ECONOMIC ASSESSMENTS OF GEAR TRIALS ON THE AGENDA

Economic assessments of gear trials on the agenda, as fisheries economists meet to share knowledge and best practice.

The UK Fisheries Economics Network (UKFEN) met on Wednesday 20 March, in London.

Best practice guidance for economic assessments of gear trials is among the topics on the agenda. The project, sponsored by UKFEN, was developed to address a lack of research into the potential financial impact on vessel operators of modifying fishing operations under the landing obligation, which came fully into force on 1 January 2019. It aims to help owners establish the financial effectiveness of gear modifications and reduce the business risks associated with transitioning to more selective gear.

UKFEN also welcome Olivier Thébaud, resource economist at French oceanographic institution Ifremer, as their international guest speaker. He will deliver a presentation on developing a co-viability assessment approach to support fisheries management.

Other work being shared with fisheries economists at the sixteenth regular meeting of the group includes: using fisheries research in policy making; economic benefits of marine spatial planning; international crab markets and employment in the UK fishing fleet.

Founded in 2011 by Seafish, the public body that supports the £10bn UK seafood industry, UKFEN aims to promote professional exchange between fisheries economists and analysts working in the seafood industry, academia and government.

Steve Lawrence, Economics Project Manager at Seafish and the event’s chair, said:

“UKFEN provides a valuable forum for economists working throughout the fisheries industry to come together and share knowledge and expertise.

“With the full implications of the UK leaving the EU yet to be known it has never been more vital that industry, academia and government collaborate to inform policy decisions and support the growth and development of the industry.”

UKFEN holds regular meetings and membership is open to anyone working within fisheries economics. The group will hold their first conference in September 2019 at Friends House in London. For further information visit the Seafish website.