The need to engage in ocean policy and planning, and develop solutions to environmental challenges, has never been more critical for industry professionals in the region. Recent estimates indicate that over 70 percent of the world's fish stocks are either fully exploited or depleted according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of The United Nations. To address this, SEAFEX, the Middle East's most influential trade show for the seafood industry, has launched the region's first seafood summit, bringing to Dubai the world's experts in the aquaculture and fishing trade to share the latest knowledge and business insights. Running on Nov. 17-18, 2013 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, alongside SEAFEX, the Seafood Summit will incorporate a series of reports on how to reduce overfishing and manage stocks for future generations, while creating new business opportunities for regional companies. Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President for Dubai World Trade Centre, organizer of SEAFEX, said: “SEAFEX is not only a key sales platform for the industry both regionally and globally, but also a forum for the exchange of expertise and knowledge that is vital in developing a sustainable and profitable future. We are delighted to bring together some of the seafood industry's leading thinkers at the region's first SEAFEX Seafood Summit to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping this important market.” Industry thought leaders speaking at the inaugural summit include Roy Palmer, Association of International Seafood Professionals, Paul Holthus of the World Ocean Council and Peter Redmond, Global Aquaculture. Key topics to be addressed include responsible aquaculture and fishery, financing and investing in the fisheries and aquaculture sector in the region, and the status and trends of global fisheries and aquaculture. – SG
