November 20, 2006

US aquaculture conference reflects confidence in the industry

The Global Shrimp Outlook: 2006 and Global Fish Outlook: 2006 held consecutively brought together US leaders of the shrimp and fish industries together in Miami, Florida, USA, from Nov 5 through Nov 9.

Under the conference theme of "Global Challenges, Unified Solutions", conference participants were presented with global production data and market data for shrimp and farmed fish, and views on strategic issues that affect the seafood value chain.

Issues from food safety to fishmeal were also discussed. The conference also touched on traceability and Best Aquaculture Practices from Wal-mart's Peter Redmond.

Most panelists agreed that the wealth of literature produced on the benefits of seafood would ensure strong demand growth from consumers.

For 2007, Outlook organizers plan to work on methods of data collection that would help participants more accurately predict shifts in production and pricing.