Aquaculture event set to focus on fish welfare – Fishupdate.com

THE Scottish aquaculture industry is set to come under the spotlight next month at a major showcase exhibition and conference in Aviemore.

Aquaculture UK 2008 marks the first time that a major fish farming exhibition has been staged in Aviemore since 1996 and is the culmination of claimed strong support from the Scottish industry for an event of this kind to be held again in the Highlands.

The two-day show is already a sell-out amongst exhibitors, with all original and overspill capacity stand space booked up. The event, which will be held at the modern Aviemore Resort & Conference Centre, will be officially opened by Scottish Government Minister for the Environment, Michael Russell on May 21.

Exhibitors from over 10 countries will be attending, with visitors from all over the world expected, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

Organised by Tain based Ascomber Ltd, exhibitors will represent a cross-sector of the aquaculture industry and include several new hi-tech companies offering new technologies and systems.

The conference programme will focus on the key themes of fish welfare, shellfish and feed and operating issues.

David Mack, managing director of Ascomber, said: “The move to Aviemore has been received with great enthusiasm by the industry.

“The Highlands are at the heart of the Scottish and UK aquaculture industry and it makes sense for a major exhibition and conference of this type to be held here, especially since Aviemore offers such excellent facilities.

“We expect to attract international visitors from over 20 countries, all coming to see the latest products and innovations in the industry.”

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish FISHupdate magazine, Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.