Flying start to farming conference
An oystercatcher – a protected wading bird which decided to nest in the very spot AquacultureUK's marquee was to be pitched - almost forced the event to be cancelled, but fortunately the UK authorities allowed its nest to be moved before the event kicked off.
More than 106 exhibitors from all over the globe – a record number – displayed their latest products, services and innovations in the largest marquee ever erected in Scotland. Both the exhibition and the gala dinner were a sell-out, with visitor numbers, according to event organiser David Mack, thought to be over 1000, from 23 countries.
Last night a highlight of the event was an after dinner speech by irreverent comedian Tam Cowan, who mamanged to confuse as well as amuse the assembled audience with his unique brand of Scottish humour, which included a joke that required a Scotsman, Englishman, Mexican, Norwegian and Chinaman to be lined up on stage.
Meanwhile, at today's conference, top industry speakers are set to look at the challenges and opportunities for Scottish aquaculture. Richard Slaski, from the Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum (SARF), will speak about the medium- and long-term challenges, while Gino Bawn from IT Power will ask if aquaculture can be integrated with wave and wind energy. Biofouling and biosecurity will be covered by Dr Adrian MacLeod from SAMS, while their colleague Professor Kenny Black will look at the challenge presented by sea lice. New technologies in fish breeding will be covered by Dr Alan Tinch from Landcatch Natural Selection Ltd, while moorings of the future are the subject of a presentation by Brendan Farrel of TFI Marine.
