The Responsible Seafood Summit returns this fall

The annual Responsible Seafood Summit returns this October in St. Andrews, Scotland from 21 to 24 October, with a focus on highlighting the seafood sector’s many contributions to the world, according to organizer the Global Seafood Alliance (GSA).

This year’s conference theme – increasing seafood’s share – is a call for greater attention to the seafood sector and all that it offers for human nutrition and socioeconomic needs around the world. The 2024 Summit showcases the remarkable advancements that the fisheries and aquaculture sectors have made and continue to make in their respective journeys toward responsible production and sourcing, GSA said.

“Seafood deserves a greater share of investors’ capital, of regulators’ attention and of consumers’ food budgets,” the organization added.

The Summit is a great opportunity for professionals in the seafood sector to extend their seafood education and meet with some of the industry’s most knowledgeable and innovative people, GSA noted. Attendees will also have access to the most comprehensive salmon and shrimp production and marketplace data reports in the event’s history, provided by Supporting Partners Rabobank, Kontali, and Expana Markets.

The conference program features more than 60 experts in responsible seafood production and procurement, discussing all aspects of wild-capture or farmed seafood – the healthiest protein on the planet, GSA said. There will be several plenary and breakout sessions covering fishery improvement projects (FIPs), innovation, welfare, artificial intelligence, and more.

In the wild-capture seafood sector, FIPs are the source of many complicated conversations, according to GSA. The organization urged professionals looking to learn more about this crucial topic to attend Plenary Session 3: FIPs on Tuesday, 22 October. Plenary attendees will hear answers to pressing FIPs questions, such as: What is a FIP and how does the industry better support improving fisheries? What is the goal of these improvement projects? How do seafood supplies from FIPs fit into retailers’ seafood procurement policies?

Another plenary session will focus on welfare issues in the seafood sector.

“Seafood consumers know more about their food than ever, and they want to know more, particularly if their next meal was produced responsibly – with environmental, animal welfare and social accountability concerns addressed,” GSA said. “Come to the Summit to learn about the long journey that the seafood industry is on to reduce its impact on the planet and ensure fair treatment for everyone who makes nutritious seafood meals possible.”

In seafood, digital technologies are being employed at nearly every turn, but the protein category has a unique opportunity regarding the usage of its raw materials and waste streams, GSA explained.

“Nothing goes to waste, and in fact, seafood byproducts – like fish skins, bones, shells and even blood – are quite valuable,” the organization said. “To explore this topic, the Iceland Ocean Cluster will lead a discussion about 100 percent utilization of fish resources, and some of the fascinating uses might be surprising at the 2024 Responsible Seafood Summit.”

The Summit will also feature a keynote address from 4J Studios and Chroma Ventures Founder Chris van der Kuyl, one of the minds behind the global video game sensation Minecraft. Kuyl will share his thoughts on how artificial intelligence will transform seafood and then join a panel of technology and investment experts to discuss how it’s already being done. 

The Responsible Seafood Summit will take place at the Fairmont Hotel – Scotland’s largest conference facility – from 21 to 24 October. As the host nation and one of the world’s largest producers of farmed salmon, Scotland will be a major focus of the event.“Scotland has long been at the top of our list of potential hosts for the Summit,”  GSA VP of Marketing and Communications Devan Meserve said. “Scotland’s rich seafood heritage, natural beauty and infectious charm make it the perfect destination for seafood professionals to connect, collaborate and commit to new initiatives that keep our oceans healthy and productive.”

Scottish salmon industry veteran Gilpin Bradley will be featured in a fireside chat, while another session will explore how Scotland is making waves in the shrimp industry. Seafood Scotland is cohosting the event with GSA.

Beyond the education sessions, attendees are invited to enjoy Scotland’s rugged, natural beauty beyond the walls of the beautiful Farmont Hotel, GSA added. On the final day of the event, attendees are invited to sign up for one of several industry field trips or to tee it up at the Kittocks Course during the GSA’s first-ever golf tournament.

“Spots are limited, so be sure to take advantage of this unique opportunity to play golf where the game was invented,” Meserve said

The list of companies and organizations presenting during this year’s conference include: Seafish, Rabobank, Kontali, Expana Markets, Salmon Scotland, World Resources Institute, Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, FishChoice.com, Marin Trust, Cargill, Wholechain, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, the Scottish White Fish Producers’ Association, The Center for Responsible Seafood, BioMar, Veramaris, EVAH, Iceland Ocean Cluster, University of Stirling, and Seafood Legacy.

More information about the Responsible Seafood Summit, including a full program listing, can be found on the event’s dedicated webpage.