TUNA 2008 BANGKOK

SUSTAINABILITY TAKES CENTRE STAGE

In the near future “cheap tuna” will be something of the past – tuna stocks are declining in all the oceans and getting more and more expensive to catch and deliver to the market. Meanwhile the demand is growing globally; perhaps with the exception of the US market for canned tuna and the Japanese market for sashimi tuna. The latest FAO figures show that the total landings of the 5 main tuna species - skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye, albacore and bluefin tunas were stagnant at around 4.3 million tons for the period 2005 and 2006. Considering the poor tuna catches since early 2007, tuna landings could be even lower in 2007 and 2008, and are unlikely to increase in the near future!

In this global scenario, it is timely for tuna industry stakeholders to work closely to save the future of the industry. Against this backdrop, sustainability issue and other related topics will be extensively discussed at TUNA 2008. In addition, interesting topics on the global industry status, markets and marketing, would form an integral part of the sessions. It is believed that the keynote address by Christopher Lischewski, President and CEO of Bumble Bee Seafood, USA would also address the issue of sustainability from an industry point of view. TUNA 2008 will offer a platform, not only for the regional fisheries organizations (RFMOs) and the industry, but also for green groups and NGOs like WWF, MSC, Friend of the Sea, Earth Island Institute and Greenpeace to voice “green” opinion - to help industry and policy makers take stock of all views in charting the future development policy and strategies.

Over 40 speakers are scheduled to share their expertise and experience during TUNA 2008. The full programme of which is available from INFOFISH website www.infofish.org

So far TUNA 2008 has received overwhelming response from the industry, decision makers, buyers/sellers, academia from all over the world, over 300 delegates registering by end March. Going by the overwhelming response the final count is expected to exceed 600. The host country Thailand would have the largest delegation. This year’s event has generated much enthusiasm from Europe, particularly from Spain, Portugal, UK, France and Italy. As usual there is also widespread interest from US and Canadian industry and other leading Asian tuna producers such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan etc. As in the past a large group from the Pacific island countries will also be attending the conference. Among the VIP guests expected to join the conference are the Fijian Prime Minister and few ministers from INFOFISH member countries including the Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources, Maldives.

The Indian delegation will have a strong presence and will include several senior officials from the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). To support India’s planned development of the tuna sector, with special focus on Cochin , Vizag, Chennai, Andaman and Nicobar Island, MPEDA is planning a “Buyer’s Forum” in tandem with TUNA 2008.

This time around, delegates will also have a better opportunity to see a bigger exhibition displaying latest technological innovations and services from over 70 companies and organizations. On May 29, a workshop on “Vessel Day Programme and Vessel Monitoring Scheme” organized by Carpe Diem UK, will be held parallel to the conference programme – an event very useful for government authorities trying to combat IUU fishing.

Attention!!! :
INFOFISH is moving to a new office effective May 1, 2008.
Please note our new contact details:
Tel: 603- 2078 3466/ 2078 4614/ 2078 7794; Fax: 603- 2078 6804;
Email-infish@po.jaring.my; infish@tm.net.my; Website: www.infofish.org