IFISH 7 is designed as a fully in-person event. The program has been structured to maximize interaction, engagement and knowledge exchange through interactive workshops, round-table discussions, panel sessions and networking opportunities. The theme of IFISH 7 will be ‘Bridging Continents, Sharing Solutions: Advancing Safety and Health from Catch to Processing’. The objective of IFISH 7 is to bring together researchers, safety and health professionals, workers, and industry leaders to share knowledge and advance the field. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, presentations, and poster sessions showcasing the latest developments in health and safety research and training. The conference will also provide dedicated time for networking and engagement with participating organizations and exhibitors. Keynote speakers will highlight recent advances, emerging priorities, and successful examples of research, training, and industry collaboration. Field trips to seafood industry settings will further enhance participants’ understanding of the sector.
IFISH: Bringing together researchers, safety professionals, workers, and industry leaders to move the field forward
Location:
University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business Academic Conference Centre,
Cape Town, South Africa
30 March – 3 April 2027
Key Dates
Abstract submissions due: 30 September 2026
Abstract Acceptance Notification: 16 November 2026
Registration Date: Ends 28 February 2027
REGISTRATION FEES
High Income Countries: R7 334,00 (USD $452.63 as of 10 Aug 2026)
Low/Middle Income Countries: R3 262,00 (USD $201.32 as of 10 Aug 2026)
Optional Dinner: R1 000,00 (USD $61.72 as of 10 Aug 2026)
Agenda
Coming soon.
Featured Speakers
Coming soon.
Organizing Committee
The IFISH 7 Organizing/Planning Committee brings together an international group of organisations with extensive expertise in fishing-industry safety and health. The conference is being planned under the leadership of the FAO (NFIFO), in coordination with the University of Cape Town (Occupational Medicine), the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the Southeast Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety. Key members of the Planning Committee include Florence Poulain (FAO), Julie Sorensen (NEC), Farah Arosemena (Southeast Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety), K.C. Elliott (NIOSH) and Mohamed Jeebhay (Occupational Medicine Division, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, who serves as the local host). IFISH 7 will be particularly significant as it will be the first IFISH conference to be held on the African continent.
Scientific Committee
Meet the IFISH 7 Scientific Committee—an esteemed group of global industry leaders and experts dedicated to advancing safety and health in seafood industries. Discover the passionate professionals shaping this year’s program.
Abstracts
Share your ideas at IFISH 7!
Contribute to IFISH 7 by submitting an abstract for an oral or poster presentation. You can also submit a proposal for sessions, workshops and round tables. Sessions typically run 1.5 hours, with the option for extended (3-hour) formats if needed. We also welcome proposals for longer pre-conference workshops. Submit your idea (up to 750 words, including a description and speakers) and help shape the conversation on global seafood safety and health. You will need to create a free login to submit an abstract.
Sponsors
We thank the following organizations for making this conference possible.
Travel and Accomodations
There are many diverse accommodation options close to the conference venue. These include hotels, guest houses and Airbnb options. Delegates are responsible for making their own accommodation arrangements and are encouraged to secure their accommodation well in advance. Several accommodation options are listed below that are near the Conference Venue and which suit different budgets. If booking alternate accommodation, be aware that traffic can be very congested in Cape Town in the mornings and late afternoon, so it is best to book near the venue.
Conference Venue Information
The four-story centre offers more than 2,000 m² of flexible conference space.
Facilities include a modern auditorium seating approximately 250 participants.
There are multiple lecture theatres, seminar and syndicate rooms, as well as spacious exhibition and networking areas.
High-speed digital connectivity, integrated audiovisual technology and catering facilities are also available onsite.
The conference meeting spaces are designed to support plenary sessions, parallel scientific sessions, workshops, poster exhibitions and networking events.
Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge
The hotel is situated on the same property as the conference centre. Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of South Africa at Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge. Housed in a historic 19th-century building, the Cape Town hotel boasts an unbeatable location in the heart of the city, with views of the majestic V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain. As one of the top waterfront Cape Town hotels, Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge is closely linked with the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business. Address: 9 Portswood Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002. Contact +27 (21) 406-1911.
Hotels in and around the V&A Waterfront
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town has a wide range of accommodation options within walking distance of the conference venue. The area offers hotels across various price categories, from upscale establishments such as the Cape Grace Hotel and the Victoria & Alfred Hotel, which provide luxury rooms with harbour or marina views, to comfortable mid-range options like the, The Commodore Hotel and City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
The Commodore Hotel
A premier 4-star destination located at Portswood Road in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa. It features sweeping views of Table Mountain, Cape Town Harbour, and Robben Island, paired with a distinct nautical theme.
The Portswood Hotel
A 4-star 1-1=room historic property located at the entrance to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, featuring maritime-themed rooms, an outdoor pool, and a lobby built around a 300-year-old well and prison cells.
City Lodge Hotels
Stylish 4-star hotel featuring 207 modern rooms, an outdoor splash pool, the Atlantic Social Restaurant, and a fitness center.
Official Cape Town Tourism Site
more infoFAQs
The IFISH 7 Planning Committee is looking forward to seeing you all in Cape Town from March 30-April 3rd in 2027! In preparation for the event, we have drafted a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help you plan for your trip.
What is the address of the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business Academic Conference Centre?
9 Portswood Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002
What are the dates of the IFISH 7 Conference?
The conference is from the 30th of March to the 3rd of April, 2027
How do I share my presentation for oral presentations, sessions, panels, etc…?
We are setting up a file-sharing option and will have more detailed instructions in early 2027
How do I prepare for my poster presentation?
The planning committee will have more details on poster formatting, dimensions and acceptable materials closer to the conference.
Will I need a laptop to present from?
No, these will be provided by the Conference venue.
Will markers, flip-charts and post-its, be provided in the rooms?
Yes, these will be provided. Participants will also be provided with a notebook and pen.
How do I find the location and time of my presentation?
All session information will be posted on the website and we will also have a session schedule in the conference materials
What should I do when I arrive at the Conference?
More info to be added as the conference gets closer.
Is there a place to purchase meals and or coffee at the Conference?
Morning tea, a mid-morning tea and snack, a buffet lunch, and afternoon tea are included. There is also a coffee shop, Food & Connect, located in Block B, the building adjacent to the conference center. Delegates can purchase specialty coffees and teas there.
What if I have additional questions?
Please contact us at info@ifishconference.ca
