Iceland review - 2015, Page 81

ICELAND REVIEW 79
The sixth annual Seafood Conference Iceland (Sjávarútvegs-
ráðstefnan) returns to Reykjavík this winter and will feature
diverse topics ranging from fish farming to product quality.
Taking place November 19-20 at the Hilton Reykjavík Nordica Ho-
tel, Prime Minister Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson will open the
conference, and presentations, seminars and breakout sessions will
follow over the next two days.
The conference will tackle sessions on the treatment of fish on
trawlers, what fish markets can do to improve quality, alternative
ways of marketing Icelandic fish, and the use of environmental-
ly-friendlier packaging. Other sessions will discuss the status and
development of fish farming, the development of international mar-
kets for fresh fish in the US, UK and continental Europe, and the role
of corporations in sustainable fishing.
DIVERSE OPINIONS
What makes this conference unique is the commitment to cover-
ing all aspects of the fishing business in Iceland. “We talk about
everything at the conference,” says Bylgja Hauksdóttir, chair of the
conference. “We don’t restrict panelists to talk about just positive
aspects of the industry. We want to have a conversation with all
stakeholders, whether you are a producer buying fish from the auc-
tion, or a quota holder.”
The purpose of this conference is to create a platform for the
seafood industry to meet in Iceland and talk about farming, pro-
cessing, harvesting, research, marketing and sales. “The point is to
have people from all areas of the fishing business in one room and
to share ideas and experiences,” she explains.
FARMING FISH
One exciting area for Iceland, and something that will be discussed
at the conference, is what is happening with fish farming. “We have
one session on how fish farming is growing in Iceland,” reveals
Bylgja. “There is a new species of sole [Solea senegalensis] that is
being farmed in warmer water off the coast of Reykjanes.”
Another trend is Iceland’s dedication to fresh fish. “What is help-
ing us in Iceland is that we are aiming for quality and a lot of com-
panies are focusing on fresh fish,” states Bylgja. “Just 15 years ago,
the main focus was in production; today the focus starts when the
fish is caught on board the vessel or boat. It’s very different today
and we are ahead of many countries.”
Registration for the conference begins in October. For more
information on registration and the agenda, please visit: sjavarut-
vegsradstefnan.is. The conference is a must for all commercial fish-
eries organizations and associated businesses that deal in Icelandic
seafood.
TALKING ABOUT
QUALITY
Seafood Conference Iceland is a
two-day conference focusing on the
Icelandic fishing industry, and will
include sessions on harvesting,
processing and marketing fish.
SPECIAL PROMOTION
SEAFOOD ICELAND
CONFERENCE 2015
Bylgja Hauksdóttir, conference chairperson.