The Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition 2011 has been described as the most successful edition of the show in many years.
There was a general air of optimism among both exhibitors and visitors, and attendance was up on the last event in 2008 by 9%, to 13,547. The number of countries from which attendees came also increased to 52.
The exhibition was formally opening on 22 September by the Icelandic Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Jón Bjarnason. He congratulated the exhibition and said that it becomes “more impressive every year”.
He spoke about the success that the Icelandic fishing industry is enjoying, which he credited to most of the fish stocks being in a good state. He also mentioned the steps the government have taken to improve and increase the utilisation of marine resources.
He specifically mentioned the new rules that the entire catch must be brought ashore: not only the choice parts of the fish, but also what we used to classify as waste. “This vision, of utilising everything that comes onboard, will not be a burden for the sector, but an opportunity for increased creation of value and development. When I look over the exhibition site, with all the high technology on offer, there is no doubt in my mind that the Icelandic fishing industry will be able to meet the challenges ahead,” he said.
Minister Bjarnason said that international co-operation is an important pillar for fisheries operations, and that, therefore, the Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition serves a vital role.
The Icelandic Fisheries Awards was held on the opening night of the exhibition, and once again celebrated excellence in the Icelandic and international fishing industry. The awards ceremony was held at the Gerdarsafn art gallery in Kopavogur and was hosted for the third time by the Icelandic Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture and the Town of Kopavogur. The winners of the awards will be covered over the following pages and World Fishing & Aquaculture would like to congratulate all of them on their success.
The exhibition was a great success, and many orders were taken during the three day show – details of some can be found later in this review. Once again, World Fishing & Aquaculture would like to congratulate the organisers for a wonderful exhibition, and would also like to thank the exhibitors and visitors who participated.
Carly Wills, Editor, World Fishing & Aquaculture
