Icelandic Fisheries Minister opens Icefish 2008

Ladies and gentlemen

The Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition 2008, which is now being opened, is a major event here in Iceland because the fisheries sector is a the backbone of our economy, and our countrymen are therefore interested in what is happening in this industry. The general public's incredible participation in the exhibition shows this graphically. The latest exhbition, held in 2005, broke all records in terms of visits as some 15 thousand people from 50 countries visited the event. I am told that many exhibitors are amazed to meet Icelanders by the thousands from every part of the country; they come to discover the most important developments even though they do not work at anything directly connected with fisheries. This reflects the unique status of fisheries in Iceland.

Then the international exhibition is also a major event in its field – we can perhaps say a world event – because it has long ago earned such status in the international fisheries community. Here is the great exhibition window affording us insight into the world of modern fisheries.

This window opens on a high-technology sector of the economy that relies on the best available knowledge to engage in complex and challenging business operations. In the most successful countries, the fisheries sector has proved a major part of the economy and a workhorse for a high standard of living. Iceland is an excellent example of this.

The Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition is a perfect venue for seeing and experiencing all kinds of innovations and progress in the industry. We at the Ministries of Fisheries and Agriculture intend to utilise and launch an improved information utility about Icelandic fisheries. The web address fisheries.is contains reliable information on the ecosystem and ocean environment around Iceland, on sustainable utilisation of the country’s resources, and on the nutrients and healthiness of seafood in general. Statistical information is also available on fisheries and on the importance of utilising marine resources for the Icelandic economy. All the information will be in English.

I would like to mention another important current issue on this occasion, namely one of the most extensive projects of the Icelandic fishing industry - the Icelandic Logo for Responsible Fisheries. Few nations are as dependent upon long-term utilisation of sustainable fisheries as Iceland is, making it of prime importance to utilise fishing stocks responsibly and sustainably.

A decision has been taken to identify Icelandic seafood products, produced from catches in Icelandic waters, with a special symbol. The label indicates the product’s origin in Iceland and from responsible fishing. It can be used on all markets for seafood products. It can also be used to identify catch of Icelandic vessels from straddling stocks which are under integrated management.

Fisheries stakeholders have also decided, with the support of the government, to request certification by an independent, recognised, international professional certification body to confirm that Iceland pursue responsible fisheries.

The certification body will follow a list of requirements based on Guidelines of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO, on procedures for certification and labelling of products from sustainable fisheries. Responsibility for the project will rest with the Fisheries Association of Iceland. In connection with the introduction of the Icelandic logo for responsible fisheries, an introductory presentation will be held at the new stand of the Kópavogur-football stadium here a cross the street tomorrow at 15.00. The presentations will be in English. I urge everyone interested in this urgent matter to attend the presentation.

Competition is hard in fisheries. We are selling products in a demanding market. Meticulous working procedures and the latest technology are prerequisites for success. At each Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition we see the progress that has been made in this technical field. Technical innovations are always a determing factor for us being able to increase diversity in production and respond to new demands constantly emerging in our markets.

The Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition is also a place for people in fisheries to meet, do business, compare notes and strengthen friendships and business contacts.

We are gathered here in the shadow of great economic turmoil. Iceland as other economies is severely affected by the harsh credit crunch, which is illustrated in recent events apparent to all of us. There are no easy solutions to these difficulties. That however does not allow us to turn a blind eye to our objective, which is to take all measures available to us to overcome these difficulties. The Icelandic government is determined to play its part, just as it has tried to do in the past.

It is interesting to note that in these turbulent times, people now rely more than in recent years on the so called traditional industries, like fisheries. It is apparent that the role of fisheries becomes more important than before. We recognise our potentials and realise that the progress in the fishing industry could become a guding light, more than ever before, in an age of uncertainty as the one we are experiencing today. Thus fisheries will play an important role, not only in Iceland where it has been the backbone of our econmy, but in others areas as well. This means that we need to take all measures to economise, introduce new technological means and methods to maximise the yields from our econmomic activities and therefore preserving and strenghtening fisheries as a pillar of our society.

For us Icelanders it is a unique pleasure to host this important exhibition. On behalf of all Icelanders, it is therefore my great honour and special pleasure to welcome you to this Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition. I declare the Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition 2008 opened.