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HEAD TO THE HIGHLANDS FOR AQUACULTURE UK

HEAD TO THE HIGHLANDS FOR AQUACULTURE UK

Head to the Highlands for Aquaculture UK.  Aquaculture UK returns to Aviemore next week with a bigger than ever exhibition and record crowds expected from around the world.

The biennial show, held over two days from May 14-15, brings together the entire aquaculture community for what has become the highlight in the sector’s calendar.

The exhibition has been expanded, both indoors and outside, to accommodate even more exhibitors, and a number of new events will showcase the developments shaping the future of the industry.

As well as the Keynote Programme, beginning on May 14 and headed by Scottish Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon, there will be the inaugural Innovation Theatre, with an international line-up of aquaculture experts focusing on the fast-changing technology transforming the sector.

Also not to be missed is the Institute of Aquaculture’s Breakfast Meeting on May 15, featuring an update on the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub being constructed at the University of Stirling campus. Register here for insights, networking opportunities and a hearty breakfast.

Excitement is building, too, for the official launch of the Young Aquaculture Society, due to take place at Salmon Scotland’s AGM in the Macdonald Conference Centre on the Tuesday.

In the extended exhibition space, first-time exhibitors include IMV Technologies, pioneers in hatchery products; Seaweed Farming Scotland, cultivators of native Scottish seaweed species; leading packaging company IIC; processing equipment giant Baader; and, from Japan, Asano Global.

Also new this year are several national and regional delegations, including the Chile Aqua & Food Tech Cluster, the Canada Pavilion, and Killybegs Marine Cluster, while the Danish Pavilion returns with an impressive display of technical expertise.

Outside the main exhibition tent, Shetland based Fluggaboats will show off its E Flugga boat and Evoy propulsion system, the first completely electric coded workboat in the UK, built using renewable energy and currently up for sale.

Migdale Transport is demonstrating its DAF truck and trailer, fitted with a monitored oxygen supply system, for transporting live fish.

Unique Group will display a range of unmanned surface vessels and a new network-controlled submersible, while Kerr Compressor Engineers is presenting its range of portable compressors available with fuel-efficient engines or electric drive motors.

Other exhibitors with outside displays include AKVA group, Gael Force, OTAQ, HS Marine, Brimmond, and Kito Crosby, which will be exhibiting its mooring systems.

Aquaculture UK is as renowned for its behind-the scenes get-togethers as it is for business, striking a balance, as one seasoned exhibitor said, between ‘professional exhibits and the laid-back atmosphere required to enable people to catch up informally’.

Visitors to the show are invited to receptions hosted by the Canada Pavilion (Stand E58) and feed giant Cargill (‘eight till late’ at the nearby Winking Owl).

And the hotly anticipated Aquaculture Awards 2024 will be presented at a gala dinner on the Wednesday night, presided over by Scottish entertainer Fred Macaulay. A total of 13 prizes will be awarded, celebrating those projects, businesses or individuals making an exceptional contribution to global aquaculture in the past year.

Cheri Arvonio, Event Director at show organiser Diversified Communications, said Aquaculture UK 2024 was gearing up to be the best yet.

‘The largest aquaculture show in the UK will be even bigger this year, with more exhibitors, more meetings and conferences, more socialising and more visitors.

‘With just a week to go, we’re packing our bags for the Highlands and looking forward to connecting with old friends and new faces in the world of aquaculture for two days of work and play. See you there!’

Aquaculture UK, which is free to attend, will be held at the Macdonald Resort in Aviemore, Scotland, from May 14-15, 2024. Show opening times are: Tuesday, May 14, 9.30am-5pm; Wednesday, May 15, 9.30am – 4pm. To find out more about Aquaculture UK visit www.aquacultureuk.com.

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