#FISH24 RETURNS

#Fish24 returns to celebrate the UK fishing and seafood sector. The UK’s fishing and seafood industry will once again come together this spring for #Fish24, a 24-hour social media celebration highlighting the people, businesses and communities that bring British seafood from sea to plate.

Taking place from 5am on Thursday 14 May to 5am on Friday 15 May 2026, the campaign invites participants from across the sector to share their stories, images and experiences online using the hashtag #Fish24. Throughout the day, social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok and LinkedIn will showcase the diverse work and heritage of the UK fishing and seafood industry.

The initiative in collaboration with Fishing News is led by award-winning author, food columnist, producer and campaigner Jenny Jefferies together with Mike Warner, chairman of the Shellfish Association of Great Britain and founder of A Passion for Seafood.

As an island nation with more than 19,000 miles of coastline, the UK has a long and proud fishing heritage. The sector supports around 11,000 fishermen and approximately 950 independent fishmongers, market traders and fish shops, while contributing more than £1 billion annually to the UK economy.

From fishermen and aquaculture producers to wholesalers, fishmongers, chefs and seafood educators, thousands of individuals work year-round to ensure that the fish and shellfish reaching consumers are harvested and supplied in ways that are environmentally, ethically and economically sustainable.

#Fish24 aims to celebrate those efforts while raising awareness of the value and diversity of British seafood.

Seafood plays an important role in the UK’s food system and offers a range of benefits:

• Seafood is high in protein, vitamins and minerals and rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Many species offer low-carbon protein options
• Both wild capture fisheries and aquaculture can be sustainable and regenerative
• Responsibly sourced seafood is widely available across the UK
• The UK continues to strengthen worker welfare and standards within the fishing sector

An invitation to the whole seafood community

The organisers are calling on everyone connected to the industry to take part in the campaign — including fishermen, fishmongers, wholesalers, processors, boat builders, chefs, hospitality professionals, seafood businesses, organisations, food writers, journalists, researchers, students and consumers.

Participants are encouraged to share moments from their day that celebrate seafood and the industry behind it. These could include:

• Fishermen preparing for or returning from a trip to sea
• Fishmongers setting up their counters
• Chefs creating seafood dishes in their kitchens
• Auction activity at fish markets
• Teachers demonstrating seafood preparation
• Seafood meals being enjoyed at home or in restaurants
• Coastal visits and seafood-inspired experiences

Official launch from Billingsgate

The campaign will officially open at 5am from Billingsgate Market, led by CJ Jackson, CEO of the The Seafood School at Billingsgate, seafood educator and presenter.

From that moment, participants across the UK will share content across social media for the next 24 hours, building a nationwide snapshot of the fishing and seafood sector in action.

Supporting sustainable fishing communities

Beyond celebrating seafood itself, #Fish24 also aims to highlight the importance of supporting the coastal communities and industries that sustain it.

By encouraging people to share their stories and experiences, the campaign hopes to promote a greater understanding of the sector and inspire continued support for responsibly sourced British fish and shellfish.

Further information and details on how to get involved can be found via the campaign website. https://www.fish24.org.uk/

Follow @fish24campaign on Instagram

Images: ©Mike Warner