[ EVENTS ] value chains that enhance aquatic food system viability by reducing waste while improving transparency and traceability. The vision of the Blue Transformation roadmap is to expand seafood systems, making significant contributions to better production, improved nutrition, healthier environments, and enhanced lives, particularly for communities reliant on fisheries and aquaculture. Following the opening remarks, the event featured five roundtable discussions involving twenty distinguished speakers. These discussions covered a broad spectrum of issues within the seafood industry. In the first discussion,
experts examined the significance of brand integrity. The emphasis was on adapting to evolving consumer trends, leveraging digital marketing channels, and optimizing product presentation to meet changing consumer preferences. The second roundtable focused on the future of fishing and its management models. The participants strongly encouraged collaboration between public and private sectors, ecosystem-based fisheries management, and dialogue between research and industry. In the third session, the spotlight was on social responsibility within the seafood value chain. The emphasis was on standardizing working conditions, government roles in
establishing international standards, and the value of data in the supply chain. The interplay of environmental sustainability and human rights was central. The fourth discussion explored strategies for the Blue Transformation, highlighting the integration of innovation throughout the seafood supply chain and the preservation of natural resources as top priorities. The final roundtable examined traceability and consumer analysis, emphasising the need for transparency and traceability in all aspects of sustainability. International collaboration and regulatory support were deemed essential to ensure product traceability and sustainability.
Consumer interests must go hand in hand with responsible practices The FAO-Conxemar Congress 2023 provided a platform for industry experts to explore and discuss crucial issues in the seafood sector. These discussions highlighted the need for adaptability, innovation, sustainability, and collaboration to navigate the evolving landscape of the seafood industry while prioritising responsible practices and consumer interests. Francesca Barazzetta, Eurofish, francesca@eurofish.dk
DanFish International, 7-9 October, Aalborg
Thousands flock to one of Europe’s largest fisheries exhibitions The popular biannual fisheries exhibition DanFish International was held on October 7-9, 2023, at the Aalborg Congress and Culture Center (AKKC) in the northern Denmark city of Aalborg. Almost 13,000 visitors crowded into the event, to see the latest advances in machinery and equipment. Exhibitors used the expo to strengthen business and personal relationships as the universe of seafood shows continues to rebuild itself after the pandemic.
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s with earlier editions of this exhibition, the 28th DanFish International focused on machinery and equipment in seafood production, processing, and transport, as well as services used by the industry. These products include the latest in net technology, winches and winch control systems for nets and anchors, automatic weighing and inspection systems, processing and packaging equipment, freezing and cooling systems, and many others.
Many more exhibitors demonstrated other important product developments for the industry such as hydraulic haulers for nets, longlines, and traps; improved nets, fish boxes, ropes, safety clothing and tools for crew; and systems for chilling seawater and fish. At a stage area, experts gave presentations and lectures about such topics as artificial intelligence, digitalisation, energy efficiency, and what fishing vessels might look like in the future.
Focus on green technology for the fisheries and aquaculture industry
International featured many exhibitors that offer sustainable solutions for fishers, aquaculturists, processors, and distributors.
By now, everybody has learned that the future of fisheries and aquaculture is “green.” Harvesting must be done sustainably to save fish stocks for the future, and vessels, farms, processing plants, and fish farms all need to become more energy-efficient to cut costs and reduce their impact on the environment. This year’s DanFish
Exhibitors and speakers at DanFish informed visitors about the clean advantages of hydrogen, a famous fuel from the age of zeppelins and returning now as a greener alternative to fossil fuels. Speaking of fuel, displays at DanFish showed efficient fuel injectors and engines running on methanol, among other
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