Held in Fishmongers’ Hall in London on 23rd and 24th May, the conference will be opened by SAGB chairman Colin Bannister. Nicki Holmyard from Offshore Shellfish Ltd will give the annual Drummond Lecture and Keynote speech, focusing on her 25 years as a freelance seafood industry journalist. Seafish analyst Julia Brooks will give an insight into the UK shellfish market, while Graham Whittle, Chairman of Whitby Seafoods, will enlighten delegates about his career in the scampi industry.
Brexit will be covered by Barrie Dees, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, while lawyer Andrew Oliver will give a solicitor’s perspective, and Dr John Speers, Director of Marine & Fisheries for the Department of Agriculture, is presenting the view from Northern Ireland.
Water quality will be tackled by Dr Peter Miller from Plymouth University, speaking about the ShellEye project. This is examining the effectiveness of satellite monitoring in giving early warning of issues that might affect shellfish. The first day’s sessions will be complemented by Dr Andy Woolmer and Andrew Schofield on progress with the Swansea tidal lagoon and the opportunity for shellfish culture.
Day one ends with an annual black tie dinner, which will feature a shellfish feast, with guests entertained after dinner by celebrity TV chef and restaurateur Cyrus Todiwala OBE.
Day two will open with Keynote speaker George Eustice MP, Minister of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Dr Carly Daniels from the National Lobster Hatchery will present on techniques to develop the mariculture of European lobsters, and PhD student Danielle Bridger on the added benefits to fisheries from offshore shellfish cultivation.
Innovation in data capture methods for static gear fisheries is the subject of a presentation by Jack Emmerson from Bangor University Fisheries & Conservation Science Group.
Completing the wider picture of shellfish production, Richie Flynn, Chair of the EU Aquaculture Advisory Council, will look at the potential for the new European organisation, and Professor Andrew Rowley of Swansea will examine the role of SAGB in developing an aquaculture network for the UK.
“With two presentations yet to be announced, the conference already offers something of interest to all sectors of the shellfish industry and lively debate is expected during the question and answer sessions,” said David Jarrad. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to this exciting event.”
Programmes and booking forms are available to download from www.shellfish.org.uk or can be emailed on request by contacting projects@shellfish.org.uk.