered an interactive environment featuring demonstrations, debates, and networking opportunities for stakeholders active in seaweed cultivation, mussel production, and innovative marine food systems.
At the exhibition, the German ULTFARMS team presented their model of offshore multi-use aquaculture developed for the FINO3 offshore wind farm site. The model illustrated how mussels, seaweed, and oysters can be cultivated in combination with offshore renewable energy infrastructure, providing a compelling example of how multi-use concepts can unlock new sustainable food production spaces at sea. The display drew strong interest from visitors eager to understand how offshore wind farms can support additional low-trophic impact aquaculture while enhancing ecosystem services.
Engaging Visitors Through Taste and Tangibility
To bring the concept of offshore aquaculture to the public, the team offered seaweed snacks, giving visitors hands-on introduction to the potential of marine biomass as a sustainable food source. This interactive approach effectively sparked discussions around consumer acceptance, nutritional benefits, and opportunities for algae-based products in evolving food markets.
Attendees from across the Baltic Sea region highlighted the importance of the FINO3 offshore demonstration site as a real-world testing ground for scalable aquaculture solutions, confirming its role as a key asset for the region’s blue innovation landscape.
Building Cross-Sector Connections
Throughout the event, the ULTFARMS team engaged representatives from marine research, offshore energy, aquaculture business, NGOs, and policy institutions. The expo also brought together several initiatives, reinforcing valuable connections across complementary EU-funded projects, working on regenerative ocean farming, ecosystem restoration, and multi-use offshore design.
The interactions underscored the increasing momentum behind integrated offshore use in the Baltic Sea and beyond. ULTFARMS continues to be recognized as a leading example of how coordinated research, technological innovation, and cross-sector collaboration can accelerate the transition toward a sustainable, regenerative blue economy.
