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<sup>The Corran Halls Oban will again host the annual gathering of farmed shellfish producers and supporters celebrating the achievements of the Scottish industry.
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The two-day event sponsored by the Crown Estate Scotland with co-sponsors of Seafish and Seafood Scotland features both national and international presentations from as far afield as New Zealand!

With the focus on cultivated oysters and mussels this also allows the ASSG producer members to excel in competition to determine the “Best Scottish Shellfish” - once again supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Leaders in the seafood industry will sit in judgement under the stewardship of industry stalwart Nicki Holmyard and ably assisted by others including the former Scottish Chef of the year Michael Leathley from the local Pier House Hotel – Port Appin.

While nostalgia may be prevalent amongst businesses and operators who have stood the test of time, the conference will as ever be forward looking with a theme of “Scottish Cultivated Shellfish – The Growth Agenda”.

‍</sup>From 12:00 on 21st October

<sup>Opening with an address looking back at 40 years of shellfish business growth in the UK David Jarrad, CEO of the Shellfish Association of Great Britain will identify lessons learnt and future prospects. David will also have views on the Potent-shell for growth report for the wider UK industry.

The international perspectives of shellfish cultivation will be provided by Julius Kristinsson founder of Silfurgen ehf of Iceland looking at innovation and adaptation for the mussel industry in the land of volcanoes and geothermal opportunities. From the opposite side of the World the Cawthron Institute has taken a leading role in bivalve shellfish hatchery techniques and Julien Vignier will be online to identify current and future developments.

Some of our newest recruits to the bivalve shellfish sector have also sought opportunities in hatchery production and Josie Chandler and Tom Hollinsworth will discuss the evolution of the Guernsey Seafarms hatchery.

Much attention has recently been placed on the ability for the Native oyster to regain a foothold in coastal areas from which it has been displaced over time by human activities. Tom Ashton from Native Aqua will outline how modern genetic selection techniques being deployed commercially could greatly assist the species for both cultivation and restoration. Such interventions rely on modern analytical techniques and an understanding of what science may be able to assist the commercial production industry to achieve in the years to come will be discussed by Lewis Le Vay of Bangor University.

The conference has always been supported by a range of commercial companies and those bodies with a research and development remit. In the final session of the day commercial oyster cultivation equipment from OysterGro will be demonstrated, and research projects involving phytoplankton, mussel spat and wider wildlife monitoring and reporting will all be introduced to delegates.</sup>

From 08:30 Day 2 (22nd October)

<sup>Follows on with a range of presentations looking at the future growth prospects for the Scottish sector and how that may be achieved in an environment that is evolving through a range of local and global challenges. Phytoplankton populations are key to the success of the industry and the growth of bivalve shellfish, and changes within this undervalued and poorly understood natural resource will be identified by Matthew Holland of Plymouth University.

Promotion of the shellfish farming sector in Scotland will be fundamental for ensuring existing businesses remain relevant given the ever-increasing demand for marine space by competing business sectors. There is also the need to encourage and support the next generation of shellfish businesses seeking to become established. Outcomes from the initiatives undertaken by the Scottish Farmed Shellfish Ambassador will be identified and industry views on priorities sought by Kelly Wright.

There are clear messages which require to be communicated to both the public and governments regarding the social and economic value of sustaining an environment where shellfish cultivation can prosper. One great proponent of the culinary delights of having an oyster cultivation sector is Bobby Groves the SAGB Shellfish Ambassador. Bobby will be regaling the audience with his knowledge of the oyster industry in many countries including the USA, and the enthusiasm experienced for ever increasing supplies.

Conversely given the range of ecosystem services which shellfish cultivation activities generate within the coastal environment Carmel McDougal from St Andrews University will outline current research which aims to identify how such activities could be monetised?

Whether it is direct sales of products or creating value from public acceptance of shellfish production the “consumer is King” prevails and introducing new formats of bivalve shellfish for human consumption is the bedrock of future growth. Amy McMath and Katie Carslaw of Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group will be rounding off the day with news of new products and formats creating consumer interest.</sup>

40^th Anniversary Celebratory Dinner – Not to be missed!

<sup>In order to mark this momentous occasion, there will be a special gala dinner on the evening of the 21st October.

Both an opportunity to sample the best of Scottish seafood and other locally sourced ingredients all in the company of fellow shellfish enthusiasts and in the relaxed environment of the Rockfield Centre, Oban.

The evening will include the awarding of the “Best Scottish Shellfish” competition winners and some special awards to recognise those who have helped the ASSG along the way over the last 40 years.

Tickets are limited and have been held at the same price as last year – which together with a drink upon arrival and an inhouse bar should ensure an enjoyable evening for all.

(Please note on your booking form any specific food allergies which will be endeavoured to be catered for to ensure an inclusive event for all).
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We look forward to welcoming friends old and new to the Corran Halls, Oban in October and the chance to toast the next 40 years of the Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers and the ongoing success and growth of the Scottish shellfish cultivation industry.</sup>