A flavour of coast at online event

Lochaber Chamber of Commerce has announced the second in its series of online events to celebrate and explore the innovation and potential of Scotland’s aquaculture sector in collaboration with the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC).

Following the success of the first event last November, A Meeting of Minds 2 will take place via Zoom on Thursday April 29 from 10am to 11.30am. Where the first event looked at the potential for growth in different areas of aquaculture, this event will take a closer look at innovation in the industry and hear more about the potential for use of technology to drive innovation and sustainability.

Aquaculture in Scotland is diverse, from the farming of Atlantic salmon and other marine and freshwater finfish, to the production of mussels,

Frazer Coupland, Chief Executive Officer of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce.

oysters and scallops and harvesting of seaweed.

The sector contributes £1.8bn annually to the Scottish economy and employs more than the 8,800 people, many communities.

Aquaculture sustains the economic and social fabric of the Highlands and Islands and is an anchor industry that keeps communities and career prospects alive in remote and rural areas.

A Meeting of Minds 2 will bring together leading businesses and organisations involved in Scotland’s aquaculture industry to give insights into key areas of innovation for the sector.

Frazer Coupland, Chief Executive Officer of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, is among many people who are excited about the event.

‘There is so much great innovation happening in the aquaculture industry, from investment in robotics for fish processing to new ways of using subsea vehicles and rethinking processes to contribute in rural to a sustainable circular economy,’ he said.

‘These are exciting times for the industry and we’re delighted to present this event with SAIC to highlight innovation and opportunities across this vital sector.’

The speakers, including representatives from MOWI, The Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation, Fort William Underwater Trials Centre, Interface, the SAIC and SEM World, will share ideas and inspiration for driving innovation and sustainability in the sector.

To book your free place, go to www.lochaberchamber. co.uk/events/ or search for A Meeting of Minds 2 on www. eventbrite.co.uk