AVIEMORE.- (Fish Up Date).- THE first day of the AquacultureUK 2008 exhibition and conference in Aviemore has been hailed a success. One of the UK's largest aquaculture events, it was opened by Scottish Environment Minister, Michael Russell.

David Mack, managing director of exhibition organiser Ascomber Ltd, says he has been delighted by the number of visitors and the positive feedback from exhibitors.

“The level of attendance from visitors has been exceptionally good and the exhibition stands have been busy,” he said.

“It has been great to receive such a positive reaction from the industry and all the signs now point to this exhibition becoming a regular event in the fish farming calendar.”

Exhibitor Baxter Binnie of Glasgow-based fish farm suppliers Terecos Ltd, said: “It’s great to see an aquaculture show back in Aviemore. The location is convenient for the Scottish fish farming industry and our stand has been busy. We have been very pleased with the level of interest.”

Almost 70 companies from over 10 countries are taking part.

Meanwhile, on the first day of the seminar programme, Jonathan Shepherd, director general of the International Fishmeal & Fish Oil Organisation (IFFO), told delegates that responsible sourcing and sustainability were key priorities for the future.

Fishmeal and oil are vital components of fish feed to ensure a high performance diet that delivers health promoting qualities to farmed fish. The challenge for aquaculture is to show that it is sustainable over the long term, Dr Shepherd said.

“The IFFO is currently developing an independently audited Code of Responsible Production Practice for the industry, which we plan to launch later this year.”

He added: “All feed ingredients whether fishmeal or fish oil or vegetable protein or oil must come from sustainable sources. It is crucial that the industry demonstrates to all parts of the food supply chain its commitment to responsible production and sustainability.”

AquacultureUK 2008 is taking place at the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort today and tomorrow Thursday 22 May from 10am until 6pm.

The event is expected to attract international visitors from over 20 countries, all coming to see the latest products and innovations in the industry. In parallel with the exhibition, there is a series of relevant seminars and workshops.

This new event is expected to attract up to 1,500 people who will get the chance to discuss the future development of the industry.

An exhibition hosts stands from local companies through to international players from countries such as Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Canada.

Mr Russell said: "It is quite fitting that AquacultureUK 2008 is being launched in the heart of the Highlands at a time when the industry is optimistic for its future.

"Encouragingly, I understand that the organisers have already booked to come back to Aviemore in 2010.

"The farmed fish sector is of great value to Scotland and we need to ensure its sustainable economic growth for the future.

"Last year we produced some 140,000 tonnes of salmon worth around £380 million, which is more than the value of our catching sector.

"We also have trout, other marine species and a very successful shellfish sector which produces over 4,600 tonnes a year - mainly mussels - which I am sure has great potential to grow.

"This week's exhibition and conference will allow visitors the opportunity to locate suppliers, explore the wide range of businesses services and products on offer and catch up on the latest technology.

"There will also be plenty of opportunities to network and learn more about the industry through the seminars and workshops."

Source: http://www.fishupdate.com