Diving into the opportunities of Aquaculture
Plymio i gyfleoedd Dyframaeth
The first ever Pembrokeshire Aquaculture Conference brought together experts, established entrepreneurs and next generation entrants last week.
The sold-out event was held at the Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock on February 28, and attracted expert speakers from a wide range of organisations to discuss all aspects of the industry and consider opportunities for Pembrokeshire and Wales.
Professionals, experts, and new entrants took part in presentations and panel discussions on various topics, from marine farming and conservation to seaweed packaging and consumer perception.
Talks were held throughout the day as the conference provided a vital platform to discuss innovations and explore the latest trends in sustainable aquaculture practices.
The event, supported by Shared Prosperity Funding via UK Government’s Levelling Up programme, was praised as ‘excellent’ by attendees, with one commenting: “It was very interesting, enjoyable and fascinating.”
Another added: “It was a brilliant conference with varied speakers, very welcoming and well organised. A really valuable day.”
Inspirational individuals shared their personal experiences of working within the sector and offered insights into the varied possibilities that the Aquaculture industry could offer.
Event organiser Donna Page, Aquaculture Officer at Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “The conference was really well attended and offered the delegates a great opportunity to share their knowledge and hear about the challenges and successes of this important industry, not just here in Wales but in the UK and Ireland.
“Aquaculture is a growth industry, and its potential for Pembrokeshire is huge.
“We need to be able to support and fund existing and developing businesses which can work with what our rich coastline has to offer.”
Local companies were able to showcase their products, and take part in networking sessions to foster connections and share ideas and experiences within the UK and Ireland.
Donna added: “The event was a great success and hopefully this is a step towards growing partnerships and forming a collective voice for the industry.”
For more information about the event or aquaculture in Pembrokeshire contact donna.page@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Captions:
Some of the fantastic aquaculture-linked products on display at the event.
Donna Page, Aquaculture Officer at Pembrokeshire County Council is pictured with Jon Parker, Development Lead for Aquaculture Industry Wales.
The event heard from a series of speakers.