EAS has established thematic groups to facilitate theme-focused information exchange and networking by members.

The objective of the EAS Thematic Groups is to create a forum among EAS members that share a common interest within the wider aquaculture field and wish to take advantage of the EAS membership and its wide geographical reach of members.

The forums may be used to inform of latest initiatives; seek partners for new research; look to better manage research activities between organisations and institutes and give an insight into what is potentially (and hopefully) coming in the future.

The groups will organize theme sessions and other activities at each Aquaculture Europe meeting, and maintain thematic online discussion facilities on this web site. Through these activities, the groups will enable members to maintain continuous information exchange in specialist areas, and to take a more pro-active approach to the organisation of conference sessions.

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) This group will address the current status and future development of RAS systems within the bigger picture of aquaculture technology, especially focussing on commercial applications, their up scaling to industrial scale and their use for a wide range of species currently produced throughout Europe. Moderated by Oliver Schneider
	Controlled reproduction and larval rearing of the European eel Successful and controlled reproduction of eel in captivity would be advantageous for eel farming particularly in the light of the critically low levels of the wild eel populations. This group will bring together EAS members involved in this exciting area. Several research projects are ongoing, and their informal ‘clustering' through the EAS thematic groups could help to speed up this reality. Moderated by Guido van den Thillart
European shellfish culture expertise (Euroshell) Addressing research topics that are relevant for developing shellfish culture in Europe and stimulating the formation of a corresponding research agenda. The agenda should be helpful for funding agencies in the design of their research programs. Moderated by Aad Smaal
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Each edition of Aquaculture Europe magazine will contain an update on discussions and activities within each thematic group, written by the moderator. Furthermore, each group will be able to organise a conference session or workshop within each Aquaculture Europe meeting. The thematic groups can also have a leading role in EAS platforms with wider stakeholders.