From October 21st to 24th, the Guayaquil Convention Center in Ecuador will become the focal point of the global aquaculture industry as it hosts AQUAEXPO 2024. Organized by the National Chamber of Aquaculture, this long-running event—nearly three decades in the making—has grown into a critical platform for the industry. This year’s edition is expected to draw over 10,000 visitors, with almost 400 exhibitors presenting the latest in aquaculture technology and services.

Aquaculture’s Breadwinner: Shrimp

Shrimp will be front and center. As Ecuador’s largest aquaculture export, shrimp remains the engine of its booming sector. Topics at AQUAEXPO 2024 will focus on all parts of the shrimp production process, from animal health to nutritional strategies and food safety. Efficiency gains will be a major theme, with international experts offering insights into optimizing shrimp farming in an increasingly competitive global market.

Moreover, the event is set to attract more than 30 international delegations. Their discussions will explore how emerging technologies and sustainable practices can improve production, positioning Ecuador’s shrimp industry to stay ahead in a volatile market. Understanding the future of shrimp demand, with a focus on shifting consumer preferences and global supply dynamics, will be key.

Sustainability Takes the Stage

This year’s AQUAEXPO will also feature the first-ever Sustainability Forum, set for October 22nd, under the banner “Race to the Top.” The forum is organized by the Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP), an initiative that aims to make Ecuador’s shrimp industry a leader in responsible production. The forum will gather 35 speakers from both national and international organizations, including major players like the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Discussions will focus on four pillars: governance, environment, social responsibility, and economic impact. Ecuador’s progress on sustainability will be showcased as a model for other shrimp-producing countries. According to Pamela Nath, director of SSP, “Ecuadorian producers have shown it is possible to produce shrimp of the highest quality while safeguarding both people and the environment.” The forum, she noted, will aim to inspire other industry stakeholders to follow Ecuador’s lead in raising standards for sustainable production.

A Platform for Cross-Industry Dialogue

The event will open with a ceremony in the Baquerizo Moreno Hall of the Guayaquil Convention Center on October 21st, attended by national and local authorities. José Antonio Camposano, executive president of the National Chamber of Aquaculture, emphasizes that AQUAEXPO is not just a showcase for the shrimp industry but a meeting ground for other sectors that face overlapping challenges. “This space will offer industry leaders the opportunity to learn, share experiences, and apply solutions across fields,” said Camposano.