Scottish Expertise Goes On Show At World's Biggest Aquaculture Technology Fair
15th August 2017
Twenty-three Scottish companies are travelling to Norway this week to highlight the country's expertise at the world's largest aquaculture technology exhibition. Aqua Nor 2017 gets under way in Trondheim on Tuesday (15 August 2017), and runs until Friday (18 August 2017).
Scotland's first ever pavilion at the biennial event is being hosted by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Scottish Development International (SDI).
The agencies aim to showcase the high quality supply chain that has built up across the country over more than five decades of growth for Scottish aquaculture, and now employs around 1,200 people.
Businesses taking part are located from Argyll to Shetland, and demonstrate a range and depth of expertise in engineering, farm services, transportation, boat building, scientific research, remotely operated vehicles, fish health and feeding technology.
The Scottish aquaculture sector contributes over £1.8bn annually to the country's economy through activities ranging from the farming of salmon and other finfish species, to mussel and oyster production, and seaweed harvesting.
Charlotte Wright, Chief Executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, is attending the exhibition in Norway.
"Scotland is a leading global player in aquaculture," said Ms Wright. We have a strong track record as a pioneer in the industry, and an enviable reputation for the quality of our products.
"The industry is also a significant rural employer, particularly in the Highlands and Islands, where it has become a mainstay of many local economies.
"Scotland has been at the forefront of aquaculture since the 1960s, and the growth of the sector has been accompanied by the development of world class supply chain businesses providing goods, services and technological solutions.
"Highlands and Islands Enterprise is helping businesses across our region to grow through innovation and extending our reach into international markets.
"Aqua Nor gives us a tremendous opportunity to present the best of Scotland's aquaculture supply chain on the world stage, and I am sure it will be a very successful event."
The most recent Aqua Nor exhibition, held in 2015, attracted 20,000 delegates, and 550 exhibitors from 27 countries.
