Among the most interesting expo contents that will be proposed by the 5th edition of the MSE - Mediterranean Seafood Exposition, the international show dedicated to Mediterranean Fishing Industry Technology and Produce (Rimini Fiera, 4-7 February 2006), the aquaculture sector will definitely stand out.

In fact, due to an increase in seafood consumption and at the same time action taken to reduce fishing, itÔs precisely fish breeding that is assuming a role of decisive importance.

There will soon be a new series of regulations by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, the EU body that has the job of safeguarding reproductive stock, which has drawn up new regulations intended to safeguard living marine resources in the Mediterranean. According to a press bulletin released by the FAO, the first eight Ôrules´, adopted last February by the 24 member countries of the GFCM, which include Italy and the European Union itself, have just come into effect. Regulations that considerably limit the use of fishing equipment such as trawl nets and drag nets. The procedure is under way which will lead to the adoption of these regulations by the countries overlooking the Mediterranean, but the direction taken is quite clear.

On the contrary, aquaculture, which has a turnover of over 61 billion dollars, is increasing its production; FAO estimates show that it is already equal to half the fish caught (42.4 million tons compared to 90.2). The key role is played by China (with 28.9 million tons) 61% (ISMEA figures) of the species bred consist in freshwater fish (carp and cyprinoids above all) and diadromous fish, followed by bivalve molluscs (29.1%); of the remaining amount, only shellfish, with 6.6%, stand out. As far as value is concerned, shrimps (with 9.3 billion dollars) come second after carp and cyprinoids (with 15.3 billion dollars), then come trout and salmon (with 5.6 billion dollars) and oysters (with 3.8 billion dollars).

Focussing attention on these scenarios, Mediterranean Seafood Exposition has concentrated its promotional and commercial action on the international front, and in particular addressing the key players in the aquaculture industry. The seafood trade shows positive signs on the traditional and collective food service front, which now accounts for over 30% of seafood consumption (MIPAF figures); moreover, at MSE, large-scale distribution buyers are ensured an important product showcase – the most comprehensive of its type in Italy. There is a particularly effective interaction with other expos that are held simultaneously – the International Food Show and the Food & Beverage Logistics Expo, the only Italian expo event entirely dedicated to services, technology and equipment for Food & Beverage trade supply chain management. For the contents they offer, both expos complement the proposals found at MSE.

The expos are completed by contributions from the public organizations that are particularly active in this sector, such as the Emilia Romagna regional government, the leader of a project involving central/northern Adriatic regions in the Adrifish project.

MSE 2006 is organized by Rimini Fiera SpA in partnership with US firm DBC, world leader in the organization of expos dedicated to seafood. The expo area will highlight business experiences and technology for production, processing, preservation, marketing and consumption, ensuring a complete showcase of the entire seafood chain.