Monday, November 18, 2013

18/11/13: Global Seafood Association is born

“Seafood is the most nutritious healthy food you can put in your mouth yet many groups promote the risks rather than the benefits. Seafood is arguably the most sustainable protein we have yet it is constantly brought into question,” said Roy Palmer who has worked with a number of other like minded people who have decided that the time is right to establish a new global seafood association.

Roy continued, “It is said that seafood has been consumed since time immemorial. Seafood, despite being the most traded food product in the world, is a very misunderstood product. As I have been traveling around the world I hear the frustration of industry who say that no one is speaking up for them. According to the United Nations about 200 million livelihoods depend directly or indirectly on the fishing industry alone. When you add aquaculture, research, processing, packing, transport, retail and restaurants, etc., etc. you are talking about a massive number of people who all contribute to local, regional and global trade maintaining livelihoods, earnings and employment. Yet globally no one organisation brings them together.”

The Association of International Seafood Professionals (AISP) started through a LinkedIn group managed by Roy and has over 4000 members who have contributed daily discussions, promotions and jobs. AISP will have a no cost basic membership so there is no reason for people not joining and sharing information and knowledge.

“Our emphasis will be on raising and increasing the professionalism of individuals in the industry and the image of the industry globally. No one is in this space globally so we are not competing with any other seafood organisation and we are keen to work in collaboration with other specialized associations,” said Jose Fernandez.

Roger Gilbert who is also engaged with AISP said, “We do not want to create too many expectations from the onset but we have lots of plans in the pipeline and we will develop them with our members. The Association will eventually earn its keep by providing services that meet members’ demands.”

“The opportunity came to work with the Dubai World Trade Centre and establishing a themed conference to work alongside their SEAFEX exhibition. We are looking to establish a long, sustainable relationship offering a one stop shop conference where people can come and catch up with all the information from the fine work being done by many organisations around the world as well as connect to trading opportunities in one of the fastest growing hubs,” commented Angus Callander.

The AISP website was launched at the end of the MENA Seafood Summit today and the initial aim is to attract members and to gather information as to what the members want to achieve. The LinkedIn connection will continue as that seems to be the most professional approach for social networking of this nature.
   
“A goal will be focusing on standards and certification for individuals. We have people already working on these and expect to have announcements in the New Year enabling our members to engage,” said Antonio Garza de Yta.

“The world is changing and the seafood industry needs to change with it. The incredible rise and opportunity of aquaculture added to the continued improvement in fisheries worldwide are essential elements as the population increases and food security increases its importance. We believe the time is right to establish this concept, are confident we will make a difference in the long term and we look forward to the challenges ahead,” commented Bob Cox.

Visit the AISP LinkedIn Group here.




An Association of International Seafood Professionals Limited

The Association of International Seafood Professionals (AISP) started through a LinkedIn group managed by Roy Palmer and has over 4000 members who have contributed daily discussions, promotions and jobs.




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