Fishing 2010 – the UK’s only annual commercial fisheries exhibition – gets underway later this week boosted by the news that the number of exhibitors at this year’s event is significantly up on 2009.
Despite the difficult economic climate – and in particular the problems facing the fishing sector – there will be 105 exhibitors at the 2010 exhibition compared with 83 last year, a 26% increase.
Fran McIntyre managing director of QD Events, the new organiser of the exhibition, said the surge in exhibitors was excellent news and underlined the underlying strength and resilience of the industry.
“This is excellent news and will ensure that Fishing 2010 will be a leading showcase event for the fishing industry,” she said.
“I know many fishermen are enduring a particularly difficult year because of tight quotas and other restrictive fisheries management measures, but I hope as many fishermen as possible from the UK, Ireland and further afield visit Fishing 2010 as it will be an informative and exciting event.”
Highlights include the first ever ‘Fisherman of the Year’ competition with prizes worth at least £5,000 on offer in a three-day event to seek out the UK’s most experienced and proficient fisherman. The tough competition aims to find the UK’s top commercial fisherman through a series of challenges against the clock that will test their skills and practical knowledge. Fishermen can register their interest in entering the competition at the competition website, www.foty2010.com
A comprehensive seminar programme has also been lined up including an address by Scottish fisheries minister Richard Lochhead and a showing of he controversial fisheries film End of the Line, followed by a debate that will include it maker, the environmental journalist Charles Clover.
There will also be fishing vessels on display, fish cookery demonstrations and a seminar programme the focuses on a range of topical issues, including the marketing of seafood.
Fishing 2010 will be held at the SECC in Glasgow from 20-22 May.
