Conference – Future of the Seafood

The conference is part of the program for the Norway Seafood Festival in March. The theme this year is the future of seafood. Seafood consumption is falling, and especially among children and young people. Sjømat 2024 will address the challenging issues around the causes of the development and explore potential steps to reverse this trend. The future of seafood involves a collaboration between the Norway Seafood Festival, NTNU Food Forum, and the Mid-Norway Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NiT).

Norway has the best seafood globally and ranks at the top for seafood consumption internationally. Nevertheless, seafood consumption is falling. This is serious in terms of both public health and sustainability. One of the main motivations for me and several of us at NTNU to get involved in this is the concern about what low seafood consumption by younger people will mean for public health in the long term, says Falch, who has been involved in the planning of the annual conference.

Fish and seafood as part of the diet is important for several reasons, especially to ensure an adequate intake of marine fatty acids. These fatty acids are important for a well-functioning heart and vascular system. Furthermore, the consumption of fish and seafood is known to promote brain health.

– In addition, it is evident that an increased proportion of the ocean’s resources must be utilized to meet our future food needs. According to Falch, Seafood 2024 will offer a variety of viewpoints to combat the decline in seafood consumption.

Insight leads to resolution
The conference will be attended by professionals from both the business and research fields, who will share their insights and opinions. Reputation, consumer perception, and sustainability will be key focuses of the conference. Moreover, Sjømat 2024 will tackle common misconceptions about seafood and provide insights on effective innovation and communication methods to increase seafood consumption.

– The problem of how to raise seafood intake can be addressed in several ways. With the participation of the entire value chain, the conference will offer valuable insights into the factors influencing seafood consumption patterns. The most stimulating debate, still, focuses on the strategies for managing this insight and expertise. Falch is convinced that the conference will be a success in this regard.

According to Torstein Langeland, the Mid-Norway Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NiT). sustainability and business development representative in Trondheim, it is highly appropriate for the Trøndelag region to host the national seafood conference.

– Hosting a national seafood conference in Trondheim during the same week as the Norway Seafood Festival and European culinary championship – Bocuse d’Or – is a fitting choice, given the city’s bustling atmosphere. Boasting a lineup of world-renowned researchers and innovators, joined by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and prominent influencers and industry executives, this seafood conference is primed to be the most outstanding to date. Here, you just have to know your visiting time, says Langeland.

The foundation Nor-Fishing is the organizer of the Norway Seafood Festival.

Managing director Kristian Digre is satisfied that the conference is part of the festival program.

– We are keen to connect research and industry with festival experiences. This creates a good framework for educational and exciting knowledge sharing and insight, concludes Digre.