According to Fish Farmer Magazine, the future of the UK aquaculture industry looks bright due to growing consumer demand for farmed seafood, a major seminar at the Aquaculture UK 2008 exhibition in Aviemore will hear this week.
But aquaculture consultant Richard Slaski will warn that a number of challenges lie ahead including increased operating costs and the inability of small to medium sized enterprise companies to access finance, which he says is stifling innovation and diversification.
Other challenges include ensuring the sustainable supply of fish feed and overcoming the difficulties caused by transferring existing marine farms into the new planning system. There are also issues with regards to re-organising production units so that they deliver the required economies of scale.
Mr Slaski will tell the seminar: “We are working hard to overcome these challenges and turn them into opportunities.
Details of the full seminar programme and exhibitors can be found at www.aquacultureUK2008.co.uk
