Bremerhaven is one of the leading locations of the fish-processing industry in Europe. Aquatic products derived from aquaculture contribute a major share to the total fisheries output of the European Union. Nevertheless, the demand for aquatic products is still increasing. Further opportunities for industry growth will depend on many factors, not only coping with changes in globalized markets, but also adjusting to increasing demands from competing water resource users. The risks associated with new developments need further attention in relation to production systems, product safety, quality control and global as well as regional economics. The AQUACULTURE FORUM BREMERHAVEN 2012 – 2013 focuses on these issues and brings together international business and science for a series of four workshops to contribute to future developmental needs of the European aquaculture industry.
After three decades of rapid growth and a decade after the FAO Bangkok Declaration (Aquaculture Millenium Conference 2000), time has come to reflect these FAO recommendations in light of new developments with a strong focus on the European scenario. Such reflections are warranted to properly assess the future needs of the industry in terms of incentives for a sustainable development, further research initiatives and adequate regulatory frameworks. Four workshops will focus on key issues that are important for the future of aquaculture development.
Four workshops will focus on four key issues that are important for the future of aquaculture development in Europe:
OPEN OCEAN AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT
AQUACULTURE PRODUCT QUALITY AND CONSUMER DEMANDS
FINFISH NUTRITION AND AQUACULTURE TECHNOLOGY AT THE CROSSROADS
DEVELOPMENTAL TRENDS AND DIVERSIFICATION IN EUROPEAN AQUACULTURE
The workshops are planned as two-day events with presentations from industry, science and administration. Several keynote lectures (45 min) — relevant to each of the central subjects — plus a series of contributed papers (up to eight speakers; 30 min; extended discussions) will be included in the programmes. A social evening event will provide ample opportunity for participants to exchange views and discuss future concepts.
An extended panel discussion on day two will give opportunity to debate the future of aquaculture in Europe, addressing obstacles and opportunities in view of the globalize and highly competitive markets. The outcome of the panel discussions will be reflected in jointly formulated specific recommendations, which will be published and distributed to industry, inter-governmental and international agencies as well as regional and national authorities for further considerations.
