Did you know that the Seafood Expo North America (SENA) at Boston’s Convention and Exhibition Center is the largest seafood trade expo in North America? Each year, companies from around the world exhibit their newest products and services in every sector of the seafood market; from processing and producing to packaging equipment. For Canada, this expo, in the heart of our largest market, presents an opportunity to showcase our fish and seafood sector to the United States and the world.
We’re excited to showcase Canada’s incredible seafood market at this year’s @SeafoodExpo_NA 🦐 in #Boston, starting this Sunday!
Watch below to learn how quality and sustainability make the Canadian difference. #SENA22https://t.co/klkgrxrXN9 pic.twitter.com/aFA9vwwoIH
— Fisheries and Oceans (@FishOceansCAN) March 12, 2022
This year marked the 40th edition of the Expo and the first to take place in-person since 2019. SENA’s return was abuzz with excitement and oppor-tuna-ty for the nearly 50 Canadian exhibitors on site from across the country. Canada is a seafood powerhouse and the United States remains our largest export market, with over $6.2 billion worth of delicious lobster, snow crab, and salmon (and other fish and shellfish!) exported annually.
Given this worldwide platform, the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Honourable Dennis King, Premier of Prince Edward Island were all in attendance to support and promote Canadian industry and increase innovation and long-term sustainability . Minister Murray said about attending the conference:
“Canada’s fish and seafood harvesters and processors work with immense pride to bring high-quality, sustainable products to the world. I was honoured to lead the Government of Canada’s delegation at this year’s Seafood Expo North America. I met with provincial representatives, First Nations partners, and built new connections with industry. Together, we can sustainably grow the Canadian seafood sector through strategic investments, innovation and clean technologies. Our Government is committed to supporting seafood sectors as well as ocean ecosystems, so they stay healthy and productive for future generations.”
The Expo also presented an opportunity for discussions on how the Blue Economy and emerging technologies are shaping the future of our oceans. For example, the Consulate General of Canada in Boston held a roundtable to discuss how to tackle problems in the traditional seafood industry, including how to invigorate and encourage youth to enter the industry and how to use blockchain technology to track seafood products from catch to consumer. Other discussions included those with members of the Canadian Technology Accelerator in Boston and Canadian Entrepreneurs of New England with the aim of fostering increased trade and collaboration between the Atlantic provinces and New England.
After 40 years, SENA continues to be a valuable opportunity for companies and government to come together and solve some of the most pressing issues in the seafood industry. We are already looking forward to next year!