Iceland: Cod farming event to define future challenges

A major cod farming conference, due to be held in Reykjavik this autumn, is expected to attract interest from a seafood industry facing increasing demand for whitefish and raw material shortages.

Iceland recently announced plans to develop its cod farming sector in a bid to counter the effects of a major cut in the cod fishing quota.

Iceland's Minister of Fisheries Einar K. Gudfinnsson and fish industry representatives believe cod farming should be increased to cope with the fishing quota cut, according to Icelandic media reports.

Norway has said it is willing to co-operate with Iceland when it comes to developing the sector.

The third Nordic Cod Farming Conference is due to be held in late September, prior to the Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition. It aims to give an overview of cod farming activities, an insight into research in Nordic countries and to define future challenges.

Conference organiser, Valdimar Gunnarsson commented: “We are delighted that our delegates will have the opportunity to visit the Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition. The previous conference had nearly 170 delegates from 12 countries and, given that cod fisheries remain depleted whilst global human demand for whitefish continues to increase, we expect this year’s event to attract even more interest."

Held every three years, the Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition covers all aspects of the commercial fishing industry from the design and construction of fishing vessels and every type of on board equipment through to land based processing and packaging of seafood products.

The last event was attended by nearly 15,000 from 50 countries, according to the organisers. It featured almost 800 exhibitors, including five national pavilions from the Faroe Islands, Denmark, the UK, Italy and France. In addition this year's event will see a return from Norway, which has announced plans to bring a national pavilion. The Galician region of Spain is also planning to bring a group.

The Nordic Cod Farming Conference will take place at the Grand Hotel, Reykjavik, from September 30 - October 1, immediately prior to the Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition.

The exhibition and awards will be held from October 2-4 in Smárinn, Kópavogur, Iceland.

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Iceland: Cod farming event to define future challenges