Valencia Hosts the First Iberian Meeting of Experts in Aquatic Ecosystems

• More than a hundred professionals and enthusiasts are gathering this weekend at the Oceanogràfic to address the role of aquarism in conservation and environmental awareness

• The event is co-organized by Aquascaping Spain and will combine exhibitions, international conferences, and a live aquarium setup competition

The Oceanogràfic of Valencia will be the venue for the first Iberian Aquarium Meeting (RIA25). This weekend, the event will bring together more than a hundred participants from Spain and Portugal. The meeting will combine scientific dissemination, round tables, exhibitions, practical workshops, and international conferences on aquatic ecosystems, conservation, and environmental education.

Organized by the Oceanogràfic and Aquascaping Spain, the event will bring together national and international researchers, professionals, enthusiasts, and specialists to share knowledge and experiences on aquarism, biodiversity, and the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems.

Among the most notable conferences is that of international expert Josh Sim, with the talk “Beyond Aquascaping,” and that of naturalist Iván Mikolji, who will present “Exploring the Orinoco,” an approach to the biological richness of South American rivers.

In addition, there will be a round table on aquarism and conservation, with representatives from the El Palmar Fish Research Center (CIP) and the Oceanogràfic Foundation, who will address the educational value of aquariums as tools for environmental awareness.

The program also includes a live competition to set up twelve aquariums, aquatic landscaping activities, workshops, and sessions dedicated to the identification of species and the study of their behavior in controlled environments.

During Sunday, participants will attend presentations on parasite identification in display aquariums, reproduction of marine species in controlled environments, and conservation of freshwater aquatic fauna, by specialists such as Ana Ahuir, José María Cid, Javi Murcia, and Irene Melero.

The event will conclude with a tribute to the Valencian Aquarium Society (SOCAV), which will celebrate its seventieth anniversary with the presentation of awards and recognitions.

The choice of the Oceanogràfic of Valencia (CACSA – GVA) as the venue for the meeting underscores the Valencian aquarium’s commitment to scientific dissemination and biodiversity conservation and reinforces its role as a space for the transmission of knowledge, the exchange of experiences, and the promotion of the conservation of aquatic ecosystems.