“The ICES Annual Science Conference, held in Lithuania for the first time, puts Klaipėda University on the global map of marine science not as a guest, but as a host – this is both an institutional appreciation and a commitment. KU’s marine research expertise—from coastal ecosystems and fish stock assessment to open data and digital models—allows us to be a place where evidence becomes solutions. Our goal in Klaipėda is to agree on common Baltic standards, open up data, and initiate restoration projects that would allow the blue economy to grow while ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources. We are ready not only to talk about the Baltic Sea, but also to heal it,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Artūras Razbadauskas, KU Rector.
“For the Ministry of Agriculture, as the institution responsible for shaping fisheries and aquaculture policy, this conference is not only a meeting of the scientific community, but also an important political event. Decision-making based on the best available scientific advice is a cornerstone of marine resource and fisheries management clearly enshrined in international, regional, and national documents and legislation. Today, as the Baltic Sea faces the challenges of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, political decisions must be based on science and actions must be coordinated between countries. Therefore, ICES is not only our scientific partner, but also a strategic platform for joint decision-making. Our goal is for the blue economy to grow not at the expense of nature, but together with nature. We believe that only by working together can we ensure that our waters remain viable, resilient, and valuable for future generations. The ICES conference in Klaipėda is not only an exchange of ideas, but also an impetus for concrete action at both the national and international levels,” notes Ignas Hofmanas, Minister of Agriculture.
Main topics of the conference
The conference in Klaipėda is taking place at a time, when climate change, biodiversity loss, marine pollution, pressure on fish stocks, and the rapid growth of offshore wind energy development require a rising generation scientific and political dialogue. The ASC 2025 program focuses on ecosystem-based management, maritime spatial planning, the transformation of aquaculture and fisheries, open data, modeling solutions, and emerging digital technologies for impact assessment and marine habitat restoration.
“This is the first time ICES Annual Science Conference will be held in Lithuania, and Klaipėda is a natural choice. As the country’s only seaport and home to a thriving marine research community, Klaipėda sits at the heart of the Baltic Sea, a region facing some of the most pressing questions in fisheries and ecosystem management. The ASC is where marine scientists from around the world gather to share innovative research, share ideas, and build lasting collaborations. Each year, the conference focuses on themes proposed by our broad scientific network and selected by ICES Science Committee, ensuring that we are always tackling the most urgent and relevant challenges. Meeting annually is essential: the ocean is changing fast, and so our science, advice, and partnerships must keep pace,” says Prof. David Reid, Chair of the ICES Scientific Committee. This year's program focuses more on the Baltic Sea.
This year’s program focuses more on the Baltic Sea. There will be a week of sessions on water quality, fish stocks, coastal resilience, and the impacts of offshore wind energy in our region. There will also be a joint event organized by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries – For and from the Baltic: Navigating the Future of Fisheries with Ecosystem-Based Management, which will bring together the latest data and concrete solutions for the Baltic Sea. The conference and the aforementioned event will be attended by Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
“Klaipėda University is the only state university in Lithuania located on the Baltic Sea, so it is natural that most of our research is focused on maritime topics. The fact that the ICES, which unites more than 20 maritime states, has entrusted us with the organization of this conference is an important recognition: the University and Klaipėda are becoming increasingly visible in the international maritime research arena. At the same time, it is an appreciation of Lithuania’s potential as a maritime state in the global scientific community,” says Assoc. Prof. Dr. Laura Šaltytė-Vaisiauskė, KU Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation.
The week’s program will consist of 3 plenary presentations, 18 thematic sessions, 5 networking sessions, 5 events for young scientists, and 6 social events.
The plenary presentations, which frame the week’s discussions and bring science, policy, and practice together into a common field of solutions, will be given by leaders in three areas. Prof. Mike Elliott (University of Hull) will talk about the interconnectedness of coastal and estuarine ecosystems and how decisions in basins and rivers determine the state of the Baltic Sea. Dr. Llucia Mascorda-Cabre (University of Plymouth) will discuss low-trophic-level aquaculture (mussels, seaweed), which can both provide food and restore habitats reducing pressure on wild stocks. Dr. Ute Daewel (Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon) will analyze the cumulative impacts of offshore wind energy and the basin-scale assessments needed as the development of renewable energy sources (RES) in the Baltic Sea accelerates. These topics directly address the region’s priorities, from eutrophication and coastal resilience to sustainable food and energy planning.
“ICES flagship event is hosted annually by one of our Member Countries – this year we are privileged to be hosted by Lithuania who joined ICES in 2006 and is a valued member of our community. This year’s conference at Klaipeda University will bring together our networks of national experts, stakeholders and early career scientists from around the world. Sharing each other’s culture is important to develop life-long friendships and collaborations, and to ensure that the best science is presented, discussed, and further advanced,” emphasizes ICES President Dr. Carl M. O’Brien CBE.
Partners
The conference in Lithuania is being organized in cooperation with partners. Ignitis renewables, an international green energy company, contributes to the development of green energy in the region by generating electricity from renewable energy sources, while also committing to caring for the environment. By participating in the conference, Ignitis renewables seeks to establish a dialogue with the marine research community, present its operating principles, and show that it is not only a project developer, but also a responsible partner that sees the big picture: the balance between energy, environmental protection, and public interests.
“Green energy is closely linked to nature and its preservation. Protecting the Baltic Sea ecosystem is one of our fundamental principles in implementing the offshore wind farm project. In order to ensure a balance between environmental protection and clean electricity production, we adhere to the best international practices. In developing the project, we consult and cooperate with highly qualified specialists from Lithuania and abroad,” says Agnė Lukoševičienė, Environmental Expert at Ignitis renewables.
She emphasizes that scientific progress in marine research is inseparable from energy transformation. Events such as ASC 2025 help to bring together academic thought, innovation, and practical solutions, which then form the basis for the sustainable development of the marine and energy sectors. Therefore, it is important for Lithuania to be part of this discussion.
The municipality of Neringa joined as a resort town particularly concerned with issues of coastal resilience, sustainable tourism, and maritime heritage. One evening, conference participants will be invited to Neringa – an opportunity to experience the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, up close and discuss how scientific insights can be translated into concrete measures to protect the coastal environment.
Klaipėda State Seaport Authority is strengthening the voice of young scientists at the conference by contributing to a constructive dialogue between the scientific, political, and port communities on responsible, environmentally friendly port development and safe operations. Argus security service will ensure the safety of the event.
More about the conference: ICES ASC 2025
