Eurofish, with the support of the Directorate for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs in the European Commission, and the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Policies, is organizing a two day conference in Duino (near Trieste), Italy, on 14-15 September 2006.
Entitled “Future Aquaculture” the conference will address the opportunities and challenges facing the European aquaculture sector, with a regional focus on the southern and eastern member states of the European Union and neighbouring countries.
Today more than ever aquaculture has to be integrated into social structures and ecological conditions. It is only sustainable if it succeeds in combining principles of effective management with demands for ecological compatibility and social justice and bringing these into balance. It is not enough to offer high-quality seafood products from aquaculture at a reasonable price. The industry has to ensure that the fish is farmed in accordance with the rules of good husbandry, that the environment remains intact, and that consumer safety is guaranteed. If aquaculture does not succeed in being simultaneously sustainable and profitable it will not be able to survive in the long run.
The rapid growth in the aquaculture industry in the Mediterranean/Adriatic region raises a number of issues that need to be addressed if this growth is to be sustained. The conference will provide the most recent knowledge on the following key subjects:
• Sustainable production and protection of the environment
• Access to new technologies and production concepts
• The role of markets and of consumers in the development of aquaculture
• Public health as related to aquaculture
• Policies and management
The targeted participants at the conference are from industry (fish farmers, processors, feed and technology suppliers, traders), but also associations and public sector representatives.
Future Aquaculture will be a forum for networking, exchange of information, and will provide ample space for debates and interaction among participants. The venue, Duino Castle, overlooks the Gulf of Trieste and is surrounded by magnificent gardens and panoramic terraces.
Visits to fish farms will be organised on the second day of the conference.
For more information please contact:
Anca Sfetcovici at Eurofish: anca.sfetcovici@eurofish.dk
Tel: +45 33377765
