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Coldwater marine finfish aquaculture 
16 & 17 April 2004
profet-irl@feap.info
The fifth Workshop of the PROFET initiative will be held in Dublin on the 16th & 17th April 2004 in the Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel: Santry Demesne, Dublin 9.
This workshop is being coordinated by the Irish Salmon Growers Association (ISGA), the Norwegian FHL havbruk and the FEAP.
Details for Workshop Registration and Hotel Information are accessible on the right hand pane.
The theme of the workshop is the investigation of the RTD requirements for coldwater marine finfish aquaculture. While most know that the expansion of salmon farming represents the main professional effort for this sector, considerable work has been done on other species, such as halibut, cod and sole.
The growth of alternative species has been less rapid and limited by different factors, many of which will be reviewed in the workshop. Particular attention will be given to the technological requirements for success, specifically in the light of the questions raised on the possibilities for offshore aquaculture.
The PROFET workshop that will be held in Dublin will examine the RTD needs of the sector for securing a sustainable future within the European fish farming sector.
1. Aquaculture in Europe
The first session will provide a description of the PROFET initiative and set the background for the workshop, including a description of the role of coldwater marine aquaculture within the European Commission’s strategy for the sustainable development of European aquaculture. An analysis of the facilities applicable for RTD projects on aquaculture within the 6th Framework Programme will also be given. The opportunities provided by specialised networks and organisations will finalise this session.
2. The Availability of Medicines for Finfish Aquaculture
Treating finfish diseases and infections is increasingly problematic, where the farmer’s responsibilities for livestock welfare have to be balanced with the availability of therapeutic agents. Debate will be made on the reasons for the extremely limited availability of licensed therapeutants for fish.
3. The future for the production of marine finfish
The application of catch restrictions to fisheries provides clear potential for the expansion for marine fish farming, providing an alternative to imports. Access to offshore and inshore sites, the effects of waterborne diseases, legislative issues and questions on resource use are all issues that can affection the future for the production of marine finfish. A comprehensive review will be made of the key requirements for assuring the future of the sector.
4. The market potential of marine finfish species
The marine finfish sector contains many fish species that are of high quality and in high demand. The primary success of the European fish farming sector was the supply of fish species in demand by the consumer and, hence, the supply chain. Perhaps the major challenge facing the sector is that of obtaining market stability, following the experiences of the last 10 years. The options for new and ‘old’ species will be presented and debated. Quality and supply issues, combined with the recognition of consumer needs, will be considered.
5. Research and Development priorities
The opportunities for diversification and development, through the farming of new or alternative species or by the application of new technologies, will be presented while close attention will also be given to the technology required and the associate RTD programmes envisaged.
The Workshop will close with a final session that focuses on the key issues debated and develop conclusions for recommendations on the RTD requirements of coldwater marine finfish aquaculture.
| The PROFET initiative is being achieved with financial support from the European Commission. |
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