Nor-Fishing 2022 focuses on sustainable harvesting and use of wild marine resources

marketed are among the central aquaculture topics both in the forum at Fish International and in discussions with exhibitors. For example, Andreas Mäck, Managing Director of Fresh Völklingen, not only represents his conviction of the long-term success of closed recirculation systems, but also points out the challenges that still need to be overcome: “From a business management point of view, there are currently still too few examples of successful systems.” In particular, closed-loop operation and the technology required for it causes high costs. For Fresh Völklingen, Mr Mäck is betting on a closed-loop operation to breed yellowtail kingfish in order to provide the consumer with fresh and top quality fish in a market that is dominated by frozen products from the equator. The implementation of a closedloop operation will allow him to offer a fresh fish at a higher price.

The exhibitors’ products cover the entire spectrum from aquaculture technology to the necessary equipment for conventional pond and flow-through systems. In addition, the broad field of preparation and presentation of delicacies from freshwater and seawater is part of the traditional information offerings at the fair. Other important topics are the marketing of farmed products and animal welfare, which is discussed in particular by environmental organisations and consumer associations.

Fish on the menu is considered a quality feature for gastronomic establishments

Fish and seafood are recognised as healthy foods in large parts of the population. In addition, many consumers rate the preparation of fish dishes as demanding. Therefore, a separate section for fish on the menu is considered the first quality feature for gastronomic establishments.

The use of fish products in gastronomy is another area of the top-class trade fair in Bremen with exhibitors. Discussions in the media about fisheries that protect stocks or about compliance with environmental standards and respect for animal welfare demand a sense of responsibility in the catering industry. Sabine Wedell says that in everyday restaurant life it is becoming increasingly important to have sound specialist knowledge when purchasing goods and talking to guests. fish international offers the unique opportunity to obtain this expertise directly from specialists from business and science as well as from the relevant trade associations. A survey conducted by Messe Bremen among canteen kitchen operators, caterers and other bulk consumers also shows that there is growing interest in information about certification according to the standards of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council and the Marine Stewardship Council.

fish international will provide a glimpse of trends whether in aquaculture or in the gastronomy sector.

Opportunity to try new products

As a trend barometer, fish international also presents numerous new products and preparations. Among other things, the snacking trend ensures that new enjoyable creations are constantly establishing themselves in the lunch offers of restaurants, in company canteens, in specialist food shops as well as on supermarket shelves. By tradition, and due to increasing nutritional awareness, fish plays an important role in this development. From Bismarck herring to fish’n chips and sushi, fish products have long defined gourmet trends and are now doing the same with snack, Sabine Wedell states.

All in all, fish international offers these trends, themes and technologies a broad scope with more than 10,000 square metres of exhibition space. The event is open on Sunday and Monday from 10.00 to 18.00 and on Tuesday from 10.00. to 17.00. Further information and tickets are available at www.fishinternational.de

For more information visit: www. fishinternational.de/en

Hybrid event should expand audience

From 23 to 26 August 2022, the Nor-Fishing fair will take place in Trondheim, Norway. The event is an important forum of conferences, seminars, and the sharing of technological developments within the fisheries technology industry. These include innovations in technology, processes and services related to fishing, processing, transport, and marketing.

This year, the scope and reach of the Nor-Fishing conference is poised to increase because the show will be a hybrid event – with both the traditional exhibition in Trondheim and a digital conference. Nor-Fishing digital will allow for a larger overall audience and will include a livestream of the in-person event as well as digital exhibition stands. The digital platform will serve as a network and platform for all attendees to meet and build connections.

Nor-Fishing is an important meeting place for all members of industry

In 2018, roughly 15,000 visitors from about 50 countries attended NorFishing. The large international presence and diversity of attendees makes the conference relevant for national and international businesses, fishermen, governments, government institutions, technology enthusiasts, equipment suppliers, product developers, researchers, and academics. More than 500 fisheries technology suppliers have been represented at previous NorFishing exhibitions. Nor-Fishing allows exhibitioners and attendees to meet other stakeholders in the industry, such as decision makers and procurement officers, and establish good, informal contacts with suppliers, buyers and colleagues from around the world.

The event presents an expanded programme, consisting of a full-day conference on Monday, 22 August, the day before the exhibition opens. The program will be focused on the importance of productive and sustainable fisheries in solving global logistics and resource challenges. The relevance of this topic for attendees has been amplified by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has increased the logistical challenges for people and industries worldwide. The outlook of this presentation will focus on the enormous potential for the industry that is presented by these challenges.

The program will contain three distinct parts. The first is resource availability and the effects of climate change. This will include discussions on the cooperation and coexistence of different sectors of the fisheries and aquaculture industries. The second is practical and technical perspectives, or more specifically, new fishing vessels and harvesting technology that can help with sustainable harvesting of species and the control of overfishing. The final section will be exploring the limiting factors of the extraction of raw materials. This will include the sustainability pressures on financial institutions and ethical perspectives. The day will conclude with a panel discussion.

Research plays a critical role in the development of greener solution for the fishing and processing industries (archive photo).

Content specific seminars and debates to disseminate information

Several seminars, mini-conferences, presentations, lectures and debates are planned. These events are organized by the NorFishing Foundation, and various institutions, exhibitors and companies. The seminars will primarily focus on harvesting new marine resources, the green transition of fisheries and fish processing, and methods for future management of fisheries. The presentations will be very engaging as Nor-Fishing has assembled an impressive list of speakers including researchers and professionals such as Michaela Aschan from UiT, sustainability director Ragnhild Dragøy from Aker Biomarine, Elisabeth Gabrielsen from the Ministry of Fisheries, and Secretary General Karoline Andaur from the WWF World Wildlife Fund.

There will be debates held in both English and Norwegian to discuss the fisheries industry’s perspective on the world food crisis, logistical challenges in the wake of Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine, and potential solutions to ghost gear and plastic pollution of the oceans.

Slate of awards to be given at the conference

In line with previous Nor-Fishing conferences, during the opening ceremony, awards will be presented. These awards include the Nor-Fishing Foundation Innovation Award, the Directorate of Fisheries Environment Award, and the Best Stand Award. The Nor-Fishing Foundation Innovation Award celebrates a fishing equipment or services company which has the best innovative service or product for the industry. Prize winners receive significant press and NOK 100,000. The Directorate of Fisheries Environment Award is awarded to a supplier that developed the best solution to improve or safeguard the environment. Finally, the best stand award is given to the most attractive and efficient stand at the show.

The last day of the fair will be Student Day. The exhibitions will be open and free for all students. The purpose of student day is to attract intelligent young people to the fisheries industry. There will be a separate student seminar as well as opportunities for students to meet companies and organizations that are hiring new employees. The day is beneficial for students as well as participating companies. The student day is put on by the Nor-Fishing foundation in cooperation with NTNU, Brohode Havbruk 2050, and other partners.