On 3–4 March 2026, the 12th Fish Congress took place in Sopot – one of the most important annual events for the Polish fisheries sector. The meeting brought together representatives of the fish processing industry, aquaculture, fisheries, fish trade and the scientific community. Among the speakers were also researchers from the National Marine Fisheries Research Institute (NMFRI), who presented the results of their research.
Record attendance and a broad thematic programme
The Congress, organised by Magazyn Przemysłu Rybnego (Fish Industry Magazine), has for years served as an important meeting forum for representatives of the fisheries sector. This year’s edition, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Sopot, was record-breaking both in terms of attendance and the number of fish processing companies and fish farmers represented. Many participants also emphasised the high substantive level of the presentations.
The programme of the event included four thematic sessions devoted, among others, to quality and innovation in fish processing, technologies improving production efficiency, as well as economic, legal and political issues related to the functioning of the fisheries sector.
Presentations by NMFRI researchers
Among the speakers were also researchers from the National Marine Fisheries Research Institute:
- Dr Eng. Olga Szulecka – “Food fortification in the light of consumer research results”
- Dr Eng. Joanna Szlinder-Richert, professor of NMFRI – “Utilisation of nutrients from by-products of the Polish fish processing industry for feed and food production”
- Dr Eng. Bogusław Pawlikowski – “Possibilities and conditions for enhancing the nutritional and health value of fish products”
As emphasised by Joanna Szlinder-Richert, NMFRI Deputy Director for Scientific Matters, the Fish Congress provides a valuable platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience between the scientific community and industry representatives. Such cooperation is an important factor in the development of a modern and competitive fisheries sector.
Quality, innovation and new technologies in the fish industry
During this year’s Congress, considerable attention was devoted to issues related to fish product quality and optimisation of production processes. Discussions addressed both food safety aspects – including microbiological control and the reduction of the risk of Listeria monocytogenes – and ways to enhance the nutritional value of fish products.
Attention was also drawn to changing consumer expectations. Increasingly, consumers are looking for products with high nutritional value, rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and produced in a sustainable manner, taking into account local raw material sources and a reduced environmental footprint. In this context, an important development direction is the utilisation of so-called side streams, i.e. processing by-products such as collagen or protein hydrolysates, which may be used in new food and feed products.
The Congress programme also included new topics, such as the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the fish industry. AI tools are increasingly applied in quality control processes, data analysis and the assessment of raw materials and products. Innovations in packaging technologies were also discussed, allowing both longer shelf life and improved product presentation.
Participants also had the opportunity to listen to presentations concerning the health benefits of fish consumption and issues related to consumer perception of fish products.
Poland remains one of the most important European centres of fish processing and export of fish products, and events such as the Fish Congress foster the exchange of knowledge, the presentation of research results and stronger cooperation between science and industry.
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| Deputy Minister of Agriculture Jacek Czerniak opens the 12th Fish Congress in Sopot (photo: Krzysztof Mystkowski) | Dr Eng. Olga Szulecka from the NMFRI Department of Fisheries Economics moderating a session (photo: Krzysztof Mystkowski) |
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| Dr Eng. Joanna Szlinder-Richert, professor of NMFRI during her presentation (photo: Krzysztof Mystkowski) | Dr Eng. Bogusław Pawlikowski from the NMFRI Department of Fish Processing Technology and Mechanisation during his lecture (photo: Krzysztof Mystkowski) |
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| M Eng. Tomasz Kulikowski summarising the 12th Fish Congress (photo: Krzysztof Mystkowski) | Participants of the event (photo: Krzysztof Mystkowski) |
