London’s Fishmongers’ Hall played host to the Faroe Islands’ first seafood event in the UK, an occasion that brought together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers and more than 60 invited guests.
Sustainable Fisheries in the Faroe Islands was hosted by the Ministry of Fisheries and the Representation of the Faroe Islands to the UK back in September, with support from the Association of Faroese Fish Producers and the Faroese Fishing Vessel Owners’ Association.
The programme opened with words of welcome from Kate Sanderson, head of the Representation of the Faroe Islands to the UK, followed by Andrew Wallace, director of Fish and Fisheries, who offered a brief history of Fishmongers’ Hall and greeted the attendees arriving from across the UK and the North Atlantic.
Chaired by fisheries expert and author John Goodlad, the seminar explored the future of Faroese–UK seafood cooperation through a series of focused presentations. Speakers included scientific leaders and industry representatives covering subjects as diverse as sustainable stock management, seafood innovation and the challenges and opportunities of international fisheries co-operation.
The keynote address came from Jóhan Christiansen, Minister of Fisheries and Infrastructure, who stressed the importance of the marine environment to Faroese society and economy. He told attendees: ” With seafood exports well over 90% of our total export value, we are deeply dependent on the living resources of the sea.
“The sea is – and has always been – the very foundation for our society and culture in the North Atlantic.
“This is why sustainability is not a choice for us – it is a necessity. We have built and are building systems to ensure our fish stocks remain productive, to restore them when needed, and to protect the clean marine environment on which we depend.”
He also highlighted the growing potential for strengthened trade ties with the UK, noting: “Our seafood export to the UK last year was around 10% of our total seafood exports. Haddock and cod are traditionally strong Faroese products on the UK market and I am very pleased that some of our largest exporters are with us here today.
“The level of export to the UK has remained more or less the same for quite some time. But I see real potential for growth in our seafood trade to the UK. I believe we should use all opportunities to strengthen and expand our fisheries cooperation and trade.
“The Faroese market may be small, but buying power is high and there is good potential for us to source much more directly from the UK, both in goods and services.”
Subsequent speakers explored new approaches to assessing sustainability in Faroese fisheries, while Jogvan Hansen of JFK/Gadus and Stefan í Skorini, director of the Faroese Fishing Vessel Association, discussed Faroese seafood quality and innovation.
The day finished with a seafood reception where renowned Faroese Chef Gutti Winther prepared a range of dishes, served with a selection of Faroese beers.
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