AFC 2026

The 2026 Aquatic Foods Conference was held at the Allegria Hotel in Long Beach, New York, bringing together seafood industry professionals, researchers, extension specialists, regulators, educators, and students to discuss innovation, sustainability, and emerging technologies across the aquatic foods sector. The conference featured regulatory updates from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), NOAA Fisheries, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, providing attendees with valuable insights into current policies, seafood safety, and industry developments. Participants also learned about the history and role of the Fulton Fish Market Cooperative, one of the world’s largest seafood distribution hubs.

Technical presentations highlighted cutting-edge advancements in seafood processing, aquaculture, food safety, traceability, and artificial intelligence applications within the seafood industry. Topics included AI-driven seafood processing technologies, sustainable shrimp production, seaweed food safety initiatives, innovative seafood education platforms, novel post-harvest preservation techniques, digital seafood traceability systems, full-resource utilization through the “100% Fish” movement, and sustainable alligator production research. The conference also showcased emerging research through poster presentations and featured studies on cell-cultured fishmeal development and aquaculture producers’ adoption of alternative feed technologies. Networking opportunities, poster sessions, and the AFC Business Meeting fostered collaboration among participants while helping shape future conference initiatives and industry priorities. The event concluded with a social gathering at Barrier Brewing in Long Beach, further strengthening connections among attendees dedicated to advancing sustainable, innovative, and resilient aquatic food systems.