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The Renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture
Seizing the opportunities
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Wednesday 23rd June 2010
Grosvenor Hotel, Edinburgh
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Conference chair:Keynote speakers:- Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Minister for Environment, The Scottish Government
- Professor Constantin Vamvakas, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent - Belgium and former adviser to the Director General, Directorate of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, European Commission
Also presenting:- Dr Philip Smith, Development Director, Aquaculture Stewardship Council
- Scott Landsburgh, Chief Executive, Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation
- Professor Brendan McAndrew, Chair, Marine Alliance for Science and Technology Scotland (MASTS)
- Martyn Haines, Depute Principal and Head, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatics Department, Barony College
- Walter Speirs, Chairman, Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers
- David Bassett, Chief Executive, British Trout Association
- Alastair Salvesen CBE, Chairman, Dawnfresh Seafoods Ltd
- Quentin Clark, Head of Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing, Waitrose
- Heather Jones, Deputy Director, Aquaculture, Freshwater Fisheries and Licensing Policy, The Scottish Government
- Susan Davies, Head of Policy and Advice, Scottish Natural Heritage
The aquaculture industry, the culture of animals and plants in water environments, is of great national importance to Scotland and makes a significant economic contribution. Scotland is the third-largest salmon producer in the world, with a global market share of 10%. Fish and shellfish make up the largest proportion (55%) of food exported overseas. Aquaculture makes an important contribution to the rural economy, especially in the western and northern isles, where many communities are sustained by the employment provided - about 1,500 direct jobs with a further 4,700 downstream. Consequently, supporting aquaculture production, processing and associated businesses is vital, whilst sustainable practices that conserve the natural environment are also of paramount importance.
The renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture, launched by Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Minister for Environment, The Scottish Government on 21 May 2009 in the Scottish Parliament, sets out a shared vision for sustainable, diverse, market-led and profitable farmed fish and shellfish industries in Scotland. One year on from its launch this conference will hear from Government, industry, environmental stakeholders and the research community on what their vision is for Scottish Aquaculture. What are the key challenges? How do we combat them? How can the Scottish Aquaculture industry help achieve broader goals for Scotland, including economic development? How is it achievable?
This timely conference will be opened by Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Minister for Environment, The Scottish Government who will provide an outline of where the Government is at in progressing the Framework for Scottish Aquaculture including the work of the Ministerial Working Groups on Aquaculture.
We will also:
- Learn more about the recent new proposals to streamline and improve efficiency of the planning process within the Scottish aquaculture industry.
- Hear from key environmental stakeholders on the need for sustainable practices that conserve the natural environment as well as understand more about the work or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council and how it will impact the Scottish industry.
- Discuss how the economic downturn has impacted the Scottish Aquaculture industry and debate how the sector can better attract investment ensuring long term competiveness.
- Understand how the future of the aquaculture industry is being underpinned by strategic scientific research.
- Explore how the aquaculture industry can make best use of the Scottish quality brand.
- Hear from the retail sector on what they are doing to ensure food is sourced sustainably and meets consumer needs.
- Hear our International Speaker, Professor Constantine Vamvakas, speak to the problems and challenegs over the past 30 years in EU aquaculture outlining the reasons which changed the sector and making it, for some species, a world leader.
An agenda for the day can be found by following the appropriate link above. This will be continually updated so do please check back regularly.
You can view a copy of A Fresh Start: The renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Fisheries/Fish-Shellfish
If you have any questions please email us or call 0131 272 2133. |
Conference development by: Malcolm Anderson
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Upcoming conferences
| September 2010 |
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| October 2010 |
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| November 2010 |
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