News Oban shellfish ASSG conference
Organised by the Association of Scottish Shellfi sh Growers (ASSG) this year’s con- ference will feature an international panel of speakers, a networking dinner, and the eagerly contested annual competition to fi nd ‘Scotland’s Best Mussels, Gigas and Native Oysters’. The competition is open to all mus- sel and oyster farmers in Scotland and has been won for the past two years by Colonsay Oysters and Inverlussa Shellfi sh.
Themes
Keynote speaker Richard Slaski, secretary of SARF, will be taking ‘A glance over the hori- zon’, in keeping with the theme of the confer- ence, and will be looking at current and future projects that will help the industry to develop its full potential.
Above: judging Sotland’s Best Shellfish last year
Below: Stewart Stevenson
SCOTLAND’S shellfi sh farmers will be descending on Oban for their annual conference in good spirits following the publication of a survey that shows heart- ening trends for the industry. Held in the Corran Halls on 4th and 5th October, this year’s event is entitled ‘Looking to the Future’, and delegates are delighted that they will be joined by the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Stewart Stevenson, who will open the event. The conference is well timed in that it comes in the wake of the publication of the Scot- tish Shellfi sh Farm Production Survey which reveals that: • Production tonnage of mussels in- creased by 14 per cent in 2010 to 7,199 tonnes. This increase shows continu- ing growth in the sector.
• Production tonnage of Pacifi c oyster increased by 4 per cent to 2,900 tonnes in 2010. This follows fl uctuating pro- duction over the past six years.
• Native oyster production decreased from 39 tonnes in 2009 to 28 tonnes.
• King and queen scallop production increased by 83 per cent and 33 per cent respectively from the 2009 total, targeting a small niche market.
• Total estimated value of Scottish farmed shellfi sh in 2010 came to £8.3 million – including £6.7 million for mussels, £1 million for Pacifi c oysters and £100,000 for native oysters.
• Employment in the shellfi sh industry increased from 345 persons in 2009 to 399 in 2010 (a rise of 16 per cent), demonstrating continuing interest and growth of the industry.
Fish Farmer September/October 2011 10
Over two days, speakers will explore farm- ing techniques, processing, marketing and legislation. They will look at shellfi sh monitor- ing programmes, marine protected areas, and the protection of shellfi sh water quality; at the health benefi ts of eating shellfi sh and at Eu- ropean and consumer issues; and at develop- ments in production methods and the environ- mental impacts of shellfi sh farming. The full programme, registration form and details of how to pay are available on the ASSG website,
www.assg.org.uk
Walter Speirs, Chairman of the Association, said: ‘Our industry is vital to the economy of small coastal communities and our members are delighted that Stewart Stevenson is join- ing us to learn about the latest developments. He is highly supportive of the Scottish shell- fi sh industry and we look forward to hearing his opening speech.
‘We anticipate a high turnout of members and overseas visitors to listen to our high calibre speakers and take part in the debate, and urge people to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!’
Following the recent acquisition of VeroMa- ra, Neogen Europe Ltd is holding an evening reception for conference delegates on Monday 3rd October at the Argyllshire Gathering Halls in Oban, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. The event will include an introduction to Neogen’s services, followed by a shellfi sh toxin workshop, where attendees will have the op- portunity to experience the company’s latest lateral fl ow technology. A light buffet and refreshments will be provided.
Employment in the industry rose by 16 per cent
www.fishfarmer-magazine.com
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