On Wed April 18, keynote speaker, Dr Michael Crawford, a leading expert in nutrition, will open the conference with a strong and positive reminder of the industry's important health message.

In our first session, Reaching the Consumer, Doug McLeod, Chairman of the ASSG explores the best way to court the Shellfish consumer, while Mark Burgham of the Aquaculture Management Directorate, Fisheries and Oceans Canada tackles the debate surrounding extending social licence to aquaculture. Karol Rzepkowski, MD of Johnsons Seafarms and Steven Tait, Head of Sales & Marketing for Freedom Food will also make presentations as part of this session, which airs the all important focus on seafood: the brand, our industry's PR, our health message and the attitudes of consumers today.

Our Market Developments session features an essential update on seafood markets from SEAFISH Insight and Marketing Director Karen Galloway. Martin Jaffa of Callander McDowell will take us on a world tour of salmon, whilst Birgitte Sorheim, Marketing Manager at Fish Pool Norway will present a forecast of salmon prices for the coming 12 months. Prof Colin Galbraith, Director of Policy & Advice at Scottish Natural Heritage will highlight the effect of market developments on environmental policy making, such as the introduction on non-native species.

On Thurs April 19, Mr Ian Grant, Chairman of the Crown Estate, will begin proceedings, explaining the Crown Estate's commitment to managing Scotland's marine resources.

Our Fish Welfare and Environmental Issues session will then open with the latest on the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7), delivered by Mario Santos of the DG Research, European Commission in Brussels. Dr David Verner-Jeffries of CEFAS will present the latest in fish welfare R&D. Prof Patrick Smith of Schering Plough will outline the economic, environmental and animal health benefits of fish vaccinations. Mark Taylor of Thistle Environmental investigates the adoption of environmental management systems in Scottish aquaculture.

As befitting a conference with truly global reach, our final session focuses on International Initiatives. Limor Barak of Atlantium Israel reports on deployment of next generation ultraviolet water disinfection systems. Alan Stewart, Business Development Director of Landcatch presents the latest news from Chile, Donal Maguire Aquaculture Development Director at BIM updates us on Ireland's exciting offshore projects and Dr Kim Jauncey will highlight the work of the Institute of Aquaculture at Stirling University overseas, reporting on the positive impact that international research and development can have on alleviation of global poverty.

Many thanks to our guest chairmen - Alistair Lane, Executive Director of the European Aquaculture Society; Clive Askew, Assistant Director of the Shellfish Association of Great Britain; Prof Randolph Richards, Director of the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling; and, Dr Malcolm Dickson, International Fish Farm Consultant - for bringing their expertise and energy to our programme.

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