NEW CHAPTER BEGINS FOR UK NEPHROPS FISHERY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

New chapter begins for UK Nephrops Fishery Improvement Project

The UK Nephrops Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) has entered a new phase, with the Shellfish Association of Great Britain (SAGB) taking over responsibility for facilitating the initiative as it continues its journey towards independent sustainability certification.

SAGB assumes the role from Seafish, which has overseen the project since its establishment in 2025. The UK Nephrops FIP builds on the foundations of the former Project UK FIP and forms part of the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) Improvement Program, enabling fisheries to make independently verified progress towards meeting the standard required for third-party MSC certification.

The transition marks an important milestone for the project, with SAGB aiming to bring together every part of the Nephrops supply chain to drive improvements in sustainability and social responsibility.

Commenting on the handover, Seafish Chief Executive Colin Faulkner said:

“We were keen to help support the smooth transition of the Nephrops FIP to SAGB and we are very pleased that this process has now been completed. We would like to thank SAGB and wish them well for the future facilitation of the FIP.”

Representing the interests of the UK’s shellfish industry, SAGB is well placed to support collaboration across the sector, bringing together fishermen, processors, retailers, scientists and other stakeholders to help strengthen the sustainable management of UK Nephrops fisheries.

As facilitator, the association will provide project management and administrative support, coordinate communications between project participants and external stakeholders, and act as an independent organisation responsible for administering project funding.

The organisation says it is looking forward to working closely with partners throughout the supply chain as the improvement project enters its next stage.

Will Davies, Chair of the FIP Working Group, welcomed the appointment, highlighting the importance of maintaining momentum within the MSC Improvement Program.

“On behalf of the Nephrops FIP group, we are really pleased that SAGB have been able to facilitate our project and help ensure that our actions within the MSC Improvers Program remain on track throughout the transition,” he said.

“The group’s participants cover all sectors of the industry, from catching through to retail and hospitality, working together with the shared aim of achieving independent fisheries certification and securing the long-term health of Nephrops stocks.”

With collaboration across the supply chain at its core, the UK Nephrops FIP aims to deliver measurable improvements that support responsible fisheries management while strengthening confidence in one of the UK’s most valuable shellfish fisheries.

A Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) is a collaborative initiative designed to improve the environmental sustainability and management of a fishery over time. It brings together stakeholders across the seafood supply chain—including fishers, processors, retailers, scientists, NGOs and government agencies—to identify challenges and implement practical solutions.

Rather than certifying a fishery immediately, a FIP provides a structured pathway towards meeting internationally recognised sustainability standards, such as those of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

Typically, a Fishery Improvement Project will:

• Assess the fishery against recognised sustainability standards.
• Develop an action plan to address identified weaknesses.
• Implement improvements in areas such as stock management, bycatch reduction, habitat protection and fisheries governance.
• Monitor and independently verify progress against agreed milestones.
• Work towards a point where the fishery may be ready to apply for third-party sustainability certification.

FIPs are often particularly valuable for fisheries that are not yet ready for certification but are committed to continuous improvement. They provide transparency and accountability, with progress usually reported publicly.

For the UK Nephrops Fishery Improvement Project, the aim is to improve the long-term sustainability of UK Nephrops fisheries while strengthening social responsibility across the fleet. By working collaboratively across the catching sector, processors, retailers and other stakeholders, the project seeks to ensure healthy stocks, responsible management and, ultimately, eligibility for independent MSC certification.

Main Image © Seafish

See more in the Seafood Processors Review