Former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will headline AquaVision 2026, as the global aquaculture sector gathers in Norway against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change.
The 16th edition of the biennial AquaVision conference will take place in Stavanger from 8–10 June 2026. Hosted by Skretting and its parent company Nutreco, the event brings together senior executives, policymakers, investors and innovators to debate how aquaculture can deliver sustainable “blue food” to a growing global population.
Organisers say AquaVision 2026 will focus on two core themes: navigating the global geopolitical landscape and its implications for aquaculture, and pioneering innovations that could reshape the industry in the years ahead.
Blinken, who served as the 71st US Secretary of State from January 2021 to January 2025, will deliver the keynote address. His appearance continues AquaVision’s tradition of inviting high-profile global leaders to offer perspectives beyond the seafood and aquaculture sectors.
During his tenure, Blinken steered US diplomacy through a period of major geopolitical disruption, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East, intensifying US-China rivalry, and efforts to rebuild alliances across Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Trade, investment and technology policy were elevated as central elements of national security, areas with growing relevance for globally integrated food and feed supply chains.
Before becoming Secretary of State, Blinken held a series of senior roles in US foreign policy, including Deputy Secretary of State and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor under President Barack Obama, as well as National Security Advisor to then–Vice President Joe Biden. He also served as Democratic staff director of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and as a senior speechwriter for President Bill Clinton.
“In today’s turbulent environment, Sec Blinken’s insights will help participants better understand the global forces shaping our industry,” the organisers said, pointing to rising trade fragmentation, regulatory complexity and supply chain risk as issues increasingly confronting aquaculture businesses.
Alongside geopolitics, innovation will be a central pillar of the programme. Sessions will explore advances ranging from biology and breeding to engineering, artificial intelligence and data-driven precision farming. Organisers say the aim is to highlight ideas – both within and outside aquaculture – that could unlock greater efficiency, resilience and profitability.
“With AquaVision, Skretting and Nutreco are providing an arena for the aquaculture and food industries to build connections, hear diverse perspectives, and address shared challenges,” said Maarten Bijl, CEO of Skretting. “We must remain agile – navigating global politics, keeping pace with technologies such as AI, and responding swiftly to shifting regulations and market expectations, particularly on sustainability.”
Bijl added that balancing speed, collaboration and scientific credibility will be critical if the sector is to “ride the next wave and emerge stronger together”.
AquaVision 2026 will also feature speakers from across Latin and North America, Europe, Asia and Africa, combining regional geopolitical insights with perspectives from aquaculture company leaders on how they are adapting their strategies and strengthening organisational resilience.
Past editions of AquaVision have featured keynote addresses from prominent international figures including Nobel laureate economists Paul Krugman and Joseph Stiglitz, as well as former UN secretaries-general Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon. Organisers say Blinken’s participation underscores the growing recognition of aquaculture’s strategic importance in a world facing food security, sustainability and geopolitical challenges.
