Where challenges meet solutions.
An expectant conference hall in Trondheim, Norway greeted Chairman of the board of the Norwegian Fishermen’s Association, Kjell Ingebrigtsen, when he was finally able to open the world’s largest aquaculture technology exhibition, AquaNor again.
It was a rainy opening day, but the weather gods are predicted to grant respite to to the 25,000 attendees visiting from some 80 different countries. The city mayor was clear on what to expect.
Enticing with Michelin
Mayor of Trondheim, Rita Ottervik drew attention to the city’s culinary charms and the numerous Michelin-listed restaurants available, noting the tradition of cooking delicious seafood in the trønder region’s capital. She paid particular attention to the challenges faced by the organisers of the expo.
“The world needs the seafood industry, and Trondheim is the right city, especially with the R&D environment in the city. When the worst rain has now settled, you must go out and explore the opportunities the city has to offer,” said the Trondheim mayor.
According to the British Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Victoria Prentis, as independent coastal states, Norway and the United Kingdom, have traded with each other since the ninth century. This is something she would like to continue, and pointed out the importance of the trade agreement Norway and the United Kingdom have entered into. Prentis said that this was her very first trip out of the country since she took office in February last year.
“We have a lot to thank Norway for when it comes to our farming business, not least in Scotland. We are Norway’s largest trading partner, and Norway is our largest supplier of energy. It is an important collaboration. In addition, we have a lot to learn from you, as a nation you have been an independent coastal nation at all times, and we have again become so,” said the Deputy Minister, with a sly smile, glancing at our Norwegian  Minister of Fisheries, an EU supporter.
“AquaNor is the place where challenges meets solutions. The seafood industry must become part of the solution to the climate challenges. The industry has always been innovative, and it is a process that does not stop now. There are particular demands from consumers who want to come, and it requires a focus on sustainability,” said Kjell Ingebrigtsen, from the Nor-Fishing foundation during the opening.
Innovation award
During the opening, the winner of AquaNor’s innovation award was chosen. There were three candidates in the end in the final, Noras from Portugal, Vaki from Iceland, and the Bergen company SeaRAS. The latter was announced the winner by Fisheries Minister Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen.
“It has been very exciting to participate. It was incredibly nice and fun, not least for all seven guys. We are the only ones who can see and measure H2S in water,” said Eldar Lien. When iLaks asks if the diploma and plaque would be hung on the stand wall to brag, the suggestion is met with a small smile from founder Eldar Lien in SeaRAS.
“We can’t afford that, not yet”
On the other hand, there are an incredible number of others who have it, and they will also be visited by iLaks in the coming days.
