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This session, ‘Threats & Weaknesses’, will also focus on the foreseeable opportunities for the Mediterranean aquaculture sector. The recent Profet Workshop in Billund, focusing on freshwater aquaculture and recirculation systems, demonstrated clear directions for the future, where market-led and consumer issues prevail.
Research has to provide the base for:
Important conclusions that can also be applied to the Mediterranean sector include:
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Developing holistic views on production systems and interactions with other users
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Promoting international research covering several types of ecosystems, in order to form the basis for standardized rules and administrative practises throughout Europe.
Other presentations will deal with the specific issues concerning developments in fish feeds and raw material usage and breeding technology.
Nonetheless, one of the key threats to the fish farming sector is not recognising or not responding to change – whether this be in the markets, the supply chain or public opinion. Such problems can only be solved by acting together and responsibly.
The production and scientific sectors will have to work more closely together in order to develop and consolidate opportunities that counter the technical and structural weaknesses of the sector.
Improved networking and cooperation, particularly within the SMEs that make up the bulk of the profession, supported by continuous technical and managerial improvements, must be a key priority, and has been recognised as such by the Commission’s Strategy for Sustainable Development of European Aquaculture.
Certain issues have to be encouraged from within the profession and require RTD assistance; nonetheless, this can only be achieved by the sector assuming its public and professional responsibilities.
After starting in scientific research and development, mainly on food product development, Courtney Hough has worked on the international development of aquaculture for 20 years, specialising in project development, market research and economic assessment. Since 1993, he has also been General Secretary of the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers and has worked on research and network projects in Europe (including ‘Aquaflow’ and ‘Pisces’) as well as training and educational projects (including ‘Orion’). He coordinated the development and the launch of the ‘Aquamedia’ communication initiative (www.aquamedia.org ) and assures its continuing activities.
Contact Details: FEAP Secretariat - 54 rue Nicolas Fossoul – Boncelles – Belgium
Tel: +32 4 338 2995 Fax:+32 4 337 9846 Email: secretariat [at ]feap.info
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