The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Fisheries has issued a Call for Evidenceto help shape the cross-party Action Plan being developed by the Group, in response to industry requests for a long-term sector strategy. Input is sought from anyone with a stake in the UK fishing industry.
The Action Plan aims to offer a co-created framework to support a forward-looking UK fishing industry that is geographically diverse, supports good jobs, resilient communities and thriving regional economies, provides climate-smart, nutritious seafood, strengthens national food security and public health, and safeguards fish stocks and healthy marine ecosystems.
Acting as Independent Chair, former Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs Daniel Zeichner MP is steering delivery of the plan, alongside APPG chairs Melanie Onn MP (Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes) and Alistair Carmichael MP (Orkney and Shetland).
‘This Action Plan responds to growing calls from the fishing industry for a long-term strategy for the sector,’ Daniel Zeichner said.
‘We want to hear directly from those who live and work along our coasts, so we can shape an approach that supports the industry’s future and recognises its vital role in feeding the nation.’
As part of its inquiry, the APPG is seeking input to help define actions across the following priority areas – Sustainable Management and Access, Fleet Modernisation, Infrastructure and Technology, Workforce and Labour, and Supply Chains and Domestic Consumption. The Group is also inviting views on enabling factors, including public perception of the industry, policy and governance, science and knowledge, and funding and investment.
‘Through our work on the APPG, we know the fishing industry faces key challenges across management, infrastructure and workforce, and that there is more we can do to support domestic consumption,’ Melanie Onn explained.
‘At the same time, the industry is working hard to meet sustainability goals and there are real opportunities to highlight the sector’s future-facing aspects. This call will help us hear about both challenges and opportunities.’
‘Fishing remains the lifeblood of many of our island and coastal communities, including my own,’ Alistair Carmichael added.
‘With political will and by getting the right measures in place, we can secure this vital food producing sector – but this means listening to those who fish and live in these communities. That’s why we are launching this call today – to ensure this Action Plan reflects realities on the ground and supports the industry’s future.’
Submissions can be made to the APPG Secretariat at secretariat@fisheriesappg.org before the 20th May deadline.
