French commercial fishing trade event ItechMer, now in its thirtieth year, takes place 15-17th October in the Brittany port of Lorient, with a theme of unifying an entire sector with a commitment to the sea.
Organisers Lorient Bretagne Sud Évènements are seeking to bring together three days of discussion, conferences, and networking opportunities, and have for the first time convened an advisory committee of industry representatives from across a variety of backgrounds.
‘This initiative underlines ItechMer’s commitment to serving the fishing industry, promoting the involvement of fishermen in a sustainable future and to creating synergies between professionals and manufacturers,’ a representative of the organising team commented.
‘In 2025, ItechMer will continue to give priority to fishermen by giving them a voice, offering technical discussions and concrete solutions, encouraging direct interaction and addressing subjects that are essential for the future of the industry.’
With the Third United Nations Conference on the Oceans (UNOC 3) taking place in Nice, ItechMer 2025 sets out, under the banner of La mer en commun (The Sea in Common), to help mobilise all stakeholders in the sustainable use of the ocean.
The event is also expanding its scope by fully integrating the marine renewable energy and decarbonisation sectors.
‘ItechMer will be focusing on practical solutions and feedback from professionals to provide answers to the current challenges facing the sector,’ the event’s representative said.
The first day will be focused on the diversity of fisheries, both in Metropolitan France and overseas. The focus is on best practices, on-the-ground initiatives and the sustainable management of fisheries resources, driven by the industry itself.
On the second day Climate and transitions: the sea, a driving force for innovation sets out to present concrete solutions to support the energy, social and economic transition, selectivity, decarbonisation, impact reduction, new technologies, and more. The Fisheries policy: what path for the future? debate on the final day is intended to provide a clearer picture of regulatory developments and the strategic challenges ahead.
‘The conference programme as a whole seeks to give a voice to all stakeholders in the industry – fishermen, manufactureres, institutions, scientists – to foster dialogue and collectively build a sustainable maritime future,’ the organisers state.
