Source: Infofish

Sustainability and market access will feature significantly at the upcoming Global Technical and Trade Conference TUNA 2010. The biggest global event in the tuna calendar, TUNA 2010, will enjoy active participation of industry leaders, policy makers and planners as well as Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) such as IOTC, ICCAT, IATTC, WCFPC etc. The conference will be jointly chaired by Christopher D Lischewski, President and CEO of Bumble Bee Seafood, USA, Henk Brus of Atuna.com and Chanintr Chalisarapong, the Chairman of Tuna Group of the Thai Food Processors’ Association.

Response from the industry for the conference and the exhibition to be held in tandem with the event has been over whelming.  More than 700 delegates from nearly 70 countries all over the world are expected to attend the three-day event which is undoubtedly the largest global tuna industry event.

The conference program, consisting of four sessions, is carefully designed to address topical issues; challenges faced by the industry in the face of the global economic meltdown, poor tuna stock status, growing need to ensure sustainability of resources, how to address traceability/ IUU fishing and related regulatory measures etc. These topics will be examined by industry leaders and the heads of international and regional fisheries organizations. Following each session, there will be a critical review of the papers by a broad panel of experts, which would also include key figures from the industry.

Mindful of the growing concern over the declining tuna stocks, ensuring sustainability would undoubtedly be a main focus of the conference program. This would involve discussions on practical applications, cutting across all aspects along the supply and distribution chain up to the point a product reaches the consumer. Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) will update the delegates with the latest measures in place to ensure sustainability of stocks. As in the previous events, the session will have active participation of environmental and NGO lobby groups.

Markets and marketing of tuna products, both canned and non-canned, will be extensively discussed during the second day of the conference. Market scenarios in North and Latin America, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Oceania will be examined by industry representatives updating trends in trade, issues affecting trade, strategies for survival and growth, consumer /markets acceptance of products, including status of eco-labeled products etc. A speaker from EC (DG-MARE) European Commission will enlighten the delegates on the latest EU-IUU regulation and challenges in its implementation. Certification is another topical issue to be discussed. All the major certification bodies will participate in the event providing a forum to discuss and update the status of the schemes and their contribution to the sustainability of resources.

This year’s event will see several new initiatives towards creating an ambience more conducive for networking and business meetings. The lobby area will have a bar and ample seating, and will also have broadband internet access and many other facilities.

Please note 5 April 2010 is the cut-off date for early bird discounted registrations.

Details of the conference are available at
www.tunatradeconference.com      or
www.infofish.org/tuna2010

Enquiries: 
Tel: 603-20783466    
Fax: 603-20786804
Email:  infish@po.jaring.my    or    infish@tm.net.my