EAS welcomes its new Board of Directors for 2026–2028

Following the online elections in May, EAS members have chosen a new President-Elect, five Board Members and a Student Representative to steer the Society through 2026–2028. The results were formally confirmed by the EAS General Assembly on the 29th September at the AE2026 event in Ljubljana.

In a year that marks 50 years of the European Aquaculture Society, 146 of our 522 eligible members cast a ballot, a participation rate of 28%. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and help shape the future of our community.

Daniel Żarski elected President-Elect
Daniel Żarski (Poland) has been elected President-Elect to work alongside the 2026-2028 president Damien Toner and Marc Vandeputte, who remains on the board as immediate Past President. Daniel will automatically become President in 2028.

Five new Board Members
Fourteen candidates from across Europe stood for five seats on the Board. Members elected the following colleagues:
   Benjamin Costas (Portugal) approved by the EAS Board as 2026-2028 treasurer 
   Alessio Bonaldo (Italy)
   Åsa Maria Espmark (Norway)
   Silvia Natale (Italy)
   Laura Ballesteros-Redondo (Germany)
Congratulations to all five. We look forward to the energy and fresh perspectives they will bring to the Board.

Adriana Oliveira joins as Student Representative
Adriana Oliveira (Portugal) has been elected Student Representative, receiving the most votes in a field of five candidates. Adriana will give a voice to the next generation of aquaculture professionals on the Board and in EAS activities for students and early-career members.

Thank you to all candidates
A strong election depends on people willing to stand. Our sincere thanks go to every candidate who put their name forward, and to all members who voted.