A programme of discussion highlighting the challenges facing French and European fisheries is to be held at ItechMer this year, as part of the French fishing industry’s largest trade event, due to be held in Lorient 11th-13th October.
A debate with a European dimension is a central feature of ItechMer, and for the last few exhibitions the focus has been on issues related to the UK’s departure from the EU. This year the debate moves beyond Brexit and attention is instead on Maritime planning: access to resources in the future, bringing together key players in the European fishing industry.
The objective is to discuss the issues and consequences of maritime planning, and more broadly of the Common Fisheries Policy, for fishermen and territories – addresssing co-existence in the marine space, development of marine areas and limitations or prohibitions on fishing in certain protected areas including Natura 2000, all of which issues are of key importance for the entire industry and coastal communities.
This is seen as also being a major challenge for the security of France’s and Europe’s food supply, and for guaranteeing the sustainability and quality of our food.
Speakers are MEP Pierre Karleskind, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Pech Committee, as well as representatives of the fishing industry, local authorities, fishermen, environmental associations, and scientists will debate these issues. The debate is also to be joined by Ivan Lopez, President of the European Bottom Fishing Alliance (EBFA).
‘The growing pressure of new marine activities in the exploitation of the seas has led to a process of zoning, particularly regarding the areas where these activities can be developed, but also the areas to be protected,’ Ivan Lopez said.
‘For many, zoning has left fishing out of the process, with the idea that you can always fish anywhere. But fishing should not be banned from some areas, particularly in those that have been traditionally worked. The future of our industry will be largely determined by the debate surrounding this process, and by the question of whether the only activity that has always been at sea will have (or rather maintain) the capacity to develop.’
A Blue Day
In line with the theme of Innovating to Transform the Marine Industry, ItechMer is hosting a day dedicated to innovations and technologies for sustainable fishing on 12th October, organised and presented by the Pôle Mer Bretagne Atlantique.
This is expected firstly to address explore gear design and innovative systems, as well as ways of monitoring gear patterns to better control or, in some cases, eliminate their impact, and secondly the collection and recovery of used fishing gear or gear retrieved at sea, and the potential of new biodegradable nets.
‘As a driving force behind maritime innovation in Brittany and Pays-de-La-Loire, Pôle Mer Bretagne is also present at ItechMer this year as a member of the expert committee. This not-to-be-missed event showcases the many innovations in the fishing industry and stimulates the creativity of all the stakeholders who converge on this biennial event,’ a Pôle Mer Bretagne representative said.
‘Pôle Mer Bretagne Atlantique will also be running pitch your innovation sessions, enabling pre-selected companies of all sizes to briefly present their innovative ideas or products, and to enrich the exchanges in the aisles and on the exhibition stands.’
