Kelly Barnes, show coordinator, revealed that the 2009 East Coast Commercial Fishermen’s & Aquaculture Exposition features about 100 vendors and exhibitors, as well as seminars on big game fish, management for shellfish growers and the state of the blue crab fishery. She added that vendor turnout is down this year by about 15 vendors, which she blamed on the economy.
Barns also opined that a lot of people have registered to enter the show because they still need a presence. It is told that the expo is a showcase for all facets of commercial fishing, including boatbuilders, fishing gear suppliers, seafood packaging companies, as well as exhibits from academic outlets showing off their research. Barnes explained that the show typically draws 4,000-5,000 visitors and ends Sunday evening with a popular raffle of a 32-foot boat.
She also informed that seminars will tackle subjects, such as handling techniques for game fish weighing hundreds of pounds, strategies for raising oysters in aquaculture and an in-the-bay rescue demonstration by the U.S. Coast Guard. Exhibitors from far off places will attend the exposition. The expo will have cooking corner for some tasty seafood recipes.
