NEW STUDY TO SHINE A LIGHT ON VALUE OF WELSH FISHING INDUSTRY

Whether you’re a fisherman, fishmonger or someone who simply enjoys the taste of freshly caught seafood, Seafish wants to hear from you about why Welsh fisheries are such an important part of the local economy, culture and heritage.

As part of a new socio-economic study, Seafish, the public body that supports the UK seafood industry, will be spending time in Wales speaking with commercial and recreational fishermen, others who work in the seafood industry and the public to better understand the benefits fisheries bring to our coastal communities. As well as exploring the value of seafood production, the study will also consider the cultural heritage of coastal towns and the wellbeing benefits of recreational shellfish fishing.

The research focuses on 11 key fisheries covering both commercial and recreational fishing in Wales.

The project is funded by the Welsh Government. The results will inform policymaking in Wales aimed at balancing economic, social, cultural and environmental considerations to enhance and sustain the value delivered by Welsh fisheries.

Seafish wants to speak to commercial fishermen and seafood businesses who catch, process or export:

• Brown crabs and lobster

• Bass

• Whelks

• Cockles

• Scallops (king and queen)

Seafish also wants to speak to recreational fishermen, anglers, and gatherers fishing for:

• Brown crabs and lobster, including divers, spear-fishers, and recreational potters

• Cockles gathered from the shores

• Bluefin tuna (including charter vessel skippers)

Lewis Tattersall, Head of Fisheries Management at Seafish said: “Fishing, whether commercial or recreational, is a hugely important part of the local economies, culture and heritage of many Welsh towns and villages around the coast.

“Through this research, we want to hear directly from those with a connection to the sea to understand why fishing is important to them as individuals.

“Whether fishing supports your business or improves your wellbeing, we want to give stakeholders in Welsh fisheries the opportunity to have their voices heard to help inform future policy to preserve and maximise the benefits we all get from our seas.”

Seafish is running an in-person and online survey to attract as many participants as possible.

A field researcher will visit ports and harbours around Wales in August and September to meet with commercial and recreational fishers, charter vessel skippers, seafood processors, retailers and fishmongers, small businesses, hospitality, and residents.

Seafish researcher Ellie Green is scheduled to be at the following locations:

11-15 August: Harbours along the Glamorgan and south Dyfed coast

18-22 August: Harbours along the north Dyfed and south Gwynedd coast

25-29 August: Harbours along the North Wales coast

Group events will be held in September for anyone from across the Welsh fishing industries and local communities to share their opinions.

The event timetable is detailed below, though it may be subject to change. For up-to-date information, check the Seafish website and social media regularly.

Milford Haven: Tuesday 23 September

New Quay: Wednesday 24 September

Bangor: Thursday 25 September

More venues for focus groups may be added in other parts of Wales if there is sufficient interest.

To arrange a specific time and location to take the survey in-person, contact field researcher Ellie Green on 07976222936.

If you are interested in participating in the research or attending the focus groups, contact the project lead, Holly Kaiser: holly.kaiser@seafish.co.uk

For further information please visit: Socio-economic study of Welsh fisheries for the Welsh Government | Seafish.