Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

Representatives from the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University continue to lend their knowledge, expertise and experience to organizations around the world dedicated to ensuring the success of marine-related industries.

In September, Carey Bonnell, head of the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University’s (MI) school of fisheries took on a new international role as President of the International Association of Seafood Professionals (IAFI). Mr. Bonnell officially assumed the position during the World Seafood Congress in Grimsby, UK – a biennial event that assembles hundreds of seafood industry stakeholders from around the world.

IAFI provides a forum and network for those involved in the seafood sector to exchange ideas and information. The organization helps foster interaction, understanding and professional collaboration among individuals, organizations and governments and works to disseminate knowledge about the inspection of fish, seafood and associated products. It is also focused on promoting the advancement of state-of-the-art fish inspection research and education and aims to benefit the global seafood trade.

“Seafood professionals play an important role in ensuring food safety and security as well as advancing seafood sustainability and improved trade globally. IAFI provides a platform for industry representatives to discuss ideas and information and foster interaction and cooperation,” said Mr. Bonnell. “MI has been actively involved with the organization for some time now and I am looking forward to working with members in this new capacity over the next two years.”

As president, Mr. Bonnell will work with the executive committee to represent and help advance the seafood sector globally. He will provide strategic direction to the organization and explore new opportunities for growth and advancement.

“I am proud of the work that IAFI has done for the past 18 years and really want to explore what else the organization should be focused on going forward,” he said. “The seafood industry is an important one and I believe that IAFI is well-positioned to help the sector realize the many opportunities available around the globe.”

Mr. Bonnell will also be responsible for guiding plans for the 2017 World Seafood Congress which will be held in Iceland. Earlier this year, the Fisheries and Marine Institute signed an MOU with Icelandic-based Matís Ltd. which provides a framework for the advancement of fisheries and oceans-related education, training and research and development between Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada and Iceland.

“With a vision to increase the value in the food and biotech industry and a focus on ensuring the safety and quality of food and feed products, I believe that Matís will provide a strong platform for the 2017 Seafood Congress,” said Mr. Bonnell.

IAFI has also reached an Agreement in Principal to host a World Seafood Congress in Vietnam in 2018 in partnership with the Government of Vietnam. This would mark the first time a World seafood Congress has been held in Asia.

Established in 1997, IAFI brings together seafood professionals and those that have an interest in this field from different countries and backgrounds – government, the fish and seafood harvesting, processing and marketing industries, academia, public and private organizations and other diverse disciplines.