It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the 72nd annual Pacific Fisheries Technologists (PFT) Conference. It is also my honor to serve as your president. This year PFT will be held at the Hallmark Resort in Newport, Oregon, USA from February 20-23, 2022.

I have been attending PFT for over 20 years and it is hands-down my favorite conference to attend. Why you might ask? The reasons are as diverse as the conference itself! The PFT conference brings together attendees that represent academia, non-profits, agency, and industry from around the world. It includes not only students and young professionals on the cusp of their careers, but also professionals that bring a wealth and diversity of experience from across the seafood cold-chain spectrum. It is an opportunity to hear and see the transformational efforts colleagues are engaged in to further the safety, quality, and utilization of seafood. The theme of this year’s PFT is “Trim One’s Sails”. This is a nautical term that means adapt or change to fit altered circumstances. This is something I believe I can say we all have been doing the past two years! We are planning an exciting lineup of papers and presentations to stimulate discussions concerning technical, scientific, ecological, and regulatory matters important to the seafood and aquaculture industries worldwide.

The PFT conference is an annual international event that moves northward yearly from Mexico, through the Pacific States, to Canada and then Alaska. Our attendees include colleagues from around the globe as this conference represents an opportunity to exchange new ideas. The PFT conference has a reputation for being a friendly group, where old acquaintances are renewed and many new ones made. We hope that you will join us to share your knowledge, extend your professional networks, and build collaborative linkages with people that are passionate about “everything fish and seafood!”

The Hallmark Resort is one of the premier hotels in Newport where every room has a view of the beach and beautiful Pacific Ocean! We have negotiated some outstanding rates for the dates of this conference, but note that rooms at these rates are limited, so don’t wait too long to make your reservation. Information on how to reserve rooms will be sent once you have registered for the conference. Please note, room rates are available two days pre- and 2 days post-conference. However, note that the weekend prior is a holiday (President’s Day weekend) and immediately following our event Newport has its annual Seafood and Wine Festival from Thursday to Sunday, February 24 - 27. You will likely need to make your reservations early to come early or stay longer! Newport is also a wonderful location for family who may want to come with you. There is the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, iconic Nye Beach, and Newport’s Historic Bay Front with processors, restaurants, and seaside shops.

Stay tuned for announcements on speaking and sponsorship opportunities, and to see updates to the conference program as it develops.

Christina DeWitt
72nd PFT President
PFT 2020-2022