Preface
The organizers and myself were very pleased to welcome you to the 8th edition of
the International Conference on Molluscan Shellfish Safety, held in Charlottetown,
Prince Edward Island, from June 12 to 17, 2011.
Despite the tough economic times, there was a good turnout with representatives
from various fields. This allowed us to make this 8th edition one of reflection on
the scientific basis of requirements imposed to those who wish to export molluscs,
often developing countries, as well as those economically stronger countries that
would like to import more. The former can produce more with limited technological
support while the latter develop and require the use of sophisticated and expensive
technologies for their internal production. Managing this dichotomy is an ongoing
challenge and our risk management measures need to find a balance in effectively
minimising risk without unrealistic costs.
It is no coincidence that the conference logo features a long bridge – symbolic
of the way people reach one another. Let’s try to keep those bridges open without
requiring excessive tolls.
We especially wish to thank the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for
their help with more than ten participants from developing countries who were given
the opportunity to present the results of their research at the conference.
As in previous years, the 2011 ICMSS developed a program centred on the key
themes and made it possible for everyone to attend more than 50 oral presentations
and view 55 poster presentations. A special thank you to all these experts for
enlightening us and enabling meaningful discussions. What other reasons would
there be for us to meet every two years but to learn more, create new relationships
and encourage new partnerships?
An event such as the ICMSS can only happen with the support of strong
organizations. Members of various organizing committees were recruited from the
ranks of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Department of Fisheries,
Aquaculture and Rural Development within the province of Prince Edward Island.
Members of the ICMSS International Advisory Committee cannot be forgotten for
their support from the beginning.
v
The organizers and myself were very pleased to welcome you to the 8th edition of
the International Conference on Molluscan Shellfish Safety, held in Charlottetown,
Prince Edward Island, from June 12 to 17, 2011.
Despite the tough economic times, there was a good turnout with representatives
from various fields. This allowed us to make this 8th edition one of reflection on
the scientific basis of requirements imposed to those who wish to export molluscs,
often developing countries, as well as those economically stronger countries that
would like to import more. The former can produce more with limited technological
support while the latter develop and require the use of sophisticated and expensive
technologies for their internal production. Managing this dichotomy is an ongoing
challenge and our risk management measures need to find a balance in effectively
minimising risk without unrealistic costs.
It is no coincidence that the conference logo features a long bridge – symbolic
of the way people reach one another. Let’s try to keep those bridges open without
requiring excessive tolls.
We especially wish to thank the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for
their help with more than ten participants from developing countries who were given
the opportunity to present the results of their research at the conference.
As in previous years, the 2011 ICMSS developed a program centred on the key
themes and made it possible for everyone to attend more than 50 oral presentations
and view 55 poster presentations. A special thank you to all these experts for
enlightening us and enabling meaningful discussions. What other reasons would
there be for us to meet every two years but to learn more, create new relationships
and encourage new partnerships?
An event such as the ICMSS can only happen with the support of strong
organizations. Members of various organizing committees were recruited from the
ranks of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Department of Fisheries,
Aquaculture and Rural Development within the province of Prince Edward Island.
Members of the ICMSS International Advisory Committee cannot be forgotten for
their support from the beginning.
v