April 27, 2016

Asia-Pacific Aquaculture 2016 opens in Surabaya

The four-day Asia-Pacific Aquaculture 2016 opened to a huge crowd of exhibitors and visitors in Surabaya, Indonesia, on Tuesday, April 26, graced by the presence of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti and Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong.

APA 2016 is heavy on oral presentations totalling some 400 in all that cover all topics related to aquaculture from aquaponics and biotechnology to genetics, nutrition and wastage utilisation. In addition, there are 250 poster presentations. The sessions, which also cover different species, have lured both the academics and the industry people. "We think the academic people can learn from the industry and vice versa", said MarioStael, assistant director of APA 2016, adding that because of the interest on different topics, this year they had to increase the number of session rooms to 11.

Stael also said that Asia-Pacific Aquaculture provides a platform for people in the industry and the academic people to network with each other not only inside Indonesia but also those from different countries.

Stael told eFeedLink that the industry show this year attracted 160 exhibitors that occupied 230 booths filling Surabaya's pretty Grand City Convention Center, which is connected to a huge mall also named Grand City. Exhibitors include such big names in the industry as Biomin, Nutriad, Tyson Foods, Evonik, Blue Aqua, Rabobank, INVE and MSD.

Stael said that 60% of the exhibitors are from Indonesian and 40% international that includes Australia, Europe, Latin America, Taiwan and India.

He said they decided to hold APA 2016 in Surabaya because it is in the heart of Indonesia's aquaculture industry. "Besides, it has a lot of international flights and a good convention center".

Needless to say, Stael continued, APA has got a lot of government support. He said the Indonesian government put up a good national team to help the organiser (World Aquaculture Society) put up a good show that has drawn the interest of many people, Indonesians and foreigners alike.

Concurrently being held during the APA 2016, which ends on Friday, April 29, is IndoAqua 2016.