FATHOM PRESENTS FISHERMEN’S PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT UK GOVERNMENT

Fathom presents fishermen’s priorities for the next UK government in General Election flash series.  In the run-up to the UK General Election this July 4th, Fathom, the podcast created by and for UK commercial fishermen, has released a mini-series comprising 5 short episodes detailing the key priorities for the management of the fishing industry moving forward.

The compact series features Mike Cohen, the CEO of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations in his first-ever appearance on the podcast, and Fathom’s co-host and Chief Executive of the Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation, Chris Ranford. In each of the short episodes, which are being released over five days leading up to polling day, five priorities are laid out, including: fisheries management, marine planning, food security, safety and welfare and a call for a national fishing strategy.

On the mini-series, Chris Ranford said:

“These are punchy episodes to make people aware and understand the NFFO’s position on what they’re expecting and wanting to work on with the next government. In particular, this series will speak to the challenges and opportunities for fishermen as well as the wider seafood industry and coastal communities.

“We are hoping the next government can refer to it as a guidebook for understanding where we can build from current progress and where a new approach is needed. Ultimately, it’s a high level introductory piece of communications to encourage early engagement across a range of issues.”

Mike Cohen of the NFFO shares his thoughts on the lead-up to polling day and how the next government will work with the industry,

“Whoever the next government may be, what are they going to do? Not what are they going to promise now, but what are they going to do when they actually have their hands on the levers?”

Leading into the election, issues such as strategic management of the fishing industry should be prioritised according to Mike Cohen, he offers his vision:

“There’s a hugely positive story to be told about the fact that we have this modern, vital, ambitious industry and we could make so much more of it. But we aren’t approaching it strategically. How much more could we do if we had a national strategy for what we are doing rather than doing it all ad hoc? ”

Across the election snapshot episodes, Chris and Mike map out their views on a series of topics, including, how the development of fisheries management plans are progressing under the ambitious joint fisheries statement timetable, through to the importance of gaining recognition of fishing and seafood as a key component of national food security. The series dives into the live issue of spatial squeeze and what should be done to give fishermen a seat at the table when it comes to marine spatial planning. It considers the need for improved collaboration between industry and government for developing safety and welfare regulations. The series concludes with a call for a national fishing strategy to secure a long-term plan for the future of UK fisheries.

The Fathom Podcast is available to download on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. For all listening options, go to: linktr.ee/fathompodcast