Polar Fish · 5. - 7. oktober 2012 Fiskeri - DanFish International

Welcome to DanFish International and DanAqua
It is a pleasure for me to welcome visitors to Aalborg and the North of Denmark which will be
hosting DanFish International and DanAqua this year . The fact that both fairs have sold out,
shows that, despite great challenges, there is a still a healthy interest for maintaining a strong
and viable fisheries sector in Denmark .
Increasing globalisation, the ongoing financial crisis and the decreasing size of the fisheries
sector are just some of the challenges that the fishing industries in Denmark and abroad are
forced to deal with the coming years . In the fisheries committee of the European Parliament
we are currently harnessing the EU to future challenges, as a comprehensive reform of the
Common Fisheries Policy is under way . The new fisheries policy will create a modern approach
to fishing entailing an economically strong fisheries sector as well as sustainable and responsible
fishing practices .
Denmark will have the opportunity to play a major part in the making of the new Common
Fisheries Policy . Not only has Denmark been a pioneer concerning new methods of managing
fisheries, but will also hold the Presidency of the EU during the first half of 2012 . With the
support of the fisheries sector, Denmark will thus have a tremendous opportunity to leave
its mark on the next fisheries policy and thereby secure that fishing in the EU continues to be
profitable and sustainable .
With over 350 presentations from 24 countries DanFish International reaffirms its position as
one of the leading international fisheries fairs . As with earlier years, the fair will allow visitors
to acquire knowledge of products and research in the area of fisheries . In addition to this, the
fair will act as a unique platform for sellers of fisheries products to market their goods in front
of an international crowd .
DanAqua is the first Danish aquaculture fair . In a context of decreasing fish stocks and increasing
demand for fish, it is of outmost importance that we explore new forms of nutrition .
In this regard, I view aquaculture as an increasingly important source of food . It is therefore
splendid that there is now a fair especially dedicated to aquaculture, since this shows recognition
of the important role that aquaculture can play in providing food for the future .
It is thus with an optimistic outlook towards the fisheries sector, that I welcome sellers and
visitors to DanFish International and DanAqua which I am sure will prove to be a wonderful
and giving experience for everyone with an interest for fisheries .
Ole Christensen
Member of the European Parliament
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