Brussels, 04/06/2004 (Agence Europe) - The 9th North Atlantic Fisheries Ministers Conference (NAFMC) from 3 to 5 June in Stykkishhólmur in Iceland was oriented around developments in consumer demand for fisheries products against the difficult background of diminishing resources. The fisheries ministers of Canada, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Norway and the Russian Federation participated alongside representatives of the member states of the EU and the European Commission. The Latvian Commissioner Sandra Kalniete, who is working with Franz Fischler, explained at the conference that consumers are turning their backs on fresh fish and traditional products (smoked and salted fish) in favour of ready-prepared, easy-to-use products (ready-made dishes). This development, combined with declining fish stocks in Community waters, has changed the market for fisheries products: imports of products now cover almost half of the Community market demand; pressure is mounting on the processing industry (aquaculture). “Innovation in fisheries products and their development, research into a better balance better supply and demand, combined with strengthened durability of the fisheries sector will provide the best guarantee for the future of the sector. Cooperation between all partners is the best way to achieve that,” concluded Ms Kalniete.