Held in the splendid surroundings of Fishmongers’ Hall in London, the conference, black tie dinner and AGM takes place on 19 and 20 May 2015.
The event opens with the annual ‘Drummond Lecture’, this year given by Mike Mitchell, Technical & CSR Director of Young’s Seafood Ltd, speaking about the history of the Norway lobster, Nephrops norvegicus, and how it presented some of the biggest challenges of responsible seafood production.
It will be followed by a keynote speech from Professor Ian Boyd, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government (Defra), which is eagerly awaited by delegates.
Speakers follow on the viability of commercial culture of European spiny lobsters, the Seafish aquaculture review and what it means for the future of the industry, the work of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council and the world’s first ASC certified oyster farm, the population genetics of Cornish lobsters and progress in the management of lobster stocks through genetic tagging, a major retailer’s perspective of the shellfish market, and a look at the success of the ‘Fish on Friday’ blog, a new online publication produced by the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers in collaboration with Marks & Spencer.
Other topics include biosecurity planning, industry-led science in the Holderness fishery, case studies of mussel fisheries in the Netherlands and Germany, and a look at the food requirements of birds.
Finally, Eddy Derriman will give a personal reflection on his distinguished career in inshore fisheries management,
The event will also provide excellent networking opportunities for members and guests, along with space to reflect on the past year at the AGM, and to establish priorities for the journey ahead.
David Jarrad, Director of SAGB said: “There is a lot going on in the industry at present – from the review of major legislation such as the Water Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, to the development of the UK’s first cohesive MPA network and a UK wide aquaculture strategy, as well as various adjustments required under the new Common Fisheries Policy.
“It is an exciting time to be in the industry, but with the increasing legislative and financial constraints facing us, the role of the SAGB and the representation it undertakes is more vital than ever. Indeed, SAGB itself is at a crossroads in light of changes to its funding structure and the outcome from a recent strategic review.”
The conference offers something of interest to all sectors of the industry, and more than 150 fishermen, shellfish farmers, regulators, decision-makers, and environmental organisations are expected to be present. Sponsorship opportunities and exhibition space is also available.
Programmes and booking forms are available to download from http://tinyurl.com/sagbdropbox or can be emailed on request by contacting Claire at projects@shellfish.org.uk.
